Posts Tagged ‘water’

Another Evening at Chester Woods Park — June 24, 2008

Tuesday, June 24th, 2008

I went for another paddle yesterday. The lake was calm — smooth as glass. Of course, I had to visit the eagles. I think they’re getting used to me…. they were definitely cooperative. The 2 adults sat in one tree… not exactly side by side but close enough so I didn’t have to move between photographing each of them.

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

Across the lake, this year’s young one had left the nest, exploring the tree it resides in. It’s the first time I’d seen it out of the nest. Won’t be long now before it starts flying.

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

On the way back to the landing, I took a few photos in the fading light.

Rinkled Reflections -- Click on photo for larger view
Subtle Sunset -- Click on photo for larger view
Smooth Reflection -- Click on photo for larger view
Paddling off into the sunset -- Click on photo for larger view

I sure do like having this place close by!

Apostle Islands, Day 2 — June 20, 2008

Sunday, June 22nd, 2008

I’d really intended to go back to the cliffs the evening of the first day. Too tired from my paddle with the group kept me from doing so. Besides, we had cloud cover for most of the evening in any case. So, instead, I went back the next morning, a little earlier than the previous day… and alone.

Skies were a lot clearer but there was a little more chop on the water. Not bad chop but it would increase while I was out. This cliff should look familiar:

Apostle Islands Kayak Trip -- Click on photo for larger view

Since I was by myself, I was more free to spend time exploring and composing shots… no where near as hurried as I’d been the day before.

Apostle Islands Kayak Trip -- Click on photo for larger view

The downside was that I had no other kayaks to “place” in the foreground of my shots.

I did a little experimentation while in one of the caves.

Apostle Islands Kayak Trip -- Click on photo for larger view
Apostle Islands Kayak Trip -- Click on photo for larger view

Due to the time of day, most of the points were in the shade. There were a couple of exceptions though.

Apostle Islands Kayak Trip -- Click on photo for larger view
Apostle Islands Kayak Trip -- Click on photo for larger view
Apostle Islands Kayak Trip -- Click on photo for larger view

Even though I got back to the landing on Meyer’s Beach much later than when we’d put in the day before, I encountered no other kayaks while on the water. I’d had the whole sea cave area to myself. I would have liked to stay longer but, it was time to return the kayak and begin the drive home.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Saturday, 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.

Busy Night at Chester Woods

Tuesday, 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!

Sunday, 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.