Das Boat Update

Managed to find some time to work on the sub.  Actually, I had found that one of the blocks of wood developed a slight twist.  Most would say it was minor, but I didn't want it to escalate into a twisted master model.  I placed the two planks together, clamped them flat, and then dowelled them.  I then let it sit for a few weeks.  I just took the clamps off and presto, the twist was gone.

The next step was to make a template from the plans for the side view of the sub.  I chose the side view since the top and the bottom of the hull are relatively flat, that would save some time handworking later on. 

 In order to make sure all was square, I had to handwork the sides of the block.  Luckily, I had a bigass block plane I bought at a flea market during the summer.  With my block plane, and square, it took approximately an hour to get the side flat and square with the top and bottom.(+ or - .005") yeah that's right, I checked it from one end to the other with a feeler gauge.

 I found some template material sold by a vendor at a model show in Toledo a few years ago and bought a few sheets for just such an occasion.  The pieces were not long enough for the eight foot sub so I made it out of two pieces, with an overlap in the center.  This stuff is FANTASTIC to work with.  Score it and it snaps fairly easily.   While I was tracing the periphery from the plans onto the template material I decided to put as much detail on it I could, regarding contour lines. This would help line up later on.

When working with the plans some of the section lines in the side view didn't look constant.  I decided to measure the distances between each one (learned that trick working on automotive tail light plans) and sure enough some were 50mm, some 48.5, some 25mm and one section wasn't even labled,  Section 39.   I measured and documented the distances between the sections, then documented the distances so I could match it when I laid them out on the block.

A second anomoly I noticed was the number of sections labelled Section 25.  I understand why the designer did this, since they are all identical.  I labelled them 25A, 25B etc. 

Note the above photo.  The numbers at the very top of the block are the distances between the section lines.  The second set of numbers are the actual sections (Yes that is 10 1/2, and 9 1/2).

I lined up the template material to the section lines, and made sure the bottom of the hull would be lined up with the bottom of the block.  This would save me from cutting out the whole periphery.

The next adventure was to cut the blocks.  Since I only had a 14" bandsaw, with a throat depth of about 7 1/2"  I opted to cut the planks one at a time. 



Once the board was rough cut, I used a chisel, and my trusty square to make sure the whole periphery of the sub block was flat and square.  This takes a while to say the least. NOTE:  The conning tower will be added later.

A Letter to a BMW Owner

Dear Mr. BMW Owner,

  As expected, we all know you bought that new BMW to be noticed.  As an incentive, I am sure the sales representative, at your local BMW dealership, informed you that part of the lofty price of the car, did include owning part of the road you drive on.  It is not clear whether it is a designated piece of real estate, or just the piece of terra firma your car resides on at any given second.  In any event, you were actually taken in by the dealer, in this assumption.

Unfortunately, the other day, the part of the road you wished to claim was indeed occupied.  <sigh> Yes, that was me in front of you in the HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lane, doing what I love to do, .....  The Legal Speed Limit. 

As a matter of fact, I did notice you.  I noticed you come up behind me, doing mach 2, in the construction zone. (I estimated your speed to be 120 ish, was I close?)  I noticed you ride my tail for several kilometers, impatiently wanting me to pull off the road to let you pass, so you could claim your BMW purchased turf further ahead or me. ALSO, I noticed you flapping your gums in an effort to get me to let you pass, using verbal commands, and hand gestures, last spoken by Adolf Hitler, in 1944. With my cruise control on, and, more than one person in the vehicle I was perfectly legal doing what I was doing.  It is unfortunate that you were alone in your car, as several people could have enjoyed your white knuckle ride with you.

At one point, I assumed you were in my back seat, and I did ask you to back off a bit. Unfortunately, you probably didn't hear me over the thumping sounds I erroneously thought were a piston knock in my vehicle, or a possum in the treads, causing the tires to be out of balance.  It was with much relief, and the doppler effect that I found the sound was actually made possible by the optional custom 356 decibel, 12 speaker super surround sound media  system all carefully tuned to your weight, and head size, by the German engineers at BMW.  Forgive me for that faux pas.  Rap music does that to my old ears.

