February | 2020 | Larry A. Smail's Blog

Archive for February, 2020

Mummies of the World Exhibition

Posted in Historical on February 26, 2020| Leave a Comment »

Laurie and I have had a lot of things to do these last two days. last evening, February 25, we and two friends enjoyed an evening out to see the movie, “CALL OF THE WILD.” We all enjoyed the movie and were amazed at how far the technology with computerized imagery have come. Later, at our home, we enjoyed Laurie’s carrot cake and tea.

Today, February 26, we and two other friends visited the Carnegie Science Center to especially view the exhibition of the, “Mummies of the World.” I was a little disappointed to learn photography was not permitted within the actual exhibit. the mummy collection on display featured the long-ago Egyptian mummies along with pets. However, they had mummified bodies reaching only a couple of hundred years ago. Some of the mummies wre created through a mummification process while others had become that way through natural processes due to perfect conditions retarding the decomposition.

The Forks of the Rivers. The site of Fort Pitt in 1758.

The exhibition was very interesting, but somewhat eerie. One mummy was created in 1994 by scientists attempting to copy the procedure of Egyptian mummification as close as possible.

We enjoyed spending several hours examining the various hands-on displays. I, particularly, enjoyed the aquariums with fish , reptiles and so forth.

West End Bridge in Pittsburgh

One area was extremely hilarious for the four of us and everybody else. One baby laughed uncontrollable at this site. The site consisted of two cushioned chairs and every time one would raise up and set down loud fart-like sounds exploded.

A large miniature railroad was enjoyed.

I took a few other photos of the West End Bridge as well as, the site where Fort Duquesne once stood at the point. The fort was renamed Fort Pitt in 1758 after the French left their fort to the British during the French and Indian War. Afterwards, we visited a separate building where the kids could enjoy many various adventures, such as a miniature zip-line and rock climbing.

Bullfrog

Meteorite weighting 746 pounds.

Yellow Perch

Sucker!

One view of Miniature railroad

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Beautiful Friday Morning Jaunt

Posted in Hikes, Misc. Nature on February 24, 2020| Leave a Comment »

Beautiful Pennsylvania

Last Friday and a clear day was being forecasted. I knew a walk was going to become reality. I prepared with the needed apparel for the temperature in Kittanning was a sultry 8 degrees early.

I realized rather quickly that the cold temperatures and the breezy conditions were creating a chill. I picked up my pace to get the “old blood” moving for warmth.

The wildlife must have “holed up” for I didn’t see much except for one deer and various small birds. I walked old common roads, trails and woodland areas. I looked up on occasion to search for Great-horned Owl nests. Finding their nests can be difficult, but if you do walk upon one they are often easily discerned. Nests can be quite large at times.

Porcupine quills

I did find an unusual subject. I noticed some black among the underbrush. Upon a closer look I was surprised to see a dead porcupine. Of course the wondering thoughts begin as to what killed the small creature.

Ruffed Grouse track in the frost

Another sight of rarity anymore were a series of grouse tracks. I sure miss hearing those drumming Ruffed Grouse and their thundering wings.

An old snag.

Frost

Old hornet’s nest

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A Winter Wonderland

Posted in Misc. Nature on February 8, 2020| Leave a Comment »

The winter of 2019 and 2020 has not produced a lot of snowfall this season. The snows we have had were not very heavy at all and any snow amounts have been less than a few inches in my area of the state. We have witnessed spring-like weather often. rain has been abundant during this year’s winter.

However, very early Friday morning (February 7) produced measurable snow. We received approximately five inches of beautiful snow. The trees were covered with snow. every limb and briar and grasses had snow weighing them down.

Mid morning found Laurie and I visiting a local state game lands for a hike. Very quickly into our walk produced a big flock of robins. I noticed a few Cedar Waxwings flying among the flock.

We walked and stopped periodically to view the snow-laden forest and feel the serenity of such a day.

The snow continued falling as we walked and I needed to hold my hand over the camera as much a possible to prevent much snow building up on the lens and camera body. At one point I stopped and removed the camera from around my neck to place it into my shoulder bag for protection. Suddenly, I heard vocalizations from Laurie. I looked up and a beautiful mahogany-colored Fisher moved across in front of us at about twenty-five feet. We were, both, thrilled to see this critter.

We circled around and found tracks two more times where the Fisher had moved across our where we would be walking.

This morning, (February 8) found me moving upslope prior to sunrise at another location in the Cherry Run area. the thick crabapple and dogwood hill side made moving tricky. I had to knock the snow off limbs at various places to keep the snow falling down my neck.

I covered the woodlands seeking photo opportunities to capture as much as this winter wonderland as I could find. As a photographer I looked about looking for shots I liked with good contrasts and compositions. I took some memory photos, too. These pics are simply a picture I want to have whenever I get to a place in my life of not being able to get out and enjoy. Such a photo may not be a good composition just a place I wish to remember.

I located deer beds at various places and would, at one point, see five deer. I found one fresh turkey tracks. Where are the rest?