Cue the ballet music - - These synchronized swimmers were captured by Ryan Rizor before two of them turned on the third and chased it away.

SPECIAL NOTE FOR ALL GALLERY CONTRIBUTORS: Here's a tip on uploading to your album most efficiently, which Ryan did with his pictures. First, use a large resolution (Ryan used 2272 x 1704). Do not 'pre-process' your picture - - instead let the Gallery reduce it. Ryan's shot was reduced by the Gallery to 700 x 525, which makes a good slide show size. If you are scanning pictures (not from a digital camera) make sure to capture a file wider than 700 pixels. Then let the Gallery reduce it. Ideally your original should be at least 1600 pixels wide, then it could possibly be used for Wallpaper of the Week or in the Pasty Cam Calendar.

On another note, I've discovered that pasties are big in New Zealand. Apparently a lot of Cornish folks migrated here in the past, and brought them along the same as they did to the U.P. The biggest difference between Cornish and U.P. style pasties: while both have rutabaga, the U.P. pasties also have some carrots for a touch of sweetness. Oooo - - everytime I talk about this my mouth waters, like Paavola's dogs. Or was it Pavlov? That rings a bell.

my message for today is Good Morning and Wake up Upper Peninsula.

Had a New Hampshire pasty last night - no carrots or rutabagas for us - just lots of sweet parsnips, onions, and red beets!

My mother made pastys in Wakefield. My Dad took his to the Sunday Lake Mine. Meat, potatos, onions,and rutabagas--YES. Carrots--NEVER!

If you search the pastycam archives for "flag" , the second listing will bring you to the page of 9-15-01 with two wonderful flag photos appropriate for today, Patriot's Day. One of the Stillwater's flag at half mast and a composite photo of two famous pictures.
God Bless America

Anyone notice the absolutely awesome sunrise that has been provided for us over the past couple of days? Definitely has a devine touch to it. My son told me this morning that is a tribute to all those who lost their lives in the bloodshed two years ago today. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families today.

Very tasteless to put swans up on Patriot's Day. Shame on you pasty.com!!! I agree with Kathy that you could have picked a past picture to commemorate the sadness of the day.

Dear Lynda,

On behalf of our residents and staff who work so hard to maintain this website, I apologize if you found today's peaceful scene offensive. All of us were also deeply moved by the tragedy in New York, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania two years ago today. A photo of three swans is perhaps more appropriate than you give us credit for.

We have not forgotten.

I agree,
We should never forget what happen two years ago today.

I agree, we should NEVER forget the awful turn of events on this day. It will forever stand out in my mind.

To be appreciative of beauty does not necessarily indicate disrespect of tragedy. The last thing I would call the picture of swans is tasteless, regardless of the anniversary of 9/11.
I remember 12/7/41 also, but I hold it in my heart and don't need patrotic jingoism to prove my belief in this country.

How can we forget? Why do we remember?
Because we are Americans, and the world mourns with us to forever memorialize this date in American history.

I like the swans. They are peaceful.

Swans? Peaceful? They are very aggressive.

Richard, Indiana--Thank you. Very well put.

If the swans are so aggressive, then maybe it is appropriate that they were the "shot of the day" to continue to remind us all that we are still just as vunerable today as we were two years ago today, and that at any moment we might again have to relive that day and 1941 and on and on and on.
Let us all just stop for a moment give thanks and hope we make it to another day.

Lighten up on the swans..what more can we ask for than the tranquillity this picture depicts.

AMEN to Dave and Richard's comments. Keep up the good work Charlie!

We here in our town of Lemoore California are remembering one of own who died in the Pentagon on September 11. His name is LCDR Otis Tolbert. He was in his office doing his job. Please remember him, his family and all those who lost their lives that day.

We have 2 sailors (Hospital Corpsman) still in Iraq from the Naval Hospital where I work at here at Naval Air Station Lemoore. They are taking care of our Soldiers and Marines over there. Also please remember them in your prayers. Pray for their safety and swift return home.

