The blog of writer, photographer, Randy J. Cole. The blog will include personal thoughts on todays issues as well as stories I have written of interest from travel,Thai food,to politics. Randy is a published writer whose stories have been featured in Northwest newspapers. One such story was edited by Mr. Ben Stein.
The attractive little fellow pictured is a King Eider duck. One of the 258 species of birds that spend the summer in the Arctic, giving birth to new generations. The unfortunate truth this year is the birds returned to their birth place a little too early. The North Slope is still covered in ice and snow and is very slow to turn into the normal spring the birds are accustomed to. This photo was taken yesterday and most likely he has already fallen victim to the hunger pains of the Raven or perhaps a red, or arctic fox. Mother Nature can be cruel and in the arctic it is demonstrated on a regular basis.
Winter arrived on the North Slope today. It arrived on the wings of 30+ mph winds. If this is any indication, it will be a long tough winter. It was as though someone turned on a light switch. Sadly, I know that many of the young tundra swans were not ready for the change. The parents will follow there instincts and head south, leaving their young to the mercy of Mother Nature. How painful that must be. You know they must feel the pain as they are a loving creature. They mate for life and will not take on another mate if death should separate them. The loss of their young would be unbearable. Next year, we will look up toward the vast Alaska sky; we will see the pairs of swans return to continue the cycle. It is truly an amazing story in the book of life.
I just felt as though I wanted to share a random photo with you of a random scene in the northwest part of Montana, an area that I currently call home. Did I mention that the Random Mobile (my PT Cruiser) is also featured here. It is such a beautiful area with so many things to see. While growing up in Montana, I seem to have gotten lost in being a kid and I really did not see the wonders of the area at the time. I remember being in the countryside cutting fire wood with my dad. We would take a lunch break and he would sit on a log and eat his food while looking at the surrounding mountains. My dad was just simply enjoying the clean air and the views that abound in Montana. I missed out because I could only think of getting home and enjoying the last few hours of my weekend. I let my father down because I know that he was trying to make me understand how fortunate I was for being born in such a great place. I left Montana in 73 to serve in the Air Force. I never really thought I would end up back in Libby, Montana, but I did. I look around at all of the mountains, lakes, streams and the wildlife, and I wonder why I missed it the first time around. While my kids are with me for visits in Montana, I find myself trying to point out to them the same things my father tried to show me. I get the same response that he did. I guess it is Karma. The difference is that things are changing so fast in our world that my kids might not have the second chance that I was given. If I could have one more chance to cut wood with my dad, I would do it in a heart beat. I would eat my lunch with my eyes wide open and take in as much beauty as could.
In 1923 when Thailand was known as Siam and ruled by King Vajiravudh Rama the VI, it was decided that because of the Kings poor health that a new palace be built for his rest and relaxation. King Rama decided to design the palace himself and did in fact complete a rough design. The palace was constructed out of golden teak wood. The entire structure was erected on top of 1080 pillars as shown in the photo. At the base of each pillar is a small mote. Each mote was filled with water to keep ants and other unwanted insects from gaining access into the palace. After the construction was complete, King Rama only enjoyed the structure as a summer getaway for two years before dying. The palace and grounds over the past several years have been renovated and is a favorite destination for tourist and locals alike.
This photo was the motivation for the words. Created in 2006 for my company. I hope they mean something to you.
