Well, I’ve made a couple of trips in the past week. On the first trip (July 19), the tide was really low. I dove, headfirst into the mud, did some somersaults, and otherwise exploited the bottomless mud until it started raining. At that point, I had to climb out quickly and put the camera into it’s protective case. Once the camera was stowed, I went to another spot where I know that is a root just far enough below the surface that, when tied to it, I can just reach the surface for air. I fully expected to get rained on some more, so I was happily surprised when the weather improved and I was able to continue playing (off camera) for some time before the tide started coming back in and I was thoroughly exhausted. The video from that trip is now on-line in my clip store.

My second excursion was on July 22 and the astronomical tide was lower than on the 19th. However, due to a strong wind tide, the tide level was a full 6 inches higher than on the 19th. As you all know, I take what I can get, and do the best I can. Since my really deep spots were under water, I picked a higher, shallower spot, and I had my mate tie my wrists and elbows behind my back and tie my ankles together before I jumped into the thick, swamp mud for a spirited, but futile struggle. My mate was gracious enough to run the video camera, while I struggled, helplessly. Any day I can go out on the water, get tied up, and totally immersed in mud is a great day! The photo on the right was taken while I was getting rinsed off. I haven’t yet edited the video, but I’ll have some highlights on-line soon.

I also added 6 new pictures to the 2009 photo gallery.

I’m at least one trip behind, here. I went mudding on the 1st of July, but the tide did not go out enough to expose most of the mud. I managed to get immersed and play around for 30 minutes before the incoming tide overtook what little mud I had. July and August aren’t the best months for low tides, here in Eastern North Carolina. We’re also experiencing a lot of wind, which can work for you, or against you, in terms of tide levels; depending on the direction of the wind. I did shoot some video on the 1st of July. I’ll probably put some of that video on-line and announce it here, when I do.

I ventured out in my kayak last night. There was no hope of mudding, but I had a pleasant paddle and took some pretty photographs. If I get really lucky, I’ll get to spend some time in bondage this weekend. I have a new play partner who is also a rope bondage enthusiast.

I hope everyone in the northern hemisphere is enjoying their summer. I intend to make the most of it, and I’ll try to keep you all up to date on my adventures. For those of you in the southern hemisphere, winter won’t last forever! In the mean time, I’ll try to shoot enough photos and video to keep you warm down there.