I felt the ground under my car give away

HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
edited October 2, 2006 in Wildlife
Hey Y'all,

I had noticed that large numbers of egrets were hanging out in the click ponds at the Viera wetlands on Monday morning. So I went back today in the afternoon because the birds were backlit in the AM. I wanted to get some flight shots. While I was driving along the edge of the dike I felt my car drop as the ground gave way. Naturally I threw my body over the 500mm to protect it. As I examined my situaton I found that there was a drop in the ground that had been hidden by the vegetation and there was no way w/o a tow I was getting out.

This dude came driving by and we started to talk and he said "are you Harryb". It turned out to be our the Nikon's Cafe Woundedmallard. He drove me over to the admin office and one of the workers said he would try to get me out. Tom drove me back to my car and while we were waiting we got some shooting in.

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The worker came back and we decided it was better to call AAA to get me out. Tom was nice enough to drive me back tot he admin. office where I called AAA and Linda. When I left the office Tom noticed a Caracara across the way so.....

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AAA came and pulled me out and there was no damage to my car. I drove back to the admin office to thank the worker, Ed, for his help. We got to talking and he shoots a Nikon SLR (the F5) and wanted a DSLR but the $ was an issue and he told me if I had an old DSLR I wanted to sell he was interested. So I sold him my D100 and he told me about a good location for eagle shots.

They say god looks out for fools and drunkards and I have a foot in both camps. I got my car stuck but I ended up meeting Tom, got some OK shots, got a tip for eagle pics, sold my D100, and my car was undamaged. Not a bad day. biggrin.gif

If you want to see Tom's side of this tale go to
http://www.nikoncafe.com/vforums/showthread.php?t=89818
Harry
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"

Comments

  • Dick on ArubaDick on Aruba Registered Users Posts: 3,484 Major grins
    edited September 28, 2006
    Well...some adventure! It's a small world after all
    I'm glad everything turn out to be just fine including some really great captures.

    Thanks for sharing.

    Dick.
    "Nothing sharpens sight like envy."
    Thomas Fuller.

    SmugMug account.
    Website.
  • saurorasaurora Registered Users Posts: 4,320 Major grins
    edited September 28, 2006
    Alls well that ends well, and your funny story ended pretty well if you sold a camera and got your car out ok! Really nice shots, too, Harry! We will be looking forward to some spectacular eagle shots in the near future! :D
  • raptorcaptorraptorcaptor Registered Users Posts: 3,968 Major grins
    edited September 29, 2006
    Nice series thumb.gif Sorry about your misadventure! Looking forward to the eagle shots!
    Glenn

    My website | NANPA Member
  • jwearjwear Registered Users Posts: 8,013 Major grins
    edited September 29, 2006
    good shooting story and better shots those eagles headscratch.gif were they in LA mwink.gif
    Jeff W

    “PHOTOGRAPHY IS THE ‘JAZZ’ FOR THE EYES…”

    http://jwear.smugmug.com/
  • DeeDee Registered Users Posts: 2,981 Major grins
    edited September 29, 2006
    What a day
    hehe, I put a rental car in the ditch in the U.K. Pulled over to look closer at these long haired cow looking things! Turned out to be highland cattle. I was fortunate like you. These nice UK gents got a big chuckle over our predictament and decided to lend a hand to these three stranded American tourists! Seems the tall grass hides the 3-foot drainage ditch and they are used to people pulling over and into them in various stages...

    But hey, your adventure turned into a great day! And you sold a camera! And met someone new, and had time to shoot the birds! Life is good!:D

    I bet the guy who bought your camera is absolutely thrilled with it too!
    http://www.deegolden.smugmug.com
    http://www.twitter.com/deegolden
  • mushymushy Registered Users Posts: 643 Major grins
    edited September 29, 2006
    Stunning shots, all of them and a good story to boot!
    I need to fine myself a wet land to hone my skills at exposure and flight shots as it has definietly worked wonders for you.
    I'm looking forward to seeing some speccy Eagle shots toomwink.gif
    May I take your picture?
  • SkippySkippy Registered Users Posts: 12,075 Major grins
    edited September 29, 2006
    Glad to hear after your earth moving experience everything turned out okay for you Harry....... least you can laugh about it now :D Skippy (Australia)
    .
    Skippy (Australia) - Moderator of "HOLY MACRO" and "OTHER COOL SHOTS"

