Thanks so much for the nice comments Bob. You are right about the lens. I just love the DA * 60 - 250... even though it is heavy I am going to have to wrestle it out of Norman's kit and take it and a tripod for a walk. Oh, the dogs were with us, for some reason I did not include any pics with them frolicking.
UpNorth... I was unhappy with the two missing images and reworked them, then forgot to substitute the new link. I added them in now. I am glad you told me which one you like best as I might enter one of these in a little fall photo contest with one of the canoeing forums. btw, that tourist sees a photo opt and RUNS to the spot which is always front and centre of my own photo opt...
thanks again for looking and for the great comments!