Tom's Photos and Comments

70 Foot Splash

2012-01-28T19:54:00.001-06:00

A windy afternoon created some big waves on Lake Michigan, and some huge splashes on the St. Joseph, Michigan lighthouse. The outer light tower is 35 feet tall, and this splash is at least twice that height.

While the temperature was in the mid 30s, the wind made the hike to the beach difficult, and standing out on the exposed dune was almost impossible- freezing bare skin in minutes. Next time, I'll bring gloves.

West Beach Snow

2012-01-27T20:47:00.001-06:00

A fresh blanket of snow covers the Marram Grass growing on the slopes of the sand dunes of West Beach.

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

Ghost Barge

2012-01-25T22:11:00.001-06:00

At the confluence of the historic Illinois and Michigan Canal and the Illinois River, in LaSalle, Illinois, a rusted out barge sits in the middle of the steamboat basin, blocking the waterway. Apparently, this is no longer navigable, and it was easier to simply let the barge sit and rust where it was last used. There's another barge a few yards away that is almost unrecognizable, and barely visible in the water.

A rather insignificant end to the canal that ran over 90 miles from Chicago to LaSalle.

Giant Snowball

2012-01-23T21:46:00.001-06:00

Tired of getting hit by snowballs, Dan gets revenge on his older brother with the biggest snowball of the day. He managed to sneak up on him and get a bulls eye.

Back to the Top

2012-01-22T21:44:00.000-06:00

Boys climb back up to the top of a sand dune to get ready to sled down the snowy face of the dune. Sledding is not allowed at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, I guess they didn't see any Park Rangers around.

At least these kids weren't sledding toward Lake Michigan.

Crossing the Creek

2012-01-21T21:42:00.000-06:00

A hiker uses a make-shift bridge to cross the creek running through Illinois Canyon at Starved Rock State Park. One of the last unseasonably warm days in January, just a few days later several inches of snow would cover this area.

To get to the end of this box canyon (canyon that ends in a dead end) you'll need to cross this creek four times as it meanders back and forth.

Lift Bridge Reflections

2012-01-20T21:40:00.000-06:00

The Old Burlington Northern Railroad lift bridge over the Illinois River in Ottawa, Illinois on a sunny, unseasonably warm January day. The approach to the steel span is supported by wooden pilings.

Don't Touch

2012-01-19T21:39:00.000-06:00

Thorns of a locust tree - beware. A defense left over from the days of the Wooly Mammoth. They're several inches in length and can cover much of the trunk and lower limbs. They will even grow from the roots, preventing animals from getting too close.

Dune Succession

2012-01-18T18:52:00.001-06:00

A few hundred yards from Lake Michigan, many different environments can be seen from the top of this dune. Beach, grass, conifer forest, interdunal ponds, wetlands, all within a short distance. This is one of the few places this progression can be seen so close and so clearly.

West Beach, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

Windy Dune

2012-01-17T18:51:00.000-06:00

The season's first significant snowfall blankets the dunes along the Lake Michigan shore. While it wasn't too windy at the time this photo was taken, it was when the snow fell, bending the Marram grass in the direction of the drifts.

Tiscornia Park. St. Joseph, Michigan

Reflected Color

2012-01-15T18:46:00.000-06:00

The colorful, sunbathed canyon walls reflect in the shaded stream running through Illinois Canyon at Starved Rock State Park.

Walking through this canyon is interesting. You need to cross this winding stream at least three times, and the sunlight only hits tiny portions of the ground at a time.

View Through the Ice

2012-01-14T21:37:00.001-06:00

A peek at the St. Joseph, Michigan inner lighthouse through the icicles formed on the pier railings. These rails often become completely covered in ice and can be surrounded in ice over 4 feet thick.

Interesting color in the water. The water turned green about 1/2 mile from shore; probably sand kicked up by the waves.