Ah yes,  I also noticed your attempt to get my attention by flashing your highbeams at me and swerving dangerously close to the retaining wall, to get a beam of light into my side mirror, all while a few inches from my back bumper.  Lucky for me you were so close that my vehicle did indeed block the main light from your Xenon / Krypton mini suns.  As for the mirror, they are adjustable on my lowly vehicle.  I meerly moved the little switch and pointed it in a direction where I thought you could enjoy it as well.  Didn't intend for you to put those sunglasses on.

I had to assume you were in quite the hurry when you went over the solid line, and onto the bumper of the guy next to me, in an effort to pass me.  I must admit, I did catch the gentleman's eye in the Taurus next to me and, with a smile, we telepathically bonded.  I could read his thoughts of keeping pace with me in an effort to save gasoline, protect the baby seals, stop global warming and, in a group effort, help frustrate a moron in a BMW who preferred to think of his fine auto as a weapon rather than a commuting device. 

Through mental communication, the man in the Taurus, three inches off your front bumper, started to pull away from me, while I kept my cruise control set as a standard for all to copy, I thought the event was about to end. 

Just when you thought you had enough room to pass me, he slowed down.  Deliberately you ask? Absolutely.  His drop in speed wasn't due to traffic in front of him (there was none), this was actually due to traffic directly behind him.  Yup, you, Mr. BMW.  I have to confess, when he dropped back to where I was, I did notice a bigass grin on his face.  I smiled and continued to maintain my speed in a safe and orderly fashion. 

Now some,.... well, maybe most people would say that the slower traffic should be to the curb lane.  I agree.  That line of trucks that seemed to go on forever, were indeed slower than us, and they were, indeed, in the curb lane.  That left the middle lane and the HOV lane for the masses. We were going faster than those trucks. Besides, in the city slower traffic is not required to stay to the right unless it is posted.  This was not the case. 

It appears, the highway planning engineers had bequeathed me, my own piece of real estate as well.  I do believe they have a bit more pull than the realtors at BMW.  Since I was driving my bus, I had every right to be in that lane.  You on the other hand, were alone in your car.  Obviously, with all your closest of friends. The truth of the matter was, you were an Asshole.  I knew it, Mr. Taurus knew it, the passengers on the right side of my bus knew it, and now, hopefully YOU know it. 

As for those hair implants of yours?  They look like a corn field in southern Ontario from the air.  Wear a hat until they fill in, and the comb-over, I hope, will be temporary. . . 

My passengers thought the morning entertainment of Mr. Taurus speeding up and dropping back, just to piss you off, was funny..  I apologize for you seeing me laughing at that, when you pulled up next to me.  However, I found it amusing when your tirade looked like you were chewing a wad of bubble gum the size of a golf ball.  It reminded me of a cow chewing its cud. 

As for the hand gestures directed at Mr. Taurus?   Slow down, even the best practitioners of American Sign can't read THAT fast.  I wasn't sure if you were flipping him off, signaling a fire, or walking like an Egyptian. 

Thinking of you,

Yo Yo Mr. Bus Driver (the name is a story in itself)

PS.   There is a dent in your back left quarter panel you should know about.

Those Damned Bears

Bears in the Yard

 Brar Bear here is patiently waiting for me to leave before he makes his attack on my bird feeder.  For spite, the lil bastard is testing the integrity of my custom bird house.  Luckily, no one was home at the time.

Yup... All the time in the world. GET A JOB you freeloader. Note, he is just sitting there to piss me off. He knows full well that my wife won't let me shoot him with a rifle.

Here he is flipping me the paw.  AND... to add insult to insult, he is flashing me his nutsack.  I'll wait till he is big enough to be a rug, where my cats can pose nekkid.

Ahhhhh.....The Great Outdoors

This photo was taken on Sylvester Rd.. North east of Mission, BC.  As you can see, the local gun enthusiasts have made this into an impromptu target range. 

Submarine Update



 The roller system worked perfectly.  No sniping at all (that's that stupid step at the end of a board after the edge clears the first feed roller).  I took 1/16th inch cuts, alternating each side until both sides were clean.  This gives the optimum amount of wood.  I ended up with 2 1/6 inch thicknesses on the thinnest board.

Using my table saw as a flat surface, I glued two boards together.  Clamps!  Lots and Lots of Clamps!  Make sure you have the grain going in opposite directions or the board will warp.  I prefer white glue.  Keep it thin or you will end up with ridges you can't sand out.



