Drifting through a Backwater Bayou Cypress Grove

[flamin lib]

7. f8 and be there. The creed of the photojournalist.

Sounds simple and easy. "If I were there I could take that picture!"

The only time I have felt in danger of losing my life was in a place like this on Caddo Lake. I had canoed deep into the bayous photographing flora and fauna. It was August, the temp was 104f and the Cypress trees were 50 feet tall. There was no movement in the air. I ran out of water. I began to feel lightheaded and stopped sweating. I thought I might cool off if I got out of the canoe and into the water. The water was as warm as the air. With humidity that close to the water and no air movement there was no evaporation.

I paddled out into the middle of the bayou and was fortunate to encounter a bass boat who shared a bottle of water and towed me back to what passes as civilization in Uncertain, TX.

Yeah, just f8 and be there. The f8 part is easy but being there can kill you.

I admire your work and diligence and determination it takes to 'be there'.