Fisheating Creek

John Brady, Kevin Barrier, Clyde and Rick Cruz
(snap shots are taken by Kevin, Rick, and Niki)

John Brady and Kevin Barrier invited Clyde, Rick and I to join them at Fisheating Creek for a day of photography. Kevin said a couple of his 'red-neck' friends told him the river was low...however, none of us believed it! That was a mistake! There was almost as much walking as canoeing! Let this be a lesson...learn to listen to folks who live where you want to travel!

Rick and John getting a good start...

We even get a good start...
and then...the boating part of the trip went down hill fast! Although, I must say, I still enjoyed myself...ha ha!

This is one of Clyde's favorite areas along Fisheating Creek. He has photographed here many times. Do you notice on the trees where the high water mark is located?...the last time Clyde photographed here he couldn't get out of the boat. The water was up to his chest. Neither of us has seen Fisheating Creek this low, so we were amazed at all the new photographic opportunities surrounding us!

Everyone set up their cameras and began "staking out" their spots. It was entertaining to me to watch everyone and see what angle of view they each thought was the best. It always amazes me that a group of photographers can be presented with the same scene and not one of them sees it the same!

Rick Cruz photographing
www.rickcruzphotography.com

Kevin Barrier getting ready to take a picture...as soon as Clyde gets out of the way...
www.kevinWbarrier.com

Clyde setting up to shoot a crowd of Cypress Knees
www.clydebutcher.com


John Brady photographing
www.TimeandLight.com

Rick and John waiting for the right light

A 'gaggle' of photographers...all of their photographic discussions sounds like a 'gaggle' of geese making a lot of noise...but it's fun being around folks who have a passion for what they do!

The hike out of the area and back to the boats

In this image the river looks full of water...the problem was that it ranged between 6 inches and 2 feet! That made it difficult to get up to 'speed'. Due to the lack of water, the cypress knees were exposed, which made floating down the creek a primival wonderland.

Rick and John zoomed around the corner...yeh, right...more like bumped around the corner...leaving us behind while we stopped at this incredible cypress tree to take pictures.

Kevin stopped with us and also took a few images.

and then Kevin took some pictures of Clyde and I...thank you Kevin!
Then we took off in search of Rick and John and found them under a tree ready to have lunch.

Niki, Clyde, Rick, John, Kevin

Near our pic nic area was a very large beautiful cypress tree.

...and then we continued bumping down the creek...

No boat trip is complete without engine trouble!

After the engines were fixed everyone went back to photographing.

...and then there was the "Who's the muddiest?" competition...
Seemed like Kevin won until...

John showed off his legs! And, no, John does not have black hair on his legs. He is blond...that is mud!
I think John won the contest!

As we left for the return trip we actually managed to get up some speed!

We stopped along the way for more photography

The Gang
John, Rick, Kevin, Clyde

...and then, the long, long walk home...

It was a great day, with good companionship and great photo opportunities!