This photograph gives you an idea as to how big this project will be.  I needed to make sure I didn't cut the wood stock too short.  Best to have it at the beginning, and trim it off as I discover I don't need it.  



The Overdue Submarine

GERMAN TYPE XXI ELECTRO-BOOT (SUBMARINE)

BACKGROUND

For those who have heard the story about the purchasing of the plans, and the threat of world domination on my part, this is it, the German Type XXI Electro-boot model I threatened to build on my kitchen table, if I didn't get a house to build it in.  Denise abliged with quick purchase of the house.  However, due to other domestic projects it took over two years to finally get around to building the master model for this beast.  A great deal of preparation was needed before the start.  First, I had to build cabinets and work benches what were all on wheels, that were all on wheels for easy mobility.  Secondly, they all had to be the same height.  This was important since the garage is 13 x 23 ft and space is at a premium.  With all the cabinets the same height, I could move wood around on the machines while using the cabinets to help hold it level. Of course everything had to match, so I made everything with birch wood.

THE PROJECT

Why a submarine?  I spent years picking away at another project.  A 76 inch F-14 Tomcat.  Originally, it as going to be ducted fan powered.  It took several years to hand draw the plans for it.  Surprisingly, I started the plans before Top Gun became a hit movie.  I wasn't going to use the master model system, but rather the bulkhead and stringer system.  Half way through, model jet engines started to become available.  I started modifications but decided to leave the model behind when I moved to the west coast (Canada eh!).  I always had a fasination with subs, particularly the XXI.  It would be cheaper to make, cheaper to run, and cheaper to repair if it crash dived.  It would also be easier to operate. 

Exactly how big is this model?   Uhm, well, er, ok ....  its BIG.  Just under 8 ft long, 8 inches wide at the hull, and 10 inches high to the deck.  So, yeah.... its BIG.

Plans?  I thought I would have to draw my own plans until I discovered the 1/32 scale detailed set from Taubman Plans, a division of Loyalhanna Dockyard www.taubmanonline.com .   Fast delivery and great to work with, these plans are top notch.

THE STRATEGY

The strategy with the making of this model was not to make a working model from the start.  My game plan would be to build a master model for the purpose of building the mould(s), and then make the working model out of fiberglass.  This would allow me to get the detail correct from the start.  Then, if warranted, make one or several moulds for the end parts.  Since I know myself well, if I made more than one, I would end up making every one of them slightly different, with improvements along the way (Just ask me about Rev 16 Squirrel Proof, Bear Resistant Bird Feeders).

EXPERIENCE

In a word, NONE.  I have never made a sub model.  However,  with 20 years experience making master models for the auto industry, and toy industry, I am sure the principles are the same.   Besides, I have the internet and some world experts to draw information from. The Subcommittee,  www.subcommittee.com  will see a lot of me in the coming months.

GETTING STARTED

It took a while to find a supplier for the wood for this project.  Reimer Hardwoods of Abbotsford were my choice.  I opted for 8/8 kiln dried pine.  Clear, straight and few knots, it was inexpensive too.

The planer setup.  Since the boards were going to be heavy, I used rollers for in and out feeds.

    

See, not much room to work in there.  But the operation is smooth.

Just Like Those Damned Cats

After discovering water under our clothes washer, we decided to move it to see exactly where it was leaking from.  Denise took the opportunity to remove the carpet, then the flooring.  We found a grooved trench in the concrete with no real reason for its existance.  Denise took some Quikcrete concrete mix and filled it in. This stuff sets in minutes.  Within that time, one of the cats too the opportunity to lay a track of foot prints from one end to the other.  No one fessed up, no Quikcrete cement shoes were reported by any of the cats, they all played dumb when interrogated.   

Graphiti of the Week

INDESTRIES???   On the Beach in British Columbia.

Grafitti of The Week

If You Can't Spell, Don't Write Graffiti.

 This was located in the men's washroom stall of a bus depot in British Columbia.  NOTE:  If YOU can't locate the spelling mistakes, you shouldn't be allowed to have a marker in your possession.

A Big Bus, or, A Small One ?

An EXCEPTIONAL Night  For Human Migration Entertainment on The Vampire Shift.  From time to time, they crawl out of the trailer park to entertain the masses.  Here, are just a few one one particular night.


