Out of the Wilderness

The One-Eyed Deer

What usually happens when you see a deer? More often than not, the deer will freeze and at least for a few seconds, wait for you to make the next move. Then they’ll take off. It’s not that you mean them harm or anything, they just have a built-in fear of humans (predators?). I’ve noticed this especially being true with fawns. Most of the time they don’t even pause to find out what you’re doing. They see you and boom they’re gone. If there’s a doe with them, she might be less haphazard about it but will join up with the fawns or else the fawns will follow her deeper into hiding.

I was riding my bicycle the other day when I saw a couple of fawns in the distance. In order to keep from spooking them, I stopped quietly and took a few pictures from way off.

Then I slowly pedaled closer and the fawns were as ready as could be to gallup away. The mama deer trailed them, keeping a watchful eye on me. In fact, she didn’t run away at all. I rolled to a stop where she was just a few feet off the road. The fawns had retreated a safe distance away, waiting for her, I’m sure. I caught on pretty quick that this doe wasn’t like others I’ve seen. Not only was she not retreating, but I noticed she took a few steps TOWARDS me! I remember thinking, “Is this where I get attacked by a deer and no one’s here to see it?” All I could think is that I’d drop my bike and run! Pretty smart, right? Give up a bike that goes pretty far pretty fast to flop around on my feet while an angry deer fights me. I raised my camera. It was then she gave me a look, another moment I’ve not experienced before. It’s as if she was saying, “Do you feel lucky? Well, DO YA??”

She hadn’t attacked me yet when I looked into her eyes and it was then very obvious this deer won’t, and hasn’t, taken any crap from anyone, ever.

That’s another moment I won’t soon forget. This deer has been through some things and lived. She is strong and fearless protector of her babies. When a potential threat arises (in this case, me), she doesn’t back down. She stands between harm and her fawns, not thinking twice about raising hoof to face, I’m sure.

As far as what’s going on with her eye, I have no idea. I wasn’t about to get a closer look, either. I rather not have hoof-shaped scars all over my body.

Thanks for dropping in…

-Out of the Wilderness

First Time Camping in Louisiana – Fontainebleau State Park

Hello there and thanks for stopping by today. I’m making my way around the southwest United States, kicking of a camping adventure in Big Lagoon State Park (recap here) and the next stop is Fontainebleau State Park, across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans. A lot went into picking this campground because my original reservation was for Grand Isle State Park (also in Louisiana)… but that one got cancelled because they’re working on restoration after Hurricane Ida. It’s a little weird because I was able to make the reservation months ago but maybe they got behind schedule. It happens! I scrambled a bit to fill in the new 4-day gap caused by the cancellation. The campground amenities I look for are bodies of water, hiking, and good photography locations. There are a few state parks in the general New Orleans area but FSP stood out for it’s access to water (lake/ocean) and photography potential, so I booked it.

I’d love to say I took advantage of everything I could’ve, but I don’t think I did. Careful to stay away from people, I rested (but still rode my bike and walked the dogs… and took photos, of course!) as much as possible because of a second case of COVID. The first time I had COVID is chronicled here. I still had enough energy to bike around, swim in the lake, and take the dogs out to do their business. I didn’t do any running, which I would’ve done if I wasn’t worried about wearing myself down unnecessarily.

Overall, though, I liked the park. I’m not sure I loved it. There were mosquitoes, love bugs (if you’re from the south, you know what these are), and lots of standing water. I guess that’s to be expected in the Louisiana low country. I didn’t even get my kayak off the roof of my truck, either.

On the upside, I found two bucks on the ground. Deer, that is! The male deers were certainly chasing after a doe that was nearby. The doe was on one side of the road, the bucks on the other and when I rode my bike between them, the bucks were probably ticked off that I interrupted the smooth game they had going on with the lady. She didn’t seem to mind me crashing the party though, as she took the opportunity to run away.

I didn’t have my camera for that encounter but here are a few photos of my time in the park…

Thanks for dropping in…

-Out of the Wilderness

Will I ever capture this creature on camera?

I’ve been camping off and on since January, amazing trips that have brought me as far south as the Florida Keys and soon I’ll be going west to Texas. These adventures include my favorite pups, Piper and Asia…

…and a Sony A6600 that I use for photographing everything from horses to a hole-in-one. I almost got a picture of buffalo in central Florida. I just barely missed a clear picture of a jumping alligator in the Myakka River. But (humble brag forthcoming) I’ve never taken a bad picture of an armadillo! Well, it’s confession time (embarrassing explanation of why I’ve never taken a bad picture of an armadillo forthcoming)… I’ve also never taken a GOOD picture of an armadillo. Truthfully, that’s pretty much the one animal I’m dying to photograph. But to this very day, the good fortune of seeing one while I have my camera eludes me. Are armadillos quick? Not really. Are they uncommon? No. I’m just never in the right place at the right time.

I’m currently camping in Fontainebleau State Park, across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans. I’ve taken pictures of things around the park. Trees. A pier. Stuff that everyone else has taken pictures of already for years and years, I’m sure. But what’s the one thing I’m really hoping to photograph?

You got it. A big bowl of gumbo.

No, it’s an armadillo! I’m setting out again today to find the elusive armored ones. Wish me luck.

San Diego Zoo Armadillo GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

-Out of the Wilderness

Samsung Galaxy da Vinci Commercial – the Actor and the Music!

Samsung is pushing the new Galaxy Z Fold4 hard with a series of commercials. One of the latest features Leonardo da Vinci working on a piece of art. Take a look…

The Music. If you haven’t already heard of Queen, you’re in for a real treat. The decades-old band has many, many hits appearing in movies, TV shows, commercials and however else music can be included. One of my favorite song of theirs is “Save Me” which appeared in an episode of the TV Show “New Girl.” But the song in this commercial is “Don’t Stop Me Now.”

The Actor. Playing the part of da Vinci is an actor named Jamie Morgan. He is actor with a lengthy theater resume, but perhaps he’s making a move into TV/film acting where he will create his own art for viewers to enjoy. A modern-day da Vinci, perhaps? Check out his website JamieMorgan.co ….and his acting reel below.

For more pics and info about Mr. Morgan, check out his bio on Spotlight.com.

Thanks for dropping in…

-Out of the Wilderness

Camping in Big Lagoon State Park, near Pensacola, Florida

Camping in Big Lagoon State Park has been mostly a treat! It’s my first camping trip since visiting Fort Clinch State Park over by Jacksonville, Florida. Want to know how that trip went!? Well, I won’t spoil it by telling you it didn’t live up to my expectations– oh wait, I just spoiled it– well, for a recap click here. As for Big Lagoon, it’s important to know that it’s NOT a beachside park. Water is accessible in the park, but you aren’t going to be building any sandcastles. Half the park is closed for rebuilding/renovations but I still had a good time. One big highlight was watching all the different types of planes and jets flying overhead. More details about all that plus pictures, here. As for wildlife, I didn’t see much but still managed to snap some photos of eagles, a heron, pelicans, and other things. Check out the pics below for a few of my favorite memories from the park…