Thank you

How sad that instead of honoring those Americans who died in the tragedy of 9-11-01, people are focused on what picture appears on the site today. I appreciate all this site calls to my attention or I wouldn't take the time to visit almost daily. Sometimes a picture deeply touches me, at other times I don't relate personally to it but I realize that thousands of people visit here and perhaps on those days when I am not touched, someone else is. These are some of those things we expect as Americans, our freedom to voice our opinions in a public forum without fear of retaliation. We can be different from one another and live relatively peacefully in the same country. Many of our fellow humans on Earth would treasure one day with the very things we take for granted every day. Along with remembering those who gave their lives 2 years ago, we should also think of those less fortunate than ourselves whether here or elsewhere and be grateful we have the things we do.

"A PICTURE SPEAKS A THOUSAND WORDS"
We each relate to a scene in our own way, depicting the meaning behind it, so please remember TODAY'S pick was focused on 9-11, and the many ways today's choice reflects on the tragedy:
Peaceful, serene, reflection, quiet, and three; three places on American soil to honor those who died, their families, and all who mourn today.
Never meant any disrespect, I'm sure!!!!

Well said, Dave in Virginia,Richard, and D in MN.
We are all Americans and have the right to reflect as we each feel is right in our own way. Great job Charlie keep up the good work. Now lets all enjoy this great site that Charlie and everyone works so hard on.And say a prayer for those lost 2 yrs ago.

Very well said D, Dave, and Richard. And Kudos to the people at pasty cam for their fine work. Some others need to back off on the amount of coffee they are drinking or something! I seriously doubt that any American has forgotten what happened two years ago or in 1941 for that matter. But I think we americans generally like to characterize ourselves as a peaceful people who enjoy the greatest freedom of any nation on this planet.... However if provoked we will defend our freedom vigorously... this is similar to the swan... it looks tranquil and placid, but it is very capable of defending itself...

Perhaps if you would have put a more appropriate caption under the photo of the swans...instead of cue to ballet music! As D from Lake Linden said:
"Peaceful, serene, reflection, quiet, and three; three places on American soil to honor those who died, their families, and all who mourn today." That would be a more appropriate caption.

Well said " Colorado Dave." Amen to that!!!!!!

What happened in 1941???

What is the dark spot at the bottom of the neck of the swan on the right? Banding? Did a pasty get stuck? Portable webcam? Tin can? What kind of swans are these? Hey Toivo, yah, sure dey got da Cornish pasties down there down under but have you dared to eat a traditional New Zealand mince meat pie? Are you brave enough? Kia Ora from your yooper friend in Northern California.Watch out for da hu-hu bugs!!!

Somebody always has to gripe,maybe 2 gallons of indutrial strength Pepto Bismol taken orally would help!

To Kid...

"December 7 1941.... A day that will live in infamy..." President FDR. That was Pearl Harbor dude... Don't they teach that in our schools anymore??

Wow...I agree with Dawn. Why the complaints of any kind. No one is perfect! Whatever the picture means to you...."Unless you have something nice to say...then please keep it to yourself". Charlie...Toivo....and all the staff...I appreciate everything you do here. I commend Ryan for his beautiful pictures. He truly has an eye for God's beauty. It is fine to remember those who died 2 yrs ago....It was very tragic indeed. I myself, however, have chosen to become more aware of the good things the Lord provides for us. These swans are a perfect example....so lighten up everyone!

How do you post a picture on here from an e-mail I recieved? I got two spectacular pictures today taken by a firefighter, fighting the fires out west. They are breathtakingly beautiful, yet a reminder how tragic these fires can be. I'm still learning about computers and how to operate them. Please tell me and I will transfer them for all to see.

I thought the hot debate topic of the day would be what goes in a Pasty. It almost caused a divorce in Wakefield.
Lighten up.