Illinois Canyon In Winter

2012-01-13T21:29:00.000-06:00

Yes, winter! Sunday the weather was unseasonably warm in Northern Illinois - in the 40's. No leaves in the trees or flowers on the ground, but Illinois Canyon remains colorful throughout the year. The layers of color in the stone walls bring life to the winter months.

Less than a week later, this canyon is covered in snow. Winter has finally reached Illinois.

Moored and Waiting

2012-01-11T21:31:00.002-06:00

Two barges moored using steel cable and tires - yes, tires - big truck tires. The tires act as shock absorbers between the barge and the mooring point. Called "snubbers", they take a bit of stress off of the steel cable when the barge surges and pulls on the cables.

Notice how stretched the group of five tires are. These barges will be unloaded at a company located at the confluence of the Illinois River and the Illinois Michigan Canal's steamboat basin, the end of the I and M Canal. LaSalle, Illinois

Prior to finding this, I noticed a few groups of tires tied with steel cable over an inch in diameter. I assumed they had washed up on the bank, but then I found more tied to the shore. These were probably placed in specific locations just to moor barges waiting to be unloaded.

The Edge of the Fen

2012-01-09T18:25:00.001-06:00

Cowles Bog trail runs right along the foot of a dune, right at the transition from Oak savana to wetland. Cowles Bog isn't a bog at all, it's a fen, a wetland with a source of water that is not acidic, but rich in minerals.

One portion of dune progression is easily seen here where the trees turn from Oak and Maple to Birch on the edge of the wetland.

Watering Hole

2012-01-08T19:21:00.001-06:00

An interdunal pond tucked away between coastal dunes and a conifer woodland provides water for teams of animals. Evidence of this activity can be seen by the thousands of animal prints in the soft mud surrounding the pond.

Interdunal Pond

2012-01-07T22:00:00.001-06:00

On a hike just off the beaten path - following a narrow animal path - I came upon a beautiful interdunal pond. Even though it was only a few hundred yards from a well traveled area, the number of animal prints and absence of shoe prints proved this was not a place often visited by humans.

Dune succession is evident here as the Oak Savanna behind me opened up to this pond between coastal dunes. On the other side of the dune a conifer forest is holding fast, and just beyond is Lake Michigan.

An interdunal pond is a small body of water formed in the "valley" between coastal dunes. The water collects in the low areas and provides a great habitat for small animals as well as wading birds. There are several in this area and many at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

Vintage Gas Prices

2012-01-05T21:48:00.001-06:00

The Standard Service Station in Odell, Illinois along historic RT 66 has on display a vintage price sheet. It's difficult to imagine prices like this, plus, instead of the common 9 tenths price, it's 7 tenths including tax.

An old gas pump stands in front of the service station, and can be seen reflected in the window of the top image.

Starry Night

2012-01-02T21:31:00.001-06:00

This piece of driftwood reminded Chris of the painting "Starry Night" by Van Gogh. He found it on the beach during a New Year's Eve walk at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

Trees and Roots

2012-01-01T21:29:00.000-06:00

A view through trees and roots of the Sag Quarries and St. James of the Sag Bridge Church. A bit of ice on the shady parts of the water are the only signs of winter so far this season.

New Years Eve Moon

2011-12-31T21:27:00.000-06:00

The moon in the afternoon sky as seen from the Indiana Dunes National lakeshore. A warm day for December 31 in northern Indiana.

Meramec Caverns

2011-12-30T21:23:00.000-06:00

A nostalgic barn painted to advertise Meramec Caverns, a roadside attraction in Missouri. Between Dwight and Odell, Illinois, along historic RT66.

Ambler Becker Texaco

2011-12-29T21:30:00.000-06:00

A roadside attraction along RT 66, the Ambler Becker Service Station in Dwight, Illinois has been preserved for travel buffs.

Complete with vintage gas pumps, and the hose cars used to roll over to ring the bell to signal the attendant, this station brings you back to the 40's. I wish they had vintage gas prices too.