    ALBUM http://ozzieskip.smugmug.com/

    :skippy Everyone has the right to be stupid, but some people just abuse the privilege :dgrin
  • Osprey WhispererOsprey Whisperer Registered Users Posts: 3,803 Major grins
    edited September 29, 2006
    Do you need me to come up there and drive you around ? eek7.gifrolleyes1.gif Keep 'er on the road Boss. Glad to hear things worked out. Too bad about the tire trouble. Sound like you eventually had some fun. Nice shots.
    Mike McCarthy

    "Osprey Whisperer"

    OspreyWhisperer.com
  • Awais YaqubAwais Yaqub Registered Users Posts: 10,572 Major grins
    edited September 29, 2006
    wonderul series Harry clap.gif
    Thine is the beauty of light; mine is the song of fire. Thy beauty exalts the heart; my song inspires the soul. Allama Iqbal

    My Gallery
  • LCDLCD Registered Users Posts: 494 Major grins
    edited September 29, 2006
    Oh man, I have come so close to the same stuck spot - only without the vegitation (like we believe that part of the story). My husband will leave me there if that ever happens to me - he's always complaining that I'm trying to shoot pics instead of drive!

    Glad there was no damage and you were able to get such great shots. I really like that green bg.

    PS
    did you manage to sell any of your socks :giggle
  • ChrisJChrisJ Registered Users Posts: 2,164 Major grins
    edited September 29, 2006
    What a great story and pictures! Glad everything turned out okay. It was fun reading the story from both perspectives, too. Great shot of you and the car!
    Chris
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited September 29, 2006
    Dee wrote:
    hehe, I put a rental car in the ditch in the U.K. Pulled over to look closer at these long haired cow looking things! Turned out to be highland cattle. I was fortunate like you. These nice UK gents got a big chuckle over our predictament and decided to lend a hand to these three stranded American tourists! Seems the tall grass hides the 3-foot drainage ditch and they are used to people pulling over and into them in various stages...

    But hey, your adventure turned into a great day! And you sold a camera! And met someone new, and had time to shoot the birds! Life is good!:D

    I bet the guy who bought your camera is absolutely thrilled with it too!

    Photographers are a bit dangerous as drivers. I'm constantly getting distracted by wildlife as I drive. Its not easy in Florida, there are birds everywhere you look. On Monday I had a bobcat dash in front of my car.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited September 29, 2006
    saurora wrote:
    Alls well that ends well, and your funny story ended pretty well if you sold a camera and got your car out ok! Really nice shots, too, Harry! We will be looking forward to some spectacular eagle shots in the near future! :D


    Thanks, the day was pretty successful at the end but i had my doubts at a few points. :D It turne dout that I didn't have fair to go for some eagle shots. The next day I got a few eagle shots in at the wetlands as our resident eagle has migrated home. clap.gif
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • kdogkdog Administrators Posts: 11,681 moderator
    edited September 29, 2006
    Harry, amazing shots and a good story to boot. thumb.gif

    -joel
    Moderator of Landscapes forum
    Link to my Smugmug site
  • bfjrbfjr Registered Users Posts: 10,980 Major grins
    edited September 30, 2006
    I've had that feeling to but here in SoCal you get used to it !! :wow rolleyes1.gif

    I'd say you had a spanking fine day thumb.gifwings.gifthumb.gif
    Benjamin
    My Galleries
    Flicker
    G+
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited September 30, 2006
    raptorcaptor wrote:
    Nice series thumb.gif Sorry about your misadventure! Looking forward to the eagle shots!

