A Bad Day Shooting

[bob williams]

I originaly posted this on the Bird Thread, but thought some of you non-birders might enjoy as well:

The day after Christmas, not much going on,
My wife and I packed up just after dawn.
The roads were clear and the snow was deep
I thought this could offer some photos to keep

After 70 miles of ice and snow
The man at the gate said "sorry, were closed"
Disappointed I was, no entry today
after all of this driving and nowhere to play

I soon realized with all of my load
I could pull over and shoot from the road
So I slowed my truck and pulled to the right
When I saw a Redtail Hawk in perfect light

I quietly exited so not to disturb
pulled out my tripod and walked to the curb
I opened my box and to my dismay
I realized my camera and lens in my house still lay

Not all is lost as I thought to my self
my back-up is here and not on the shelf
So I mounted my lens and prepared to do battle
with this bird in the tree I have yet to rattle

As I held my camera with the settings just right
I aimed at the bird in the perfect light
with the view before me, I was enthralled
until I realized... NO CARD INSTALLED

I have lots of cards and memory and such
but not in this box and not in this truck.
so I packed up my stuff and headed to town
with nothing to show but a grimacing frown

My wife kept quiet so not to offend
but I could see her smirking deep within.
I knew my wife couldn't leave it alone
She called all her friends on the long ride home

So take it from me, these lessons learned
check all your gear and leave your wife at home.

[Raid]

A few years ago I did a similar thing only it was flat batteries. The batteries went flat after about 10 shots, in a room full of new years eve party guests. I had a battery grip on the body, but I didn’t bring the AA cradle. I went all the way home charged my batteries and packed the AA cradle. When I reentered the room everybody cheered/jeered.

Being a nerd, I have now created a trip check list (on my phone) so that I don’t forget anything.

PS: I wonder how long it will be before the brain cells go totally and I forget the phone checklist… or even the phone.

[Steve U]

Lovely poem Bob and probably perfect therapy to help you deal with this situation. Sometimes the grace and support we need is not forthcoming from those we love the most. Most times I deserve the treatment I get, but in this circumstance, I feel your pain.
Happy holidays.