I'd swear that the Portage is frozen over in the bridgecam picture!

What I find intriguing is that we talk about peace, and how we all want peace to come upon this earth. Yet, we can't even be at peace with ourselves and others on a message board. Peace begins inside each of us, and if we can't find the beauty and freedoms in the every day things, than we'll never make any progress.

Well said, Amy.

Hey, John in New Hampshire, you aren't my brother John who used to live in Kalamazoo, are you? Somehow I can't see you eating parsnips and beets, but that "New Hampshire Pasty" sure sounds good.

I think Amy has the right ideal and message

Scheesh:
FDR???? Was he the one who wore the round eye glasses and said "Bully!".

I can't believe I can answer Kate, CA's question before Mr. Wheatman does. My answer will not be as interesting but here goes. The three swans are Cygnus buccinator (sorry, I forgot how to get italics), the native Trumpeter swan. The black band on the right hand swan is a band used for identification. These bands are attached by liscenced ornithologists to study the breeding, migration and general health of the swan community and the individual swan. Swans can be aggressive, usually during mating/nesting periods. Otherwise they'd just as soon leave people alone. What I like about ducks/geese and other swimmers is that when they are swimming up river they look so calm and assured above the water, but are paddling like mad underneath!

Ahh - freedom of speech - it is definitely something special to defend. Thank you veterans, thank you current (and fallen) heroes fighting abroad and securing at home.

Thank you Lynda from NJ for your opinion - nobody ever said we should only make comments that everyone agrees with.

Thank you Charlie for this terrific site and thanks to Toivo for your unique perspective!

A thankful American...

Swans always remind me of cruising battleships, yet there is something peaceful about them. I find it odd that exception is taken to their picture here on the cam. I agree with Richard from Indiana. Patriotism isn't something thats kept in a box to hauled out on special occasions just because the calendar turns a special date. It should be lived everyday. How many still display the flag they hurriedly purchased two years ago? I see only one in our parking lot today. It seems very few people these days even know the years of the wars we fought this century, much less the casualty figures. Who remembers the 400,000 servicemen KIA in WW2? Remember the Vietnam era when 250 KIA per week was not unusual? Some people do, and for them patriotism has a special meaning..every day.

If you haven't thanked a vet today, maybe you should! The freedom we enjoy is brought to you by a vet - so instead of judging someone else's rememberance of today, be sure to thank those who got us the freedom we do enjoy today. Personally, I would like to thank the Z-man whose Zs contributed greatly to our freedom. Z-man: Thanks for the ZZZZZZ's!!

SUZY~~
There are two ways to post a picture on Pasty.com.

1. Request a gallery by going to this link:
Pasty Cam Photo Submission Policy
Please be sure to read #1 under, Images submitted to Pasty Central

2. Pasty.com is no longer accepting photo attachments to emails received. If you ever want to bring a particular photo to Pasty.com's attention, simply cut and paste the URL of the photo (from your Pasty Cam Gallery, or any other
website) and email the link to photos@pasty.com

No matter which method you choose, be sure to read the submission policy linked above.

Red, White, and Blue! Is there any other way?
God Bless America and those who have given the supreme sacrifice so that we may enjoy life!!

By Mary Drew on Thursday, September 11, 2003 - 04:25 pm:

I meant to add this to my post up there...

God Bless America

I have gone thru three flags flying non-stop over my porch since 9/11/01. I fly it to show my love for this country, those who have died for it, and for those who continue to serve and protect us.
I don't understand why some folks took down there flag at some point. Put up your flag today, and leave it up!

I like the way you walk, I like the way you talk, SuzieQ

Ryan - Nice shot.

Pasty Central - Three attacks on the U.S. 2 years ago today and today 3 lovely swans. I find this appropiate. God Bless the USA and of course da U.P.!!!

I say keep up the nice photos pasty cam... I guess you just cant please everyone all the time..I like your pics everyday ... keep them coming... thanks Julie B.

