Sunday, March 15, 2009

Nearing the finish line

Click to enlarge
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A few weeks ago we joined some friends who live much further out in the sticks on a nature walk to celebrate (read: preserve and protest the development of) the unique character and vegetation of Israel's Sharon Plain. The walk itself was a bit of a bust - it was promoted on television and the crowds which turned out quickly overwhelmed the small site. The overcrowding wasn't helped by the weather either - after being rained out the previous week, that day marked the first of Israel's spring sharav's - terribly hot and dusty winds similar to Southern California's Santa Ana's which blow up from North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula and suck every drop of moisture right out of the air, making you feel like you are being blown about in the world's largest clothes dryer. The temperature that day soared well up into the nineties (mid to upper thirties celsius) and after just a few minutes (and a few quick photos which you'll see in future posts) we packed it in and headed for the relative cool of our friends' home and a backyard barbecue. Here you see the end of our short walk, when a certain small blond child just couldn't take the heat, the dust, or the crowds anymore. Luckily she had a dad there to carry her out in style.
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Oh, and lest you get too jealous and become tempted to say that at least it was warm here, the sharav broke by the following day, the rain returned and the temperatures dropped a good twenty-five degrees.
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More monochrome magic can be found here.
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25 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well, it is nice to have record of the occasion but from your description - rather you than me.

Gilit Frank said...

Yes, it was a hot day in Israel, but a relief from all that rain. The country desperately needs it, but why did it have to rain two weekends in a row? Just wondering, was that hike also connected to the protest of building in the Kadima forest?

Robin said...

Yes, it was. And it rained three weekends in a row, not two. But who's counting? Sigh... I am SO SO SO ready for warmth and sunshine. This winter in March thing is for the birds!

Libby's Library said...

Our weather has been crazy here too. Up in the high eighty's for a couple of days, and now only getting up to around 65. Drizzly rain, and then scorching sunshine.

Bim said...

No, your description doesn't make that weather sound tempting at all - your kid doesn't look too dissatisfied in her seat, though. Maybe we should all be jealous that she has somebody to make long walks in the heat more bearable.

Carver said...

That shot reminds me of back when my daughter was that age. Our hikes often ended just like that. I like the photograph and post.

Tim said...

I hope your muse is back to stay. I really enjoy your blog.

As for mine, time and lack of a muse are wearing. :)

Anonymous said...

I am sooooooooo looking forward to some warmer weather.

I don't like it too hot either...
:-/
The shot is typical "poor dad".

Mojo said...

Had to chuckle at Dina's "poor dad" comment. Yeah, I know he was just hating this. You know, like you just hate having to finish that last scoop of chocolate ice cream. This shot is just ... heartwarming.

I've been in climates that suck every bit of moisture out of the air before. The Upper Mojave Desert is like that. Utterly amazing. You only think you know what "dry" is until you've experienced it.

And while I can't say I was a big fan of it, there's a certain forbidding beauty in the desert you won't find anywhere else.

Catherine said...

A few years later, parents regret these moments. Hopefully, you made those magic instants unforgetable.
I love picture that aren't posed.
Concerning weather, we're always complaining. What can we do else ?

Anonymous said...

.......and we complain about the weather in England! Lovely monochrome.

Jane Hards Photography said...

We do moan too much about the weather here. Lovely image to document the event.

Anonymous said...

Enjoyed reading about your walk that was supposed to be a protest. Doesn't sound like a day you want to be venturing out.

Glad you have some rain. I read Australian blogs, and I get so sad. It's all scorcher torture there.

Carolina said...

This picture tells a tale, even without your vivid description of the walk. Sorry that the dry spell didn't last long.

Anonymous said...

Walking...isn't that like...healthy or something? Pity that you had to deal with crowds.
Backyard barbecue sounds better to me, anyway. lol

deedee said...

Isn't spring weather weird...but a walk outside is always a good thing, crowds and all.

Daryl said...

I am one of those 'I'll meet you after' people .. but this is a wonderful shot ..

Anonymous said...

Let's hear it for the best laid plans ... Lovely monochrome photo all the same!
Hugs and blessings,

Janet said...

I'm glad she had someone to help her :-)

Unknown said...

What a sweet shot. I enjoyed reading about your little hike and adventure. It brought back memories of when we'd take the girls on outings and all the perils we managed to navigate them past. :-)

I just momentarily distracted: I glanced down to see the following inscription on one of your blog badges: "the more boobs the better". A breastfeeding frenzy online? I'm all for it! I'm going to check it out now.

Gina

Unknown said...

Wonderful shot!

Mariz said...

So sweet of the father to do this, what a very nice photo. Loved it!

Mix Pix
Reflections by Mariz

vincibene said...

Lovely picture!

Anonymous said...

I miss the rain and we don't get any here in Dubai past the month of January.

Lovely photo of daughter and dad. Robin, forgive me for saying this but your DH looks sexy from the back! *ducks in shame*

Anonymous said...

Well the weather is interesting where I live too..more moist and humid though..the storm we had forcasted here past but then lightening came..no down pour?
Nice dad could carry her..nice shot-