1)  The Techno Pseudo-Academia World Traveller - Shows up with his high tech Ipad, turns it on and flops it down on the stack of tickets.  On the display, is his online ticket (for those who don't know,  you buy it on line, print it out, and show it with valid picture ID on the day of travel, to make it legit.).  He is told "That's Great!  But I don't think I can stuff that thing in my envelope.  I need a printed copy." TPAWT's Response "They just copy the info".  Driver Response "Not on this trip".   TPAWT's show of High Tech Savvy of Daddy's Wealth is deflated by a quick run to the ticket counter for an emergency linkup to a printer via USB plug.

2)  The Super Stingy Cheapass Traveller - Shows up with her online ticket AND and her return ticket printed on the back.  Since they have to be validated with photo ID and kept by the driver, this posed a dilemma.  Instead of whipping out a 10 dollar bill, flipping it back and forth showing the front and back, and saying "Look Two Tens",  driver signs the one side and makes a note for the next driver.  <sigh>  Oh to be THAT Cheap.

3) The Anti-Educated Geographically Challenged Luggage Shipper - Shows up without a luggage tag on her bag.  Driver gives her a tag and tells her to fill it out (You know, Contact Info, Phone, and Travel Location).  AEGCLS opts not to fill anything out and asks the driver.  "Do I need to fill this tag out?.  Driver responds with "Not at all, where would you like it to go?" AEGCLS returns with "Doesn't matter".  With that, the Driver  says "Great!  Put it over there and we will ship it to Ontario on the next bus".   Geo-Genius quickly fills out the tag after borrowing a pen from the Driver.

4)  The Homeless, Moneyless, Clueless, Sympathy Inducing Traveller - Approaches the driver and states his case.  "Are you going to XXXX? I have no money and would like to get there, can you drive me there?".   Driver response,  "Nope, but you can go to the truck stop and ask if one of them can take you to XXXX, but it might cost you your virginity".   In the morning.  HMCSIT still had the same piece of real estate he kept warm the previous night.    HMCSIT still had his cherry apparently.

5)  The J. Wellington Wimpy Moneyless Negotiator - Approaches the Driver and states his case.  "I need to get to XXXXXXXford, have no money, but I will pay you tomorrow."  Driver, (remember, this all happened in one 7 hour period, LAUGHS, not in a humiliating way, but more in a flashback to the Popeye character, J. Wellington Wimpy, would be proud  of this guy - "I'll Gladly Pay You Tuesday For A Hamburger Today" Way)  Huk huk huk....  Well Blow-sk Me-sk Down, Olive-sk.......  "NO"

6)  The Road Rash Assault Victim Making His Way Across the Continent For Free Traveller - Approaches the driver and introduces himself with a firm handshake.  States his case 'I was robbed in XXXXary after I didn't give some guys 3 cigarettes.  I only had enough money to get to XXXXlden, and need to get to XXXXouver'.  ( A little background info.  This guy's face looked like it had been dragged across the full length of barbwire on the perimeter of Auschwitz concentration camp, drop kicked by a band of merry Goose Steppers and accidentally stuck his own finger in his eye).  Driver response "Do you have a ticket?".   Road Rash shows his ticket from XXXXary to XXXXlden.  Driver response "How did you get HERE? (obviously not in XXXXlden).   Road Rash (and I kid-you-not, a tear rolling down his cheek)  says "The kind hearted previous driver".   Driver "Well you will have to wait in the depot for the next kind hearted driver".

GAWD,  If the bosses knew the entertainment value of this job was this valuable, they would make em do it for free.  Ahhhhhh  the life of a Vampire.

NOTE:  The names were changed to protect the innocent.  However, the picture is very close. (not the vampire one)

Dumbass of the Day

While on route to XXXXXX.   A passenger frantically scrambles up to the driver of the bus and says.

Passenger:  I smell burning paper.

Driver:  Sure it isn't someone smoking in the washroom?

Passenger:   No, It is definitely burning paper.

Driver pulls over and investigates.  As he approaches the washroom of the bus the Passengers says.

Passenger:  I found out what it was, some one was burning paper to warm/dry his feet.

(No one would give the Dumbass up)

Dumbass Conversation of the Day

After loading 26 passengers at the start of the trip, the bus heads to the first stop.  Nine people get on the 54 passenger bus (Quick Math 26 + 9 = 35, leaving 19 seats.  17 if you don't count the 2 seats directly behind the driver for his personal belongings).  After several minutes two passengers get off and tell the driver:

Dumbass:   There are no empty seats.

