Some Miscellaneous Fun Pictures

Below is a collection of pictures spanning several years. Nothing special...just a few fun pictures from various times of the year.

The first two were taken January 1, 2010. For several years I have taken a hike on January 1. I considered not going for the Jan. 1, 2010 hike, because the temperature was in the single digits with wind, but went ahead with a shorter hike and stayed within about 1/4 mile of my truck.

          Frozen sand ripples from when the river was higher.

Great Blue Heron tracks frozen into the sand along the river bank.

May 5, 2007 - An old iron bridge across the Middlefork River. This was located near the power plant. The last time I was there, it had been removed.

March 20, 2007 - Initials carved into a tree from 1962

March 10, 2007 - Large chunks of ice from the river.

From Jan. 18, 2009 - Two pictures taken at the edge of the ice. I layed down on the ice to get the first picture.

 Jan. 20, 2007 - A neat piece of ice that was hanging from a tree branch.

 Jan. 20, 2007 - Self Portrait!

 Jan. 20, 2007 - Globules of hanging ice

March 25, 2007 - Early spring flowers in the woods......I do not know the species..if you do...please let me know.

March 1, 2009 - The Aches acros the Big Vermilion River, just west of Danville, Illinois

August 2007 - An approaching storm coming toward me from the north.

February 2007 - My heavy duty winter mittens and one of my favorite knives.

The suspension bridge across the Salt Fork River. This is located at Camp Drake Boy Scout Camp, near Catlin, Illinois. The boys love to get someone in the middle of the bridge at starit it swinging and swaying!

We Got Snow!

We received our first significant snowfall overnight December 3 and into the day December 4. I always try to get out and take a hike when we have snow cover. It just transforms things. If you are moving through the woods and surrounding areas; there is a quietness, not normally there.

I did get out for just a short walk in the snow Saturday. The location was the property behind Schuler's Flower Shop in Hoopeston.........a great place for all of your floral requirements by the way.......with their accompanying garden center for all of those needs in the spring........(just a short commercial break..)

Following of course are some pictures.....


          Snowy landscape........notice the old Coke machine....it sure stands out in the snow....

Snowy trees inside a small wood lot area.

Looking toward the flower shop (center of pictures) with garden center to far right.

    A lone snow covered tree......

Winter berries.....I should know what these are, but do not.....if you do, please educate me... They certainly make a nice contrast with the snow, don't they?

These snow covered thistles, really caught my attention. The area was full of them. They would normally be just the same brown color as the surrounding plants at this time of the year. This plant is Teasel and is a plant native to Europe and Northern Africa, so is an invasive species to North America. It is an attractive plant earlier in the year when it has puple blossoms.

I like snow. Many people do not. If you  get an opportunity, just get out there and take a close look and try to see it as you might have when just a kid......