Bringing the 2016 AO Games to a close ...

...our one and only P-Hummie, looking slightly worse for the wear.  It seemed fitting to have P close out the Games since he proudly represented Team NJ at the Opening Ceremonies.  And, although several of his progeny begged to take the role, I suggested that they honor the legend.  Although P and all of Team Hummie were in full glory for this afternoon's ceremonies, the weather was not at all cooperative bringing very dark conditions and rain.  This reporter crouched under an umbrella and shot this at 1/350, ISO 1100, f/4 - lots of wing blur.

The morning concluded with a few more minor medals, but the real highlight was a surprise appearance by a member of Team Titan Sphinx Moth who had evidently traveled quite a distance to give us a quick Nectaring routine. What a thrill!

Some extra out-takes of Team Hummie practicing their closing routines appears on Flickr - three photos starting HERE.  And for a glimpse of a future generation of Aerial Gymnastic champion, check out Extra for a candid portrait of P Junior.  

Your intrepid reporter woke up this morning with a bit of an intestinal upset, so reporting today has been a challenge.  An afternoon nap didn't help much, and I'm still dragging, but I'm sure I'll be fine by tomorrow.

I want to thank everyone who participated in the 2016 AOG.  I have been so totally entertained by all the wonderful photos and stories; and I hope you have been, too.  We'll be staging the next AOG in 2018 to coincide with the Winter Games...get ready!

Over and out,
Debbi