Chicago Alton Station

2011-12-23T22:18:00.000-06:00

Built in 1891, by the Chicago and Alton Railroad, this station still serves Dwight, Illinois' Amtrak customers between Chicago and St. Louis. These people were heading toward Chicago three days before Christmas.

Downtown Dwight, Illinois, near historic RT66

The Oughton Windmill

2011-12-22T22:17:00.000-06:00

One of the most interesting windmills I've seen can be found in Dwight, Illinois, just off of historic Rt. 66. Built for pumping water on the Oughton Farm, this windmill was designed to be attractive as well as functional.

Built in 1896, the windmill is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Rock Creek

2011-12-21T13:52:00.001-06:00

A view of Rock Creek near the confluence with the Kankakee River. Both the Kankakee and Rock Creek flow through limestone canyons carved over the centuries by the waterways.

Buried Alive

2011-12-21T07:39:00.000-06:00

Mt. Baldy is a living dune, meaning the winds move constantly blow the sand to the leeward side of the dune, causing it to "move" inland. Due to the traffic on the dune, grasses do not grow and therefore do not hold in the sands.

The dune is moving at a rate of about four feet a year, and in the process is burying the woods adjacent to the dune. The parking lot is also in the path, and may soon be buried as well.

Here's a photo of the dune in 2008. You'll notice the same trees, yet the evergreen is completely buried.

On the windward side of the dune, water erosion is also contributing to the movement. The Michigan City harbor piers are starving the beach for sand, so not much new sand is deposited on the beach. After storms, large logs are often uncovered along the dunes, probably buried for centuries under the sands.

The spring of 2011 marked the beginning of an attempt to save Mt. Baldy. Areas were roped off to prevent people from trampling grasses and eroding the sands. Let's hope these actions will help preserve Mt. Baldy for generations to come.

From the Seventh Floor

2011-12-20T18:50:00.002-06:00

Holiday shoppers roam the Marshall Field building in search of the perfect Christmas gift at Macy's on State Street.

The Walnut Room Christmas Tree

2011-12-19T15:17:00.000-06:00

Our annual trip to view the Walnut Room Christmas tree took place on Sunday. As usual, there were lines waiting to view the tree, and lots of people waiting to eat in the Walnut Room.

Since Macy's took over the State Street Marshall Field store, lots of things have changed, but this tree remains festive.

Louisville, Evening

2011-12-15T15:09:00.001-06:00

On our return trip from our fossil hunt, we stopped back at the Ohio River for an evening view of the Louisville, Kentucky skyline. In what looks to be a recently rebuilt part of Clarksville, Indiana, a small park provided a great view of the city.

To get there, we drove through what must have been old flood walls and gates. They were missing the gates across the streets and sidewalks, but I'll bet they once protected the city from the floods of the Ohio River.

Joppa Missonary Baptist Church

2011-12-14T15:03:00.000-06:00

Within the boundaries of Mammoth Cave lie the remnants of rural life before the park. Cemeteries and churches remain part of the landscape. The Joppa Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1862, and the wooden church dates back to the turn of the last century.

The building had two doors in the front, one for men and one for women, and inside, the unwed (and perhaps wed) men and women often sat on opposite sides of the church.

Inside the church, a single wood burning stove provided warmth during services.

Warning: Road Ends At Water's Edge

2011-12-13T09:14:00.000-06:00

Driving through Mammoth Cave National Park, you'll notice some beautiful terrain, and some interesting means of crossing the Green River. The Green River Ferry is one of two operating ferries in the park, and these two are some of the few operating rural ferries in existence today.

I can only imagine approaching this spot on a dark, icy night and not being able to stop before the water's edge.

Relocated to this site in 1934, the ferry provides transport to park visitors as well as local citizens. This crossing is the most direct route for citizens living north of the park to travel to points south of the park and vice versa.

