A New Pursuit

Naomi and I have taken up a new hobby—target archery. We were looking for some exercise during the pandemic where we could get out of the house. We shoot at a public range in Needwood Park, which is in Rock Creek Park in Maryland. We particularly enjoy shooting in the early mornings when the sun rises.

What we also found is that archery is very meditative. It is an interesting combination of a physical and mental sport. The archer needs both the correct posture and process, known as form, and focus, both to concentrate on the process and to eliminate distractions. Shooting surrounded by woods is an added blessing. Click on the image of our spotting scope and a 40 cm target at a distance of 20 yards (18 m) for a larger view.

Sun Worshipers

on_the_road_ocean_cityThe few off-season residents in Ocean City, Maryland walking to the beach to greet the rising sun. What a strange power this dawn greeting has over humans, regardless of culture. The ritual seems to be partly driven by beauty, and partly by the optimism of a new day. We all know this event. We have experienced the sun rise above the horizon a multitude of times. Yet, each event seems new. Watching our star clearing the edge of our planet shows a world much bigger than ourselves. And, for a moment, we feel at peace. Click on the image for a larger view.