Once again I chose to skip the mayhem of Black Friday shopping and join the many who prefer to spend time outdoors rather than in lines at the mall. This year I was accompanied by family and friends at Jay Cooke State Park, which, like all Minnesota state Parks, was open to the public for free admission on Black Friday.
Here are a few of the images from the day.
During the month of June, I was honored with the opportunity to exhibit the above canvas prints at the Whole Foods Co-op in Duluth, MN. I enjoyed interacting with those who were curious about the project and explaining the process. All images are a manipulation of photos taken of rock surfaces at Jay Cooke State Park.
The prints are 22×27 inches and are for sale: $250 each.
Spring flow on the St. Louis River as it flows through Jay Cooke State Park.
A little further down river, in Jay Cooke State Park, the river rages.
During a snowy, wet spring day, I took a short hike at Jay Cooke State Park to check the water level on the St. Louis River. The river still has a bit of ice around the edges but, the main channel is open and flowing. As I climbed around the rocks, I discovered this bit of color.
In 2015, REI Co-op started Opt Outside inviting employees and members to look at the Black Friday in a new light. I have been participating in Opt Outside from the beginning and this year was no different. For 2021, I took a trip to Jay Cooke State Park, the nearest state park to Duluth and a park I frequent due to its closeness. On arrival I was happy to see a busy parking lot and lots of people enjoying the nice November day.
We don’t often get temps above seventy in October but, when we do, it behooves us to get outside and enjoy it. I choose to spend a few hours at Jay Cooke State Park enjoying the sound of the St. Louis River and waiting for the sunset.
I’ve been cooped up a bit too long between staying home and my time working at our local food co-op, time to go outside and hug a tree. And grab a photo or two.
Sunset colors above the St. Louis River as it flows through jay Cooke State Park.
Aimless, no destination in mind, a path to follow, mysteries in nature.
Today is Black Friday and once again I have chosen to #OptOutside. Minnesota State parks were open to the public with free admission today and I visited Jay Cooke State Park. It looks like I wasn’t the only one making tracks to the outdoors.
Northern Visions Media 