The ferry is propelled by a waterwheel, much the same as old riverboats. Two overhead cables span the river - one on each side, about 20 feet above the water. Four smaller cables connect the boat to these overhead cables, keeping the ferry in line with the road and preventing it from floating downstream.

Each crossing takes approximately one minute from bank to bank. Two cars or one RV are able to ride at a time. Over 90,000 vehicles are transported across the river each year.

During high water periods, the ferries are shut down, forcing traffic to use alternate routes to get to the other side of Mammoth Cave National Park. These alternate routes add as much as 40 miles to the drive.

A recent study by the National Park Service has indicated that while some minor improvements to the approach of the Green River Ferry would improve service, the ferry itself posed "No significant impact" on the environment. So it seems, for the time being at least, a permanent bridge will not replace this small piece of history.

High Water on the Ohio

2011-12-12T09:24:00.001-06:00

The recent rainfall in the area has raised the water level on the Ohio River, covering the acres of fossil beds at the Falls of the Ohio State Park. Built in 1868, the Ohio Falls Bridge spans this part of the river, leading to Louisville, Kentucky on the far side.

Ohio Falls Bridge

2011-12-10T23:52:00.002-06:00

A cool, still December morning near the Ohio Falls Bridge. Also known as the Fourteenth Street Bridge, this mile-long steel truss railroad bridge was built across the Ohio River in 1868 between Louisville, Kentucky and Clarksville, Indiana.

Built by the Louisville Bridge and Iron Company, at it's peak, this bridge was used around 300 times a day in 1900. At the far end toward Louisville, Kentucky, a lift bridge allows boats and barges to pass beneath the bridge.

Exploring the Dolomite Canyon

2011-12-04T21:50:00.001-06:00

The boys and I ventured into unknown territory today, into a small, dolomite canyon in a surprising location - smack dab in the middle of an urban area. I couldn't find too much information on the canyon, only a few vague descriptions and grainy photos of a location much easier to view. We walked a bit along the top of the canyon to find a good place to climb down. The canyon seemed about 40 feet deep in parts, and it was covered in slippery moss.

A few hundred yards away from this point is an easily accessible park where the creek flows into the Kankakee, River, where most people visit.

Out of the Shadows

2011-11-28T15:33:00.001-06:00

Early morning at Mt. Baldy. Shadows cover much of the area between the dunes and the lake until the sun rises high enough in the sky.

Much of the dune is roped off in an attempt to preserve the dune from erosion. Let's hope it works and the ropes can be removed in a year or two. This dune is moving a few feet a year inland. At that rate, the parking lot will be covered in a few years!

Holland Holiday Open House

2011-11-22T15:28:00.000-06:00

Each year, our holiday season begins with a trip to Holland, Michigan for the annual Holiday Open House. Downtown stores stay open late and offer visitors free refreshments, snacks and gift wrapping. It's a great time to visit shops we normally wouldn't even notice, and find some merchandise we can't live without.

Carolers, Santa Claus, luminaries and roasting chestnuts can all be found on Holland's 8th Street sidewalks.

It's generally pretty crowded - especially at the corner drug store where they serve beautifully made Christmas cookies.

Walking Hand in Hand

2011-11-21T11:23:00.001-06:00

A crisp, November morning along the Lake Michigan shore. Kintzele Ditch meanders through recently eroded dunes creating an interesting path to the lake.

Finding a narrow portion of the stream, the family hops across the water to continue their walk on Central Beach.

Woops!

2011-11-15T14:33:00.001-06:00

The waves have really eroded the dunes this year.

The boys were following an old trail on the edge of a dune when Chris slipped backwards and fell about five feet down onto the next layer of sand. He then continued to slide backwards and down the next layer to the beach.

No one was harmed in the capturing of this image.

Amber Against Blue

2011-11-08T09:32:00.001-06:00

Just before sunset, we headed out for a walk along the rural roads near the house. The golden hour provided the perfect, warm light for photographing the Fall colors of this open field.

