On Trail With Nibi Mocs

Another wonderful day of photography in north central Minnesota. I took the bog walk at Lake Bimidji State Park, where I photographed more Showy Lady Slippers and a few other flowers; traveled the roads in the area looking for more flowers to photograph and found a Yellow Mocassin, some Indian Paintbrushes and more; took a quick tour of Itasca State Park, and ended up back at the resort. Very quiet evening so I went for a long paddle on Stocking Lake. The surface was smooth as glass most of the time. Perfect paddling!

I need to get to bed “early” tonight to rest up for the long trip home tomorrow. No time to process and post any photos. I promise to update the blog with the “rest of the story” and more photos over the weekend. My apologies for the delay.

Had a nice nap, ate supper, then headed out in the canoe once more. Gloria and Dave, neighbors of the resort, were kind enough to let me photograph some more Showy Lady Slippers on their property.

After several shots, I headed back out on the lake in the canoe. I came across 2 very laid back loons in a sheltered bay. Another reason to stop and take photos.

One of the loons actually slept most of the time I was there.

I managed to get among my best loon shots ever.

I then quietly paddled away, leaving them to hang out in their protected bay.

Not far away, I spotted a Great Blue Heron. He was obscured by some grass but I could see that he was carrying something, presumably a fish, in his beak. I observed and photographed from a distance, not wanting to disturb his meal. Photos were tough to get thanks to the grass. It wasn’t until I was processing this photo that I found out he didn’t have a fish! It was some kind of rodent in his mouth. I did watch as he swallowed it whole.

Once again, I find myself up way too late blogging. I want to get an early start in the morning. My plans include a trip to Lake Bimidji State Park where, a friend assures me, I’ll find plenty of Lady Slippers and oher flowers to photograph. I’m also going to try to find time to visit Itasca State Park.