Category: photograhy

Sunsets

“The sun sets, but my spirit soars.”

“Never let a sunset go undocumented.”

“Sunsets are proof that endings can be beautiful too.”

“Sunsets, the perfect end to a perfect day.”

–Photos by me

More Pelicans, Please

I went back to Rapid River to get more shots of the photogenic pelicans. Here’s what I got:

Every spring, the pelicans gather at the mouth of Rapid River as it flows into Rainy River. The fishing here is unparalleled for both the birds and American as well as Canadian fishermen.

The surging river is a dangerous place, even for these seasoned water-fowl. This poor guy got knocked around on the rocks a bit, and he’s trying to get his head on straight again. Notice the wall of water crashing down behind him.

A giant wave explodes on the rocks. It’s hard to believe, but the river will be reduced to but a trickle in a month or two. It’s nature’s way.

I don’t think the fishing is going too well so far, because I see a lot of birds fighting over a single fish. I wouldn’t want to swordplay with these hungry scrappers.

–Photos by me

Canada’s Wildfires

My son Aaron at Lake of the Woods

With 91 active wildfires up in Alberta, the smoke’s getting a little thick around here at the Minnesota/Canada border. Fortunately, it’s riding on the upper winds so far, and it’s detrimental effects have been minimal. However, there’s a little cooler weather in the forecast, and that may bring the smoke down to ground level.

Two years ago, it was so bad I could hardly see across the street. My eyes and nose stung, and my throat got pretty sore. Like I said then, it was like living in L.A. back in the smoggy days.

The sun comes up pink, and then turns a color I can only describe as cream soda for the rest of the day. It’s a strange, almost eerie sky: there are no clouds and the sun is right there, but I don’t think any boys will be toasting ants with magnifying glasses in the near future.

Minnesota doesn’t need your smoke, Canada–we’re soon legalizing our own.

–Photos by me

Bog

Well, it was shaping up to be a nice day, and I needed to burn off more blubber, so Aaron and I headed out to Big Bog (about 50 miles from home) for the first time this year.

It’s a long mile to the other end and a longer mile back. I had a little trouble making it last year, but I’ve been sober for 17 months and my health is always improving.

After you get a little way into the bog, it starts to feel other-worldly, like you’re not in Kansas anymore. I’m almost expecting to run into a rusted tinman or a cowardly lion ahead. Is that Emerald City?

There’s benches (fortunately) and signs along the walkway. This one shows how 10,000 years ago, Lake Superior was dwarfed in size next to Lake Agassis, which covered a large part of Canada and Minnesota. The bog itself is situated between Red Lake and the Canadian Border.

On the last stretch of the way back, I realized we hadn’t seen any of the bright red, carnivorous pitcher plants we’d seen last year. I guess it must be too early yet, but it was a great walk, anyway. We’ll be going back in a few weeks to check it out. Have a great day!!

–Photos by me