Camera – check. SD card, formatted – check. Fully charged battery – check. Tripod, lenses, filters – check. Ready to go! It’s been over 20 years since I visited the Detroit Zoo, and I was off to meet a friend for an afternoon of photo shooting.
I guess I really hadn’t known what to expect, and didn’t think too much about it. I’d heard a ton about the butterfly exhibit, but the rest, I assumed there wouldn’t be too much to see outside in February, and we’d spend the majority of the day inside. WRONG!
I arrived at the parking garage and assembled what I was going to bring. Luckily, my thin knit gloves were with me, but I hadn’t brought with me any decent headwear. If it weren’t for the thick fuzzy hood of my winter coat which I promptly put on, I’d have not survived the day. Shoes? Totally inappropriate for the amount of walking we were about to do. I had on jeans, a long sleeve shirt, a winter coat, that’s about it. My smart friend had on comfortable tennis shoes, and long johns underneath. Note to self, take more time to think about what to bring.
We had a great time, although frigid, and I took over three hundred pictures. However, if I’d been warmer, I’d have taken my time. I look forward to returning in warmer weather, when I’m sure the shots will be better, with more animals moving about, and the foliage in bloom.
Today’s lack of forward thought and preparation reminded me of all the times I’ve taken off on my bike without thinking ahead, ie, not bringing warm gear or clear glasses. It’s the start of a beautiful warm summer day, you make plans to take the whole day and ride. And you keep going, and keep going…. until you finally realize the fun has to come to an end and it’s time to turn back. If it’s not dark already, it will be soon, and when you left it was 80 degrees. You can’t see at all through your sunglasses, do you have clear glasses for the ride home? Did you stuff a jacket in your saddlebag? Gloves? Did you plan to ride home in the cool night air? If you’re like me, when I pull out of my driveway, my only thought is the hot summer sun on my skin and the wind in my face.
Now, I always make sure to carry at least a warm jacket and clear glasses. I’ve been caught too many times. Plus my veteran rider husband asks me before we leave if I have all my gear. He could make the best Boy Scout look totally unprepared.
So what are you? Totally ready every time? Wing it? With riding season around the corner, I’ll be soon be sharing what to pack in your saddlebags for that upcoming 80 degree day.
Seriously, do you prepare?
I’m sorry that you were so chilly today! I wasn’t exactly sure how much we would have been outside today either because of the predicted snow and animals being outside to view. I think we were pretty lucky to see what we did today. Made me appreciate when we did shoot inside though! Being I don’t like the cold much at all, I always try to dress as warm as I can no matter how long I will be outside. However, I definitely think I could have used something for my head/ears.
PS I hope you don’t mind I saved a copy of the photo for myself that you posted in your blog 🙂
🙂 no prob at all, it was worth it! I’ll shoot you a hi res of the photo..
I keep an excel spreadsheet with a list of things to bring and a checklist…why – because I know me – I am so excited about the trip that I forget things.
One tab for each type of adventure even vacations.
Good idea! I just started using Evernote, I think I’ll set up some lists and sync them to my iPod..