The Glow of Chicago

2011-11-07T09:30:00.000-06:00

A 10:00 pm view of Chicago from the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Over 40 miles away, Chicago illuminates the sky over Lake Michigan.

The air was relatively calm, so the clouds did not smear across the sky as I had hoped.

Stars Over the Lake

2011-11-02T08:35:00.000-05:00

A late night, long exposure over the lake. The earth's movement can be seen in the elongated stars and the blur of the hazy moon. Looks like an airplane was flying very far away- seen at the top right of the image.

What interested me was the depth created by the artificial lights on shore. It's rather unusual in landscape photography to see light between objects.

Sickle Moon

2011-10-31T08:33:00.000-05:00

A crescent moon, moments before disappearing beneath the horizon.

Across the Bridge

2011-10-28T08:32:00.000-05:00

Autumn color at Matthiessen State Park near Utica, Illinois.

Morning at Kintzele Ditch

2011-10-27T08:32:00.000-05:00

Strong light from the rising sun bathes the shifting sands of Central Beach on this windy morning. The grass seen in the foreground was five to six feet tall prior to the wind and waves; it's now buried deep under the sand.

Chelberg Windmill

2011-10-25T08:31:00.000-05:00

The Chelberg Farm is part of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. It's a far cry from sand dunes, but this historical farm is the setting for the Heritage Festival in the Fall and Maple Sugar Days in early Spring.

The original barn and windmill can still be seen in the field.

Apple Time

2011-10-23T08:28:00.000-05:00

Dan was very excited to pick apples this year. He walked around the orchard to find the largest apples possible - as well as the smallest - just for fun.

October Kitesurfing

2011-10-19T09:01:00.003-05:00

A warm, windy morning in mid October was the perfect day for dozens of kitesurfing enthusiasts to hit the waves along Michigan City's Washington Park Beach.

Gaining speed, the kitesurfers were able to jump over 20 feet above the waves.

The beach was lined with surfers waiting their turns, as well as spectators gazing in amazement.

Beverly Shores Marsh

2011-10-18T13:40:00.001-05:00

Arriving at the beach rather early for a Saturday, gave us the opportunity to explore some other areas of the National Lakeshore.

We pass by this marsh every time we head to the beach, but only stop now and then. In the summer, it's almost impossible to tolerate the biting flies, so it's best to hold off until Fall to explore this area.

Along the trails, lots of wildlife can be detected, along with some remnants of humans - an occasional brick or concrete lump. Must have been part of someone's property years ago. Now it's being reclaimed by nature.

Gathering

2011-10-17T15:38:00.001-05:00

Thousands of beetles grouped together on Indiana's Central Beach during a windy morning. My best guess is they were clinging to anything that would keep them dry and in place.

At first glance, the beetles appeared to be debris on the sand, but closer inspection proved it wrong.

Out for a Ride

2011-10-14T15:02:00.001-05:00

A sunny and warm Fall day, perfect for a ride in the country. Rural LaPorte County, Indiana.

Dellwood Park West Butte

2011-10-13T15:00:00.000-05:00

Remnants of mining can be found in a relatively new park in Lockport, Illinois. Called Dellwood Park West, it borders the Illinois and Michigan Canal.

Sunrise at St. James at Sag Bridge

2011-10-12T14:59:00.000-05:00

Early morning view of the cemetery at St. James at Sag Bridge Catholic Church. It's the oldest Cathloic church in the Chicago Archdioceses, and incorrectly called "Monk's Castle" by high school kids who tell tales of mean monks.

No monks have ever lived here, and they certainly don't make trespassers kneel in salt or on broom sticks.

Morning Light and Color

2011-10-11T14:52:00.000-05:00

My nephew Tom and I set out early Sunday morning to capture some shadows for his photography class. His work is all black and white, but I took advantage of the golden hour to catch some fall color.

A climb to the top of the tallest butte in Dellwood Park West gave us this view of the surrounding land.