Mary Drew, thank you for flying our flag. Some people never stopped the practice, and some didnt need 9/11/01 to make them start the practice.

For all we get to express, for all we get share, gee.....that's why I love this country....I love my freedom....I have much to be thankful for... and many to thank....and dear vets and troops, we love you, too!

I like to visit this website, because, for just a few minutes each day, it helps me forget about the sometimes "crazy" world we live in and remember that there ARE still beautiful, peaceful places. We are bombarded every day by the images on the TV, and stories on the news. It's nice to just sit back in my chair everyday, log onto this website, take a nice deep breath,and say "Ahhhhhhhhhh". I'm happy that this website is here to provide some much-needed relief from the everyday, hectic, crazy, sometimes very sad world. So - thanks to all who bring us these beautiful photos.

dave and amy stated it very well GOD BLESS AMERICA and those wonderous swans

When I first saw the swans, how reflective could we be? Wheen I saw them, I was reminded of the need to pause, reflect and pray.


AMEN

Four attacks... don't forget...

LET'S ROLL !!!!!

Don't forget about them!

Connie - The attack to which you refer was the plane which crashed in Pennsylvania, one of the three attacks already cited above. There were four planes hijacked, but only 3 locations of impact: Washington DC (Pentagon), New York (both towers) and Pennsylvania (known for 'Let's roll' call to action)

I like the swans. Thanks Charlie and Ryan.
Peace.

Isn't it great that we live in a country where we can opinionate this much, this deeply and this shallowly and then we can even get in our car and drive 700 miles(for me)to the beautiful u.p. whenever we want to,cash permiting?!

This is truly the most civilized website on the web. Please do not tell the "others" about us or we will have the screaming profane "ones" about us, unless of course Charlie zaps them......What a wonderful and diverse group of folks. Flying to CMX (that would be Houghton/Hancock) on Saturday for a day or so of priority scheduling. You can read that as getting my head together in the UP. I might even check out Fake Lake at the tip and see how the yuppie subdivision is coming along.

We enjoyed these swans in the gallery and again today. Our flag was flying before 9/11/01 and is still up today. Does anyone remember Vince Gill and his daughter singing "Let there be peace..... and let it begin with me?" The families of that awful day are still in our prayers. We sure are blessed to be living here in da UP.

This morning as I photographed the beautiful sunrise I remembered two years ago this day when I photographed the sunrise over Fanny Hooe Lake in Copper Harbor never dreaming of the terrible things to come on that day. In fact we didn't find out about it until we stopped for lunch in Eagle Harbor and they had a televison going in the dining room. I couldn't believe it was real I thought at first it was just a movie!

RD Iowa-I beg to differ. 4 points of impact.
If you think that's wrong try and convince the families of the brave souls on that last plane.

Well put Connie LETS ROLL!

Ed. note: It appears RD was referring to the 3 geographical areas involved. There were 4 plane crashes that day, but 2 occurred at the WTC.

Are the swans still living in the bay near the Baraga state park between Baraga and L'Anse? I recall seeing them there for many yeas as we passed by the area.

So with all this discussion regarding those swans, does anyone know what they taste like??

PSmith: There is one swan in the L'Anse area now. Number 83E http://pasty.com/pcam/Z-man/P9050138c

Hm. Just wondering: What do others think why the terroristic act of 9/11 did happen? The picture I get out of the news is not trustworthy, if there's anything about that question at all.
But no matter, things like these should be remembered - fully and including all there is and was.

Thanks, Kevin, Any credit for "Let's Roll" should go to Todd Beamer. I appreciate your comment, though!

to PSmith. Also remember the swans between Barage & Lanse. Saw them often by that cool house on the little island. It was for sale a few years ago
-dream on.
Great shot again today. People should remember that the reason most of come to this great site is for the great pics of the U.p. We
keep up on world events in other arenas.
That said- god bless our troops.