"A chance encounter on the Esopus River"
OR
"I should know better"

This day was earmarked to do an exploration and study of Platte Clove in the Catskill Mountains.
But the water flow was nearly non-existant, so I ended up just tooling around the mountains, taking
the long way home while scouting for other locations.

I arrived at the Esopus with the 5D on the tripod and a WA lens mounted for some flowing
water landscapes. The scene on the river wasn't as promising as it appeared from Rte. 28, but before
abandoning the site I decided to walk upstream where a bend and some white water was in evidence.
As I approached 1/2 way to the bend, I looked behind for a possible change in perspective, and something
prancing on the opposite bank downriver caught my eye. When I saw it wasn't a dog, but likely a deer
running upstream, I ducked to a shielded portion of the bank and commenced to change lenses,
drop the tripod, remove the remove release, and fiddle quickly to change the camera settings appropriately.
Frantic and excited, I managed to be ready as it neared and could note my presence. Whether it did I couldn't tell,
as it just kept going as if being chased.

But, as it was crossing my postion on the opposite bank I realized my ISO was not changed from 100, and the
shutter speeds were just too low. To change it would have taken me about 5 seconds, but that's all I had
as it was passing, so I just shot through it.

In the end, it was a big "Aaargh." I used to carry two bodies with a WA and telephoto at the ready, for
incidents exactly like this one. But I've been slowing down, as well as trying to pare down the gear weight
on outings (even when only leaving the car within sight). Chance encounters such as these can be few and
far between. But at least I was able to come away with this image. And at least I was carrying the 100-400
even though I had no notion of using during this session. It was an exciting few moments, though.
And a lesson learned. I'll be prepared next time, whenever that may be.

And I realize now, I forgot all about the bend up river. A reason to return.