While dreaming of our Optimum Road Trip, we're still out on our walks and the trails in the neighborhood. While capturing this young Mallard family, this Red Finch had his eye on me only a few feet away. After his departure, we continued on to capture more neighborhood critters along the Haun Trail and the... Continue Reading →
Evolution of Camp Food
When we first set out on our cross-country road trip in the summer of 2015, the cooler was full of sausages, cheese, eggs, condiments, meat, and I don't remember what else. After my morning fail with coffee, it was difficult to get the cooking going. Even after purchasing the Coleman Bottle Top Propane Stove, I didn't... Continue Reading →
Making It Happen
It's time. What seemed to be a catastrophe is really an opportunity. Time is now on my side to tackle not the Ultimate Road Trip, but the The Optimal U.S. National Parks Centennial Road Trip. Yes, this one was created by Randal S. Olson, too and includes stops at 47 National Parks. Perfect! Again, he states... Continue Reading →
Excellent Weekend!
We did a lot of wandering around our neighborhood this weekend. We got to Lake of the Isles and to the Bass Lake Reserve. Yesterday, the most exciting photos are of a Great Blue Heron: He was just perching here watching me take photos of him. We moved a little closer, closer, and a bit... Continue Reading →
Full Day of Hiking
We were not up very early, but got a great start on the day's hiking. After filling up on breakfast, we prepared for the entire day out on trails. That means Kenobi was carrying a full back pack (Ruffwear Approach Full-Day Hiking Pack for Dogs, Orange Poppy (2017), Medium) with his water, treats, baggies, and... Continue Reading →
Day One–Road Trip to Grand Marais
We left almost on time on Wednesday just after noon and didn't face much traffic at all except for the two construction areas along 35W north. Even there, it wasn't bad--a single lane but not stopping. It was a gorgeous day for a road trip. Smooth and easy--from Minneapolis: 100 to 35W north to 61... Continue Reading →
Short Adventure Coming Up!
Next week, I'll be packing up to take Kenobi up to the North Shore. Yes, again. We enjoy the drive, hiking, restaurants, shops, and harbor so much that we need to go a few times a year. To avoid Memorial Day weekend, we'll be heading up Wednesday afternoon and driving back into the city on... Continue Reading →
The Early Bird Catches the . . .
Today we went out to Wirth Park to hike the trails and finished with a walk around the lake. Kenobi really enjoys this hike, and it's close to where we live, so we go a lot in the summer. The Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden is located in the woods, too, so there are plenty of... Continue Reading →
Hello? Spring? Is that you?
This Grey Heron that we first met yesterday was more happy to pose for photos. Perhaps it was the safe distance across the pond. Check out 21 facts about the Grey Heron here. And here is a new creature in out neighborhood--a Cassin's Finch. Terribly shy, and going with the old saying, "if I can't... Continue Reading →
Turtle Cuddles
I was so lucky today capturing photographs. There were about 10 turtles out sunning on the logs. They were all various sizes and striking different poses. It wasn't until I uploaded the photos onto my computer that I noticed the affection between these two. This gorgeous goose rushed into the pond as Kenobi tried... Continue Reading →