Field Journal: Stuck in the Muck

Jim Newman, Producer

Monday, December 11, 2006 — For some reason tidal flats have figured in a number of my stories lately. And that means developing a familiarity with mud on a scale that can be intimidating. Hauling yourself around in hip waders is tough enough but when you add slogging a considerable distance through a landscape with the consistency of oatmeal it becomes downright burdensome, in my opinion.

Being out on some bay at low tide poses risks to the gear, too. Drop a camera in the mud and you have a problem. And with the tide coming in you have to keep a sharp eye out for water creeping up on tape decks and lenses and such.

And then there's the question of personal safety — more or less the subject of this video.