One weekend my nephew Chris and I backpacked to Peaked Mountain Pond, the Adirondacks wilderness, in the rain. My son, Sean, was to meet us later. The constant rain made the easy trek into a slog. Our attitude improved after the tents setup and the fire. The skies clear to a brilliant display of the Milky Way away from light pollution.
Peaked Mountain in the light of an August dawn taken from the west pond shore. Siamese Ponds Wilderness, Adirondack Park, New York State. At 2,919 feet, Peaked Mountain is a modest height though it rises an impressive 675 feet in 0.4 mile.

Looking north across Peaked Mountain Pond from the west shore shortly after dawn.

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We used the canoe as a punt, using a solid branch to push around the shallow pond for short distances, after bailing.

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Mid-morning, we headed up the trail to the peak. I caught this orb-weaver spider web on the way.

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…and a detail. Technically, this is a macro. Did not wait around for the owner.

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Later, in the afternoon, Chris caught some Zzzzz’s in a time out from water gathering. We pumped water through a filter, this is necessary throughout New York State to avoid giardia infection.

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The ultimate in peace and tranquility, though disturbing a hornet pollinator can lead to excitement. This water lily bloom was caught with a tripod mounted long lens. Look closely for the hornet at work inside the flower. HHealthy water lily leaves are the epitome of tranquility because they are always clean, giving the illusion of tranquility. Scientists study water lily leaves to learn how the leaf surface sheds dirt. Imagine self-cleaning cloths.
Correction: it is the Lotus leaf, not lily pad, that is self cleaning.

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Beautiful spot! Great web! 🙂
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Beautiful photos. Especially love the orb weaver!
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It was fortunate to come upon the web with the evergreen background. Thanks for the words, Arbie.
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An interesting fact re the water lily self cleaning ability, Michael… Yes, I’m thinking of ‘cloths’.. and frogs. Water lilies do attract frogs! Perhaps because of their cleanliness… ?! 🙂
Great images…
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Good to hear from you, Carolyn. I’ve never seen a frog on a lily pad. Have you? Would like to know if it is fictional or based in fact.
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No, Michael, I haven’t seen one myself, however, I have seen many images of frogs on pads.
I found this very interesting article you may care to read. Nature is certainly fascinating!
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/lily-pads-attract-frogs-bugs-61256.html
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Interesting…makes sense. I double checked the reference to self-cleaning and discovered it is the Lotus Leaf, not the Lily Pad, that has this reputation. I made a correction, but suspect the Lily Pad has some of this property.
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Beautiful part of the globe! Great that the rain let up for these fantastic image captures.
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Weather was perfect for two days. That was 14 years ago!! Now that I am retired, have time to work on my photography.
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Nice
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Thank You, Kelly.
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What gorgeous images — they’re so evocative I can practically feel the cool, damp air. There are so many images to love in this set, but I think my favorite is the canoe resting among the reeds. It has such a stillness to it, but also a rich story (who left the canoe there? when are they coming back?).
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Good to hear this compliments, Heide. I have more photos in my store to get out there….it is good to have responses to know if I am on the right path.
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I love the picture with the canoe!
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Thank You….I took a few to get it right. Wonder if it is still there? It has been almost 14 years.
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All beautiful, but I especially liked the Lotus Leaf and the spider webs. Great shots. :–)
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Thanks, Judy. Good to know I am not the only person to conflate Lotus and Lily Pads…ha ha
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Lovely pictures. Knowing me I would have accidentally walked right into the web destroying both its beauty and my faith in nature.
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I will give you the benefit of the doubt for that one, M.B. Cheers!!
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OMG, amazing place and wonderful pictures, Michael. A real place to visit 🙂
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Thanks for visiting and the good words, Mohamad. That was a good day for us.
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Hope all of the days be good for you 🙂
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Your site has exceptional content. I bookmarked the
site
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Beautiful place, and great photos.
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Gee, thanks Jerry
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What a beautiful place! Those spider web is perfectly done but scary at the same time 🕷 The photo of the water lily is absolutely gorgeous!
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we have a grandson dreadfully afraid of spiders.
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Wonderful photos of this peaceful place on earth, Michael Stephen. Wonderful landscapes, beautiful spider webs, and I espec. like the water lily.
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nothing so still as an Adirondack pond on a windless afternoon
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