Driver:   WHAT?  There should be lots of them.

Idjit:  Nope.

<Driver steps onto the bus and notices there is an empty seat next to the blonde (good looking I might add) in the first seat, and empty seat in row two, two empty seats in row 3 and more all the way to the back.

Driver gets off  the bus and says:  There are all kinds of them, so grab one.  <Dumbass and Idjit get back on the bus, and the driver points out all the seats.  Chuckles come from the other passengers, including the blonde in the first row>

Driver:  See!  There are lots of them.

Idjit grabs the massive lock securing the driver's backpack to the seat behind the driver's seat and says:  Can I sit here?

(Must be afraid of blondes)

NOTE:  The names weren't changed to protect the innocent.

Conversation of the Day


(The names were changed to protect the innocent.)

Bus Driver upon arriving in Abbotsford (to a would-be passenger):  Hello,  Where are you heading?


Wannabe Passenger:  Vancouver, but I need a ticket, can I buy it from you?


Bus Driver:  Nope, but if you give me a piece of ID, when you get into Vancouver, you can run in and buy your ticket, then we can switch.


Wannabe <Digs out ID, and hands it to the driver>


Bus Driver <Looks at ID for authenticity>:  Good.  Like I said, when you get into Vancouver, run in and get a ticket, I'll wait by the bus.


Wannabe reaches for the ID, to take it back.


Bus Driver:   I'll hold onto it, for ransom, I have had people skip on me.


Wannabe:  But I wasn't going to skip.   <Reaches for the ID again, with a puzzled look>


Bus Driver <Realizing the Wannabe isn't grasping the concept, hands the ID back>:  Ok, Lets try it again.   Hello, Where are you heading?


Wannabe Passenger:  Vancouver, but I need a ticket, can I buy it from you?


Bus Driver:  Nope, you have to buy your ticket from the depot here.  They open in 30 minutes, you can catch the next bus.


Wannabe:  If I give you my ID to hold, can I get my ticket when I get into Vancouver?


Bus Driver <Taking the ID and putting it into his pocket>:  Yep 


(A Genius is Born)

Star Trails

I took this photograph from my back yard using the trees as a focal point.   I used a Nikon D200, with the Noise Reduction setting ON, ISO 200, Manual mode, f4.0, and BULB setting. Manual focus on the lens and camera.  The lens was a 17-55mm set at 17mm, with the hood on.  Tripod was a Gitzo 5541, with a modified quick release for the camera.  I used a Nikon DR-6  -  right angle viewfinder (so I don't have to lay on the ground to view).  I used the cap from a forstner bit (wood working drill bit) painted black, placed on the viewfinder, to prevent light from sneaking in from the viewfinder. A pop / soda bottle top could work too.  The remote was a programmable Nikon MC-36, set with a 4 second delay (to allow for mirror vibration), and 25 minute exposure.  I had an AC adapter for the camera attached to an added accessory, a battery backup I bought for jump starting a car in emergencies.  This would save my batteries since a 25 minute exposure will eat most of the battery on a D200.  Not to mention the noise reduction process afterward.  NOTE:  When setting the focus, DO NOT assume that infinity symbol on the lens is the end of the line.  I haven't found one yet that does that.  There will always be a bit of play in it.  During daylight, you can setup your shot, focus on infinity using autofocus, then shut it off.   Take note where that infinity symbol is in case it gets moved during the night.  The darker the sky, the better.  If you can find a place 50 miles away from the city, perfect.  This is sometimes impractical, since few people want to travel that far to take one, or two pictures. Closer to the city I prefer after midnight (closer to 2 - 3 am) photography, when some of the city lights are off when people go to bed. If there is light (moon, street lights etc) change the f-stop to something higher.   This photo was taken with f4.0 and turn out a bit too light so I changed the exposure in Photoshop to compensate.  Ideally, I should have had it set at f8 or f11.  Will try that next time.

Balloons - Howell, Michigan

Cardinal

White Pelican

This was taken near Vancouver, British Columbia.  I used my Nikon D200, 80-400mm Lens combo.

