Another place along the road to where I am traveling this day. I try, as often as possible, to leave early so that I can stop and capture these moments and still arrive on time.
This time of year in Duluth, along the seven miles of sandbar on Lake Superior known as Park Point, wave action forms amazing ice formations that often have an alien feel to them. Each storm adds its contribution and the ice builds in layers outward from the beach. Depending on conditions, there will be piles of ice rising high above the water, ice caves and blowholes. Caution is advised when exploring these formations as the lake is always in motion and you never know when one of the chunks may break off or split. Also, the spaces between the heavier layers may have thinner ice.
Correction: I have mis-identified the Kettle River as the St. Croix River, sorry for any confusion.
The Kettle River is one of several scenic rivers in Minnesota. From it’s humble beginnings to where it meets up with the St. Croix River, it offers many miles of boating, fishing and hiking. The section of the river that runs through Banning State Park has peaceful, calm areas, as seen looking upriver from the access point. But, as the signs warns, up ahead are challenging rapids.
Recently I had the opportunity to spend several days in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Although I have been there many times, this trip has to rank as having had the best weather I’ve ever experienced on a canoe trip. Temps were in the mid-seventies, winds were light or nonexistent, it only rained once for just a brief but intense shower and the lakes were often like a mirror. Come along as I revisit the route in a series of blog posts and dream of being there in person.
Another point of view for seeing all the way to the horizon. This is the view from Mt. Shasta, looking west/southwest, in northern California. I love the hazy mist that fills the lower elevations, it adds a bit of mystery to the shot. For me, it instills a feeling that I should put on my hiking shoes and start walking, to see if I can reach the horizon, and knowing that if I walk far enough, I’ll arrive at the Pacific Ocean.
One of the iconic spots in Yellowstone National Park is the Lower Falls. The views from the various overlooks are fantastic and this makes it a must for the visitor to the park. All my images were taken from Artist’s Point. Not only is the visitor rewarded with great views of the the falls, there are also amazing views of the “Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.” Of course there are so many other sights within the park and it is impossible to see it all in one day. Just outside the southern boundary of the park is the Grand Tetons, a place I will have to return to when I have more time.
Time to leave Smith Rock State Park and head for the Oregon coast. The road requires the traveler to venture into tall pine forests and mountain passes. On this journey, we travel under the gaze of the Three Sisters.