    Thanks Glenn. As it turns out I didn't have to go too far for some eagle shots. I wnet back to the Voera Wetlands the next day and our local eagle had returned home. :D
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited September 30, 2006
    jwear wrote:
    good shooting story and better shots those eagles headscratch.gif were they in LA mwink.gif

    Thanks Jeff, no eagles in LA I think it must be the smog and the pineapple pizza. rolleyes1.gif
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited September 30, 2006
    mushy wrote:
    Stunning shots, all of them and a good story to boot!
    I need to fine myself a wet land to hone my skills at exposure and flight shots as it has definietly worked wonders for you.
    I'm looking forward to seeing some speccy Eagle shots toomwink.gif

    Thanks Mushy and I just may have a few eagle shots to post soon. :D
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited September 30, 2006
    Skippy wrote:
    Glad to hear after your earth moving experience everything turned out okay for you Harry....... least you can laugh about it now :D Skippy (Australia)

    Thanks Skippy. I was smiling at the end of the day but I have to admit that I uttered a few non-faniky friendly phrases at a few points in the day.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited September 30, 2006
    Bird Man Photographer wrote:
    Do you need me to come up there and drive you around ? eek7.gifrolleyes1.gif Keep 'er on the road Boss. Glad to hear things worked out. Too bad about the tire trouble. Sound like you eventually had some fun. Nice shots.

    Thanks Mike. I just might make you my official driver for MI IV. You can't do any worse than I have lately. rolleyes1.gif
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited October 1, 2006
    Awais Yaqub wrote:
    wonderul series Harry clap.gif

    Thank you Awais
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • ian408ian408 Administrators Posts: 21,957 moderator
    edited October 1, 2006
    That almost qualifies as a ride report Harry :)

    Nice work, good adventure and great people.

    Ian
    Moderator Journeys/Sports/Big Picture :: Need some help with dgrin?
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited October 1, 2006
    LCD wrote:
    Oh man, I have come so close to the same stuck spot - only without the vegitation (like we believe that part of the story). My husband will leave me there if that ever happens to me - he's always complaining that I'm trying to shoot pics instead of drive!

    Glad there was no damage and you were able to get such great shots. I really like that green bg.

    PS
    did you manage to sell any of your socks :giggle

    I stand by my story about the drop being covered by vegetation. :D I think the dude wanted new socks and the offer of used socks threw him off. rolleyes1.gif
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • thebigskythebigsky Registered Users Posts: 1,052 Major grins
    edited October 1, 2006
    Naturally I threw my body over the 500mm to protect it.
    rolleyes1.gif

    Glad to hear you've got your priorities straight! mwink.gif

    Charlie
    Landscape & Flower Photography
  • Osprey WhispererOsprey Whisperer Registered Users Posts: 3,803 Major grins
    edited October 1, 2006
    Harryb wrote:
    Thanks Mike. I just might make you my official driver for MI IV. You can't do any worse than I have lately. rolleyes1.gif

    That sounds like a plan. eek7.gif:D

    http://www.pbase.com/blindmustangpilot/image/47466598
    Mike McCarthy

    "Osprey Whisperer"

    OspreyWhisperer.com
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited October 1, 2006
    ChrisJ wrote:
    What a great story and pictures! Glad everything turned out okay. It was fun reading the story from both perspectives, too. Great shot of you and the car!

    Thanks Chris and remember that my side of the story is the most accurate. rolleyes1.gif

    The car shot pretty much told the story. :cry
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited October 2, 2006
    kdog wrote:
    Harry, amazing shots and a good story to boot. thumb.gif

    -joel

    Thanks Joel
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited October 2, 2006
    bfjr wrote:
    I've had that feeling to but here in SoCal you get used to it !! :wow rolleyes1.gif

    I'd say you had a spanking fine day thumb.gifwings.gifthumb.gif

    I did have a good day and I will leave the feeling of the ground sinking beneath you to you westies in the future. mwink.gif
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited October 2, 2006
    ian408 wrote:
    That almost qualifies as a ride report Harry :)

    Nice work, good adventure and great people.

    Ian

    Thanks Ian but I spent most of my time in a non-ride mode. :D
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited October 2, 2006
    thebigsky wrote:
    rolleyes1.gif

    Glad to hear you've got your priorities straight! mwink.gif

    Charlie

    Damn right! 15524779-Ti.gif
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
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