Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

June 21st, 2008

Just got back from a quick “business trip” to the Apostle Islands. Went kayaking in the sea caves area along the lakeshore on both Thursday and Friday. Thursday I was with a group from Trek n Trail Outfitters in Bayfield. On Friday, I went solo. The skies were better on Friday but there was a little more wave action.

I have plenty of photos to share but need to “process” them first. Here’s one for now though…

Apostle Islands, sea cave area -- Click on photo for larger view

I’ll share more later.

Need some help…

June 17th, 2008

Just entered a photo contest and popular votes count towards the results. Please see my portfolio at the contest’s website and give me as many stars as you can!

Thanks!

Busy Night at Chester Woods

June 17th, 2008

Sometimes, I go paddling at Chester Woods and hardly see any wildlife. Last night was definitely not one of those nights! It was a gorgeous evening and many creatures were out and about enjoying it.

When I first got to the lake, there were a few, puffy clouds.

Chester Woods -- Click on photo for larger view
Chester Woods -- Click on photo for larger view

Even they soon disappeared though. Further cloudscapes were out of the question and I paddled down the bay to the eagles’ nest. This particular evening, I was able to see both adults and this year’s eaglet. The latter was still hunkered down in the nest and I didn’t manage to get a good shot. The adults posed very nicely for me though…

Chester Woods -- Click on photo for larger view
Chester Woods -- Click on photo for larger view

Near where I was shooting the eagles, a large flock of geese and goslings hid in the grass along the shoreline.

Chester Woods -- Click on photo for larger view
Chester Woods -- Click on photo for larger view

Nearby, a deer browsed in the meadow

Chester Woods -- Click on photo for larger view

While a beaver chowed down on some vegetation in the lake… allowing me to drift quite close!

Chester Woods -- Click on photo for larger view

Turkeys were making a lot of noise near where I photographed the geese but never came out in the open. On my way back to the landing, owls were hooting and I saw a cormorant roosting in a dead tree. The nearly full moon was also tempting me. But I had to head for home.

Happy Father’s Day!

June 15th, 2008
Paddling on the Boone River-- Click on photo for larger view

Hope you get to spend some quality time with your Dad today — whether in person or not.

Last Night

June 13th, 2008

Last night, I took advantage of a break in the weather to go paddling at Chester Woods. First time since we lost Frodo so it was definitely a bittersweet event.

Thanks to all our recent rain, the lake was about 10 feet higher than usual. I paddled past sunken fishing piers, picnic tables and trash cans. The dock at the boat launch was a few yards from shore.

Fantastic cloud formations reflected in the calm water.

Reflections in Chester Lake -- Click on photo for larger view
Reflections in Chester Lake -- Click on photo for larger view

The bow of my canoe sure was empty without Frodo sitting there.

Reflections in Chester Lake -- Click on photo for larger view
Reflections in Chester Lake -- Click on photo for larger view

There was an eaglet on the nest I’ve been observing for the last several years. I took a bunch of obligatory shots but none worth sharing. Mostly, I just concentrated on the clouds. And, searching, in vain, for the turkeys gobbling along the shoreline.

Reflections in Chester Lake -- Click on photo for larger view
Reflections in Chester Lake -- Click on photo for larger view
Reflections in Chester Lake -- Click on photo for larger view
Reflections in Chester Lake -- Click on photo for larger view
Reflections in Chester Lake -- Click on photo for larger view

With the clouds, I was expecting a spectacular sunset. While definitely nice, it didn’t live up to expectations.

Reflections in Chester Lake -- Click on photo for larger view
Reflections in Chester Lake -- Click on photo for larger view

Although I stayed fairly late, I wasn’t anywhere near the last one off the water. It was such a nice evening, it was tough to leave. Yes, Frodo was missed but I definitely still enjoyed the paddle.

Reflections in Chester Lake -- Click on photo for larger view