Portions of the park were once used for mining and slag disposal from a nearby steel mill, while other parts were used for agriculture. It's an interesting place to visit.

October on Lock 2

2011-10-10T22:39:00.001-05:00

Lock 2 of the Illinois and Michigan Canal on an early October Morning. The warm sunshine has given us one of the most colorful fall seasons in memory.

Fall Colors

2011-10-08T22:37:00.000-05:00

Leaves are changing in northern Illinois. Unusually warm weather and unobstructed sunshine made for some great fall color.

Waves and Clouds

2011-10-05T12:08:00.001-05:00

Two days of high wind gusts churned up Lake Michigan, creating waves exceeding 20 feet near the Indiana shore. Shoreline erosion was evident at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. The entrance to Central Beach was no longer a hill, but a 6 foot drop to the beach.

Fall Colors Begin

2011-09-30T12:03:00.000-05:00

It seems too early for autumn, but the trees never lie.

Fall Rainbow

2011-09-29T12:02:00.000-05:00

Following several days of light rain, the sun finally appeared in the late afternoon sky creating a striking rainbow behind the colorful, fall trees.

Annual Scarecrow Festival

2011-09-26T12:00:00.000-05:00

The annual Wanatah, Indiana Scarecrow Festival marks the beginning of Fall each September with a parade, craft vendors, rides, food and fun.

Directly across the street from the festival, this house always decorates for the event.

Native American Dance Demonstration

2011-09-22T13:09:00.001-05:00

During the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Duneland Heriage Days, the Bailey Homestead offered a glimpse into the past including dances by Native American Tribes.
Spectators were also encouraged to participate in the dance.

Trois Canards

2011-09-21T13:08:00.000-05:00

Durning the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Heritage Days, visitors were given a glimpse into the past. At the Bailey Homestead, visitors listen to some traditional French music performed by the trio Trois Canards. The instrument on the left is a Herdy Gerdy.

Trois Canards translated to English means: three ducks.

WWII Era Baseball

2011-09-19T13:07:00.000-05:00

When most of the men in America were fighting WWII, the baseball games were sometimes played by women. This reenactment was part of WWII Days in Lockport, IL

Shooting at the Allied Plane

2011-09-16T13:07:00.000-05:00

A German soldier fires at a low flying Allied plane during a WWII reneactment. The spent casings can be seen as they are discharged from the weapon.

WWII reenactment
Dellwood Park
Lockport, Illinois

On The Shoulders

2011-09-15T13:07:00.000-05:00

A German soldier uses his shoulders to support a machine gun during a WWII reenactment.
Lockport, IL

Firing at the Allies

2011-09-14T13:06:00.000-05:00

The Allies approach and two German machine gunners fire.
WWII reenactment
Dellwood Park
Lockport, IL

Watching the Allied Plane Overhead

2011-09-13T11:48:00.001-05:00

The Lockport, Illinois WWII Days took place on September 10th and 11th. It was a nice opportunity to see some of the weapons and tools used by both the Allies and the Axis forces.

During Sunday's battle, this German soldier watched as an Allied L-4 Liaison aircraft circled the front lines gathering information on the German positions.

Tribute to 911

2011-09-12T13:30:00.001-05:00

World War II Days in Lockport's Dellwood Park held a tribute to the 911 victims.
Immediately following the battle, the WWII reenactment participants -dressed in period uniforms- honored those lost on September 11, 2001.

Photo selected for Magazine Cover

2011-09-06T11:49:00.001-05:00

Northern Indiana Lakes Magazine is the latest publication to use a photo of mine in one of their publications.

This barn is located in LaPorte County, Indiana and is one of the few I've encountered with a bale of hay hanging from the loft.

Round Leaf Sundew

2011-09-02T12:06:00.000-05:00

A tiny carnivorous plant that thrives in Pinhook Bog, Indiana's only true peat bog. The plant is about the size of a quarter, and attracts insects. When an insect lands on a leaf, the leaf curls toward the center of the plant trapping the insect. It can then be digested.

