Dog Days of Summer in North Florida

[htmb]

What do kids in North Florida do when it's 95F outside and there's nothing planned for the day? Some head for the woods and the creeks (while also giving me a chance to try out some black and white photos).

[htmb]

[htmb]

Thanks to Kerouac, Bixa and others for the reminder to do without color from time to time.

[fumobici]

Beautiful set of photos but all it makes me think of is bug spray. Is black and white the new black? It certainly works here.

[htmb]

There were no bugs. Fortunately!

But we were on snake alert.

[Deleted]

I wonder if scientists have ever studied why children enjoy splashing so much. An affirmation that they can have a little control over nature?

[htmb]

I still like to jump in puddles, AND dig in the dirt. This particular stream bed contains a lot of pockets of clay that's fun to dig up. It's also another good spot for finding sharks teeth. I made them wear their water shoes. Later, I was glad I had insisted. The ittle one and I each found big shards of glass - pieces of beer bottles - in separate areas of the creek.

[Deleted]

What a great set of photos HTMB.
I love B&W.
Somehow they make it appear less hot than it really is. A cooling effect.

[htmb]

Thanks, Casimira! Fortunately, it was fairly cool down by the creek under the shelter of the trees. I was really happy that I was able to tire those two out. Not an easy task!

[mossie]

What a wonderful place for children to be children. Mind you they are going to kill you if you get these photos out in a few years time

[Deleted]

HTMB, you really ought to put that toad picture in the Image Bank along with the one of the two of the girls standing with their backs turned on the fence gazing out. (of course in the appropriate threads...)
They are real standouts IMHO.
Or,in B&W, which I had forgot about until this second.

[htmb]

Perhaps I will, Casimira. The toad was really weird looking; all pointy. It was also very small and difficult to photograph. Smaller than the pad of my thumb. Since I was unfamiliar with it, I was trying to get a passable photo, while also trying to make sure the older child did not pick up the toad. She, who is often very tentative when around humans, is very much at home in this type of environment. I had no concerns with the little one who was too busy looking for snakes after my gentle reminder that they are active this time of year. ;-)

[Deleted]

A wise decision as some toads will emit a toxic substance when threatened. So many of these amphibians and reptiles have become endangered it was heartening to me to see one although, unfamiliar as to it's species. The only guide I have is specific to Louisiana.

[htmb]

Perhaps I will be able to find out more about it. There are certainly some "experts" where I work that I can consult.

[Deleted]

Oh cool! Please do!
I have been (on an amateur level) studying and identifying the different amphibians and reptiles here both by sound and appearance. It's a fascinating subject, to me anyway....
It's also a great educational tool to have when the children in my neighborhood come over for a visit to my garden.

[Deleted]

As a child, I used to pick up every toad I could get my hands on, but they were those big fat sluggish passive ones. And of course then you squeal when they pee on you.

[htmb]

So, now we know your rash was a long-delayed reaction. ;-)

I will handle lots of things, but am not especially fond of picking up toads or frogs because they are then likely to jump to some unwanted place.

[Deleted]

I once had a Southern tree frog jump onto me. It landed on my shoulder and proceeded to try and explore down the inside of my chest before I was able to pick it off.
It was a creepy sensation and the base of their legs are like little suction cups.

[htmb]

Unlike you, I would not have remained calm, but would have most likely ripped off my shirt and done a little dance.

[bixaorellana]

Oh, Htmb :: I LOVE this thread. What a brilliant depiction of timeless childhood fun in the summertime. You have totally aced this not only with your black & white pictures, but with the truly artful touch of no captions. Really, perfect restraint and perfect story telling. Each and every one of the pictures is photographic perfection, besides.

Have you thought of making these into a Flickr book (or similar)? The sequence is not only artistically great, but belongs with your family treasures.

[htmb]

Thank you very much, Bixa. No, I hadn't given that a thought, but it's an interesting idea. The girls would like a book with their photos, I'm sure.

[Deleted]

What a great idea Bixa! (even though I am not familiar with what a flicker book is...). To chronicle them in any fashion would be such a treasure for you and the girls along with others to look back on.

[htmb]

I've used Shutterfly to make an occasional book and a few calendars, but never Flickr. In fact, I just received the 2014/15 wall calendar filled with a a few of my favorite Paris photographs in the mail today. It will hang in my office where I can look at a new photo each month.

[tod2]

Wonderful photos htmb! Those two girls could easily have been my sister and I in 1949- there-abouts.

[bjd]

You could also have a look at Blurb for making a book.

[nycgirl]

These photos are absolutely beautiful and they perfectly capture a sense of adventure. What a wonderful place for a child to explore. I would have loved to grow up there. When I was a kid, I often spent the day exploring my little backyard, which wasn't nearly as interesting.

Aug 6, 2014 10:10:53 GMT htmb said:

The ittle one and I each found big shards of glass - pieces of beer bottles - in separate areas of the creek.

I hate when this happens. Some idiot always has to ruin it for everyone else.

[htmb]

I appreciate your comments, nycgirl. There are several creeks running through my town and my kids, and now, grandkids love playing under the cool canopy of trees. It's funny, the older girl can be timid with people she doesn't know, but put her near the creek and she is completely at home.