On Trail With Nibi Mocs

OK, didn’t get back to this by the end of the weekend as promised — close though.

Here are some of the Showy Ladyslipper photos I took along the Bog Walk at Lake Bemidji State Park:

Walking back to the car, I spotted some of these flowers. I don’t have a clue what they are.

There was an abundance of wild roses.

And, I finally found a Columbine that sat still long enough for me to get a decent photo.

A friend had told me to check out nearby County Road 22. I’m glad I did! I wouldn’t have found this Yellow Moccassin otherwise.

or, this large, colorful patch of Indian Paintbrush, thistles, and other flowers.

I headed back south again and visited Itasca State Park. Here’s a scene along the wildnerness drive.

I did some hiking and found some beautiful gems, such as Coffee Break Lake.

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Back at the resort, the water was calm so I went out for an evening paddle. Here’s a couple of views of the resort from Stocking Lake.

While paddling, I found more loons and herons. I was content to watch and move on, satisfied with the photos I’d already captured.

On Friday morning, I went out paddling again. I didn’t even bother taking a camera along. I just enjoyed the feel of the canoe gliding across the nearly still water. Then, I packed up, checked out and headed home. It had been a very pleasant and fruitful stay. Thanks Joe!

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.

Wow! It’s been way too long since I posted on my blog. Obviously, a lot has happened since the last post. Rather than try to fill the reader in, I’ll just write about today — and, hopefully, be more diligent about keeping the blog going from now on.

Today, I drove up to Sleeping Fawn Resort and Campground (http://www.sleepingfawnresort.com) for a 4 day stay. I met the resort owner, Joe, at a sports show in Rochester, MN back in February — he had the neighboring booth. He invited me up to take photos in the area — hopefully, photos that he’ll be able to use in his advertising and gift store. So, here I am.

Within an hour of my arrival, I was out on the lake in my canoe, despite a strong wind. I found a relatively cooperative Great Blue Heron who posed long enough for me to get several shots.

He eventually flew and landed on a dock. Not as interesting a perch but the distant shore created a much better background.

We timed my visit to correspond with the blooming of the Showy Lady Slippers. After I returned to the cabin, I changed lenses and went out looking for some decent ones to photograph.

Columbines are also blooming. These were much more difficult to photograph given the windy conditions.

I’m hoping for calmer conditions tomorrow. If it is calmer, I’ll definitely reshoot the Columbine. I also know where there are more Lady Slippers so I’ll photograph more of them as well.

Note that these photos were processed on my laptop. When I get back home, I’ll reprocess them on my desktop computer — which has better photo editing tools and a better monitor.

All the photos were taken with a Nikon D200. I used a Nikkor 80-400mm VR lens for the heron photos. I used a Nikkor 70-300mm with No. 5T closeup for the lady slipper and columbine.