Jones River: A Duck's Eye View

A kid's movie.

This was a fun project. We - the JRWA crew - have been discussing film making concepts for almost 2 years now. We've had some common ideas and some individual ideas, but I think the stumbling block has always been execution. We are working with some folks with the equipment and expertise that will eventually generate a great product. But I continue to struggle with how to relate the concepts in my mind to others who might implement them.

So while I figure that out, I thought I'd try a DIY version. I spent a few days learning some under-appreciated features in Google Earth. With that as a basis, L. helped me develop the story outline. Then on a beautiful Friday afternoon we toured around and shot some targeted bulk footage in the hopes of catching some usable pieces. We then spent the next three days editing the footage and writing the story around the it.

Here's the end product. The audience is 5th graders in Kingston, who will get a look this Friday. It's a silent version for now as it suits the venue. A soundtrack will eventually follow.

The Sounds of Summer

Sometimes you get more than you expect.

Last night JC and I launched his boat in the Jones River...its summer home. At the start of this operation my expectations were low. I wasn't even sure we could fit his boat on my trailer. I thought our best case outcome was doing some trailer modifications over a few beers in his driveway.

Instead, we easily lifted the boat off its blocks and onto the trailer where it fit perfectly. Twenty minutes later we slipped it into the Jones. And five minutes after that we were heading out to the bay. The lower river and the bay were glassy calm and beautiful but no fish were in sight. After a few casts near Cripple Rocks we headed back into the river. On a hunch I suggested we drift past the mouth of Smelt Brook. As soon as we cut the motor the schoolies erupted all around us. We each landed fish before it was time to move on with the setting sun.

What a night. What a start.