While on a hike recently I noticed what looked like black charring around the base of several beech trees, that looked at first like someone had intentionally tried to start a fire at the base of these large trees. In each case though there was a white fuzzy/fluffy branch above the "char" mark. If you made a loud noise, the fluff started rippling in the breeze, except there was no breeze. I looked them up after getting home and they are Beech blight aphids AKA Boogie woogie bugs for their rhythmic dance behavior, and the "charring" on the ground is a sooty mold that grows on their poop.

2009 Iditarod rookie Nancy Yoshida ... unfortunately due to an accident early on in the race she had to scratch. The day before the official start of the race I spent the day with her sponsor, mentor and 14 time Iditarod racer Vern Halter and had a chance to check out her packed sled up close. Jodi-

Somewhere in IL on our trip down this year.

Sabbath7....maybe instead of a camera...software. I manipulated...uuuuh.....brought out the colors your eyes saw, but the camera didn't pick up because it needed more light, either a longer exposure or a + light modification, cloudy day setting or just use Lightroom software. Then if your shutter stays open longer you'll need a tripod. :0) Digital photography is about manipulation, sometimes with an f stop or a filter...or a 300mm lens that cost $6K.....or ....start small....as long as the compositon is good....and it's VERY good as seen here....taken by YOU....then manipulate it.