Flying over Pitt Lake

Pitt Lake lies north of Maple Ridge, British Columbia.  A berm / dyke system has created a sanctuary for local birds of prey and other marshland critters.  Denise and I discovered several Osprey nests in the area and  spent some time taking photos of the baby Ospreys.  The first opportunity I got to take nature photos with my brand new 600mm lens was going to be at Grant Narrows where the ospreys were. This area is well away from traffic and about 900m out on the berm.  Denise and I set up the tripod and cameras.  She was taking pics of flowers and I, the birds when a helicopter flew by, banked, then came towards us.  I caught this photo on the second pass just as the pilot lowered the landing gear.  CRAP, I knew what that meant.  This bird was landing.  And with it,  tons of dust.   Too late.  First time out with the 600 and this guy sandblasted it with dust as it landed about 75m from our position, on the berm.  It was a medical emergency evacuation of some one injured either on the boat dock or on a boat.  I packed up the lens and took it home to blow off the dust.  No damage.

New Westminster Show and Shine

Once a year, New Westminster, British Columbia hosts the New West Show and Shine Car Show.  The downtown area is closed off to traffic, and anyone who wants to show off their labor-of-love can do so.  This is not limited to classics.  Modified cars, imports, antiques, racers, motor cycles and even Police and Fire vehicles are shown off.  The detail on these vehicles is mind boggling.  Brass and chrome shine.  Paint gleams.  In fact, some of the paint jobs, and chrome were so shiny it was impossible to take a decent photo while the sun was shining.  We enjoyed the view regardless.  If I had to guess I would say there were several hundred cars / trucks and motorcycles there.  As for the people, it was crowded.  This show draws a huge crowd, even though there was a second (and maybe a third) car show on, on the same day.  Thousands, showed up to ogle the displays.  The local businesses didn't suffer.  They were all open, and happy to see all the people.   Bands were there for entertainment, and kiosks were set up if you were so inclined to try a Macs Milk smoothie drink, or buy a commemorative T-shirt.

I discovered this show by accident when I lived three blocks from the down town area after moving to New West in 2007.  Since then, I have made it a regular pilgrimage (work permitting).  This year was no disappointment.  All in all I am not a fan of  photos of cars with 4000 people walking around them.  I prefer the solitary subject (a car with no people around).  Hence, the two photos I'm posting here.

Just a note.  The New West Police and the local Fire Departments showed just as much pride in their displays as everyone else who had a vehicle displayed.  GOOD JOB.

Backyard Birds

  
 

Today was the first day for my new woodpecker feeder.  Nothing more than an 18 inch x 3 inch diameter piece of cherry my neighbour, Brenda Lee, was gracious enough to give me.  I drilled 7/8 inch holes about 2 inches apart at the top end of the log and filled it (well, Denise, my wife filled it) with seed, mixed with peanut butter.  To keep my nemesis, the squirrel, at bay, I placed a 17 inch circular piece of aluminum plate on the top and screwed it into the log with an eyebolt.  Within an hour, I had 3 birds clinging to the log (2 woodpeckers, and one Northern Flicker).  By the time I got my camera out, the flicker was on the ground searching for food.  I found this odd, as I have never seen them as ground feeders.  The woodpecker photo was highlighted with a flash and Flash Extender from a distance of about 40 ft.

Dog Mountain

One great thing about living in British Columbia, is that there are spectacular views everywhere.  For those who know me, know I am not partial to snow, and cold weather.  However, since moving to BC, I have been introduced to snowshoeing.  Actually, to clarify, I would never have tried snowshoeing if I knew there wasn't something to photograph.  It can get darn cold here.  Once, my wife and I took a hike on snowshoes, in Manning Park (east of Vancouver), at -19C.  Believe it or not, we actually saw a mosquito.  I tried to photograph it but it was in a hurry.  I did manage to get several photos of a spider walking on the snow.  I suspect the sun caused the tree bark to heat up and the critters hibernating inside thought it was spring.

This photograph was taken after hiking from Mt. Seymour to Dog Mountain, north of Vancouver.   We were part of a local group from Wanderung.   The view was outstanding the whole way up.  The couple to the right, in the photo were having lunch and admiring the view.  Don't blame them.

Again I used my reliable Nikon D200, and 17-55mm lens with a Moose Peterson Circ/Pol filter.

