I love your username. Would you mind how you came up with it please?

Thanks,

"George"

Both express my hobbies/free time choices. I’m long retired now, still do both at 73. Admittedly, when I joined DU in 2004, I was hiking further and at elevation (in California). Now we live in the low country of SC hiking through swamps

In my twenties I invested some time hiking a section of The Long Trail in VT, another summer on the AT from CT into ME. A decade later I took a three-day-weekend from work to return to ME. A co-worker lent me her lakeside cabin not far from Mt. Katahdin and set aside a day to climb the mountain.

It took the whole day. A hot August day. But what a day. I'll never forget making the hike; in particular getting through and across the scary Knife
Edge and the daunting Chimney.

Recently I watched a movie titled "Lost on a Mountain in Maine" (online for free for amazon prime members). Check it out. Remarkable story, well-done film. Any hiker can appreciate what that twelve-year-old boy went through.

I envy your stamina and determination. I've not worn hiking boots in four decades. I'm seventy-three as well. Memories remain nonetheless. Good,
bad, indifferent. But mostly recollections of success.

We lived one mile from the AT when we lived in NY. We only hiked in both directions for day hikes. I liked to sit there and meet the occasional thru hiker.

We took a year off in our 20’s and camped around the US and Canada. We hiked in many National and State parks and forests. I wish I was in that kind of shape again.

I hope nothing ever takes my memory away.

Gorgeous bird & great pix

Thanks so much for posting it.

Those raptors are simultaneously beautiful and dangerous looking to me.

Love your pic

The name form the auldphart ,s Pipe band from Penticton BC a small group Pipers a drummers more or less from marching Bands due to age inching my self … 1936 working my way to 90…Penticton boys call themselves the Auldpharts…I miss my time with the Pipe Band,, Are you the Democratic politician ? I follow US politics a little bit. Just curious. Love your pics all the same plus BonArts the forest rangers pics.

I chose George McGovern for my username because I voted wholeheartedly for him for president. Broke my heart when he lost. I consider Mr. McGovern the greatest president who never was.

I suspected yours had something to do with "old fart." I've never listened to a pipe band. What instrument did you play? Was yours a marching band? It sounds like you were a part of a musical family, which could be rewarding and great fun.

In came along in 1952 in Hartford, Connecticut. I congratulate your approaching 90. Never been to Canada, but I'd love to sometime or another. I have to say, young fella, with the state of American politics emigration is a consideration.

Do you have a spare room? (just kidding). Thanks of your kind comments!

"George"

I am the big drum beater, keeping time. Use to do trips south for your 4th July Republic and Colville W… Canadian holidays, Remembtance Day … our group play with local Bands . Penticton, Nelson Trail…..
We don’t do the WA s rate at present. …Army pipe Bands ,aspiring piper
Without getting involved with the present state of affairs., you
Get my drift, sad times indeed… This will pass soon.

Do you know what kind of hawk?

Please share details. I am an optics nut (I did optical engineering) and no EXIF info, so I'm asking. Regardless of details, you seem to have a steady hand, which is a great sign.

Love it.

Unfortunately I lost the EXIF over time making copies of the image. All I can tell you is that the camera used was an Olympus E-M1 Mark II with an Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 Pro set for 15 frames per second. The shot shown was the 3rd or 4th of several taken.

In my world, I don't go beyond 200mm full frame with the Nikon Z lenses, but two things:

1. I use a Coolpix for focal lengths beyond 200. The entire camera is cheaper than a long lens for interchangeable lens cameras.

2. All my Nikkor lenses from the 70's on work with the FTZ adapter.

My last Olympus was a Pen-F. I gave it to my Mom, who took great photos, Manual focus and match-needle metering and all.