31 Comments
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Beverley Dickson's avatar

Lovely thought and such cuteness

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks Beverley.

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Michael's avatar

Lovely Sijo, subject, and sentiment. You are Bashō with an added camera.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thank you Michael and very much appreciated.

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Perry J. Greenbaum 🇨🇦 🦜's avatar

The raccoon seems safe and sound inside the tree hollow.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Agreed Perry - they certainly looked comfy.

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James Freitas's avatar

Love the way the raccoon looks out from the tree. So inquisitive. Great photos and Sijo, Neil.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks James. This racoon was definitely curious.

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Brian Funke's avatar

Neil that first picture is incredible. Reading your newsletter makes me want to take a hike with you, hanging about 10 yards back, simply to observe what you find and how you find it!

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks Brian and much appreciated. That is my favourite photo too. I'm really fortunate to have these encounters on my hikes. It has taken me about 3 years to learn some of the patterns and hidden places in this conservation area. :)

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John E. Dobbs's avatar

Love the raccoon and the poem!

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks @John E. Dobbs and much appreciated!

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Heidi Zawelevsky's avatar

This is an amazing Raccoon series, Neil. The sijo is wonderfully descriptive. I'll be looking higher the next time I walk in the woods. (Btw, did you get a chance to read Ch. 19 of the detective story?)

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks Heidi and I'll be sure to read chapter 19 today!

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Heidi Zawelevsky's avatar

You are so kind and have spoiled me.:)

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Neil Barker's avatar

Haha, thanks @Heidi Zawelevsky!

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Heidi Zawelevsky's avatar

It's true:)

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Jos T's avatar

In these reflections,

you have found that place.

A part of us,

all.

Respect, Neil.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks JosT and much appreciated.

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Richard Blaisdell's avatar

Raccoon bandit hiding.

Hold up.

Waits for wind fall.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Nicely done with the poem and describes it well Richard!

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Richard Blaisdell's avatar

Thanks. Seen many a raccoon. Flip over trash cans to get scraps after a lobster fest. What a mess. Best made into coon skin caps. A Davy Crockett phase. Once upon a Tim.

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Pamela Leavey's avatar

Neil, I have always thought racoons were adorable but these photos have totally captured their impish personality! And the Sijo, so apt and perfect. What a wonderful find you have shared with us all! What a gift!

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks Pamela and very much appreciated! I like them as well - such interesting and intelligent creatures!

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Rachel A Listener's avatar

Really? Adorable? Until your trash bins are overturned and your separated trash has been disbursed over your property and necessitates another job of gathering and cleaning, which perhaps is not in your budgeted timeframe.

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Carole Roseland's avatar

Great shots! You must have very exciting woods to explore.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks @Carole Roseland and they are never boring!

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Birdsong Photoetry's avatar

Wow, what a moment!

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Neil Barker's avatar

I was definitely surprised to see them peeking out like this!

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SydneyMichalski🌿NatureMoments's avatar

"What can be done but to remain still and create your own peace." Such a beautiful sentiment, Neil! And a perfect accompaniment to that absolutely adorable little raccoon face :)

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks Sydney and much appreciated!

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