House Cleaning

The story is pretty obvious, as to what is happening, in this Osprey nest.  I spent a month watching these young ospreys grow up and learn to fly.   This photo was taken at Pitt Lake in British Columbia, using my Nikon D200, Nikon 600mm VR Lens, Gitzo Tripod.

Yellow Flower

Picked this flower out of my wife's garden.  The background is a piece of black velvet.  Nikon D200, Nikon 105mm Lens, R1C1 Closeup Kit.

Spotted Moray in The Florida Keys

After a long separation from serious photography my interest was rekindled while diving in the Florida Keys.  For those who have been there, you know it is teeming with life.  This photo of a Spotted Moray Eel was taken off of Tavernier.  About 15 miles south of Key Largo.  I was still using film cameras when this was taken.  I used a Nikonos V, with a 50mm lens, and an Ikelite 400 strobe.  Lots o'light is needed to bring out the colours.  I actually was using Fuji Velvia 50 slide film and had this one scanned at the local photo shop.  

I've had a couple people ask how I get so close to those skittish little hummingbirds.  The truth is, I don't.  At least not with the camera.  The Nikon 600mm VR lens has a minimum focus distance of about 18 ft (6m), so I have to be at least that distance away from the birds.  I also use a 1.4x tele-converter, this gets me a bit closer, digitally speaking.  I have approximately 8 feeders with various foods for the different bird species.  They are spread out on a clothes line from about 10ft to 30ft (3m - 10m) away. 

Here are a couple photographs I took with my phone camera.  I prefer having the setup on the table, so I can sit down and patiently wait for the birds.  The odd shaped thing on the top of the camera is actually a red dot scope used on a shotgun or paintball gun.  I made a bracket that fits into the hot shoe of the camera and rests on the top of the filter cover.  Why you ask?   This lens has a very small angle of view, meaning you only see bout 4 % of the area in front of the camera, while looking in the view finder.  A bird can come and go before you actually find the darn thing in the viewfinder to get the picture.  With this set up, I turn the red dot scope on, and it shows a red dot where the lens is aimed.  This thing is outstanding for panning shots of moving birds or airplanes.   You don't need to look into the viewfinder, just look into the scope from a distance, the dot will be on target.  As you can also see, I have a cat to deal with.  Truth of the matter is, we have FIVE cats to deal with.  And if you know cats, they want to be directly in front of you whether you are reading the newspaper, or on the computer. As for the birds, they don't seem to mind them being in close proximity.  However, its a pain when the cats decide to stretch and sit up when the birds finally do show up.  

Hummer in Motion

This little guy has become a backyard regular.  Stops by, gets his fill of my special blend of water and sugar, hangs around for a little while, then heads off to parts unknown.  I was actually hoping on getting pictures of finches, but when opportunity knocks, I answer the door.  This was taken with my Nikon D200, Nikon 600mm VR, using f/9, 1/250 sec, ISO 400, and a 1.4 tele-converter.  I didn't have to use a flash as the sun was shining directly into the bird's face.  Metering was done in spot mode and I focused on the eye.  These guys love to dive in and take a sip, then pull back into the same spot, making it easy to predict where they might hover.

Great Grey Owl

Getting this photo made me feel like the flat tire I got made it all worth while.  Denise and I went on a road trip from the Lower Main Land (British Columbia) to Kamloops and back using roads we had never been on.   As we were coming back from Kamloops we headed off on 97D toward Logan Lake.   After an encounter with a bull and cow moose [I might post the pic, its not great but it was 900 ft (300m) away], we continued south on 97D.  Approximately 10km from the moose, I noticed a guy carefully walking away from the road into the bush. I looked ahead and saw this owl on a post.  The guy (Brad) got to within 2 - 3m of the bird, we turned the truck around and took some pics of Brad's head next to the bird.  After about 30 photos, the bird flew down the fence line.  We chatted with Brad for a few minutes, exchanged emails, and went to turn around to continue on.  As I pulled onto a side road, this is what I was greeted with.  I managed to take about 60 photos of this guy on this post, stalking a squirrel, taking the squirrel, and eating it in three bites. (The small pic of the owl in the side bar was after he had devoured the meal.  This photo was taken with my trusty Nikon D200, 80 - 400mm VR lens, with an ISO of 400 I believe.  Flat Tire?  What Flat Tire?