The bog was formed about 15,000 years ago, right after the ice age, and is home to many unusual plant species. It's closed to the general public most of the year, but open a few hours here and there during open house events.

Argiope Spider

2011-08-25T12:06:00.000-05:00

Found this lady living among the black eyed susan flowers in the garden. Also called a garden spider or corn spider, this one was over 2 inches long from leg tip to leg tip.

Redhead

2011-08-18T12:07:00.000-05:00

This dragonfly simply sat on a branch and let me get within inches of him. At one time, he actually landed on my finger when I extended it.
Cowles Bog
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

A Walk on a Wavy Day

2011-08-12T09:12:00.001-05:00

Waves over six feet pound the shore of Michigan City's Mt. Baldy shoreline. These fierce waves create rip currents along the shore, making wading and swimming very dangerous and often deadly.

Jumping the Waves

2011-08-11T09:10:00.000-05:00

Chris and Dan enjoy the waves on a windy summer day along Lake Michigan- careful to stay in shallow water so they were not dragged out by the rip current.
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

Surf's Up

2011-08-10T09:08:00.000-05:00

High winds kicked up Lake Michigan creating the perfect waves for surfing. Rip current warnings were in effect, and the beaches were closed to swimmers, but that didn't stop this surfer from enjoying the waves.

I watched as he floated around waiting for the right wave, he actually was floating out farther and farther due to the rip current. Many people were rescued up and down the lake as they were pulled out by the water.
Central Beach
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Look What I Found

2011-08-08T11:05:00.001-05:00

While digging in the sand and pebbles along the shore of Lake Michigan, Danny uncovered a live cicada. It was completely buried - perhaps by the waves the previous night.

He held it for a while and then released it when he dried off. I wanted to keep it until we came across a Cicada Wasp, but we decided to let him go.

Of course, 5 minutes later, we came across dozens of Cicada Wasps. It would have been interesting to watch them try to catch the cicada.

Exploring the Rocky Shore

2011-08-04T09:45:00.000-05:00

The boys walking through the slick, rocky shore of Lake Michigan near the Wind Point Lighthouse.
Racine County, Wisconsin.
The water near the shore is full of algae, both floating and stuck to the rocks. The odor is unpleasant, and I've discovered that some of this algae can be harmful to humans. It's a good thing that the boys didn't wade through the green water! I wonder if this only settles here because of the cove created by Wind Point.

Eastern Cicada Killer

2011-08-03T09:42:00.000-05:00

Cicada wasps are the largest wasps in North America - females reach two inches long. They're solitary, ground burrowing wasps that hunt cicadas, drag them to their nests and lay their eggs on them for the larvae to feed upon. Late July and early August seem to be the most active times for these wasps at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, where I observed dozens on a single dune path. Because of their size, they can startle you, but left alone they ignore people. The males are territorial and may swoop down around you, but they don't have stingers. This is obviously a female - look at the size of the stinger.

Summer at Wind Point

2011-08-02T08:29:00.002-05:00

I typically visit the Wind Point lighthouse during the winter months, but this year I decided to check it out on a hot summer day. Of course, I visited today and tours of the tower will take place next weekend!

A "coolish" breeze off of Lake Michigan was at my back as I captured this shot (a combination of 3 images stitched together), making the 90 degree temperatures seem more like 80.

Wind Point Lighthouse

2011-08-01T10:09:00.002-05:00

In 1880, the Wind Point, Wisconsin lighthouse began guiding vessels into Racine Harbor using a kerosene lamp and a Third Order Fresnel lens.

At 108 feet tall, this lighthouse is one of the tallest on the Great Lakes, and it's light can be seen for almost 20 miles. The grounds are well maintained, and access to the rocky shore of Lake Michigan is a few steps from where this image was taken.

When we visited, the air temperature near the lighthouse was 90 degrees, but cooler on the beach just a few yards away due to the cold waters of Lake Michigan.

Sky

2011-07-29T09:27:00.001-05:00

Interesting clouds over Lake Michigan on a hot summer morning. The green hues of the lake reminded me of the tropics.

Waiting for a Bite

2011-07-26T08:32:00.001-05:00

Dan waits for a nibble on his fishing line as a hot summer day draws to a close. With the air temperatures near 90, we spend much of the day floating around the lake. The water wasn't much relief as it was probably in the mid to upper 80's as well.

Resting

2011-07-25T08:29:00.000-05:00

A small female Ebony Jewelwing damselfly rests on a leaf in the morning sun.

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

Piper J-3 Cub Flying Low

2011-07-22T08:28:00.000-05:00

While walking along the shore of Lake Michigan, this vintage Piper J-3 Cub flew by parallel to the beach. It must have been flying less than 100 feet above the water.

The Piper J-3 Cub was manufactured between 1938 and 1947.

Summer Stroll

2011-07-21T10:51:00.001-05:00

The boys take a walk along the shore of Lake Michigan on a hot summer afternoon. A small stream empties into the lake in this area, and the mouth changes from day to day creating a different look each time we visit.

Abe's Cabin

2011-07-15T10:53:00.000-05:00

The log cabin inside the memorial building at Abraham Lincoln's Birthplace, a national park in Hodgenville, Kentucky. Most likely not the original cabin, but similar in size and construction to the one in which Lincoln was born.

Lincoln's Birthplace

2011-07-14T10:52:00.000-05:00

A monumental building surrounds what once was considered the log cabin in which Abraham Lincoln was born. Probably not the actual cabin, but it did tour around the country claiming to be, and the original cabin was probably just like it.

Abraham Lincoln's Birthplace
Hodgenville, Kentucky

Hanging Around

2011-06-10T13:44:00.001-05:00

A dragonfly hanging around the Marram Grass along Kintzele Ditch, a small stream that flows between two dunes and into Lake Michigan.

Cooling Off

2011-06-06T13:18:00.001-05:00

A father and his child cool off in the stream on a hot June afternoon. The falls of Waterfall Glen were a quite place to explore on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

High Water Levels

2011-05-26T13:14:00.000-05:00

Recent heavy rains raised the level of the Little Calumet River, causing it to overflow its banks and flood nearby lowland areas. The Little Calumet River Trail of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore was partially flooded - even the boardwalk that usually keeps hikers out of the mud and away from plants was under several inches of water.

Out of the Dark

2011-05-24T13:13:00.001-05:00

This jumping spider was crawling around on a pane of glass. The flash illuminated the spider, but not the background.

Spring Falls

2011-05-20T13:31:00.001-05:00

The canyons of Starved Rock State Park flow with water following a wet spring. This waterfall is in Kaskaskia canyon and is approximately 10 to 15 feet tall.

Spotlight

2011-05-18T13:34:00.000-05:00

Dappled sunlight creates a spotlight effect over Lake Michigan's Indiana Beaches.

Taken from an 80 foot tall sand dune along Central Beach.

Sand and Shadow

2011-05-09T10:08:00.001-05:00

A bit of fog over Lake Michigan, dappled sunlight and sand kicked up by waves created some great patches of light on the surface of the lake.

3 image panoramic.

Lake Falls in Spring

2011-05-07T19:27:00.001-05:00

Sunlight and shadows highlight the moss and rocks of this Matthiessen State Park canyon on a spring afternoon.

Glowing Waters

2011-05-06T07:57:00.001-05:00

A short climb down onto a rock ledge gave me a lower vantage point to photograph these falls. A foot behind me was the final cascade into Giant's Bathtub.

The bright sun illuminated the falling water in contrast to the shady canyon walls.

Bluebells

2011-05-05T21:07:00.001-05:00

A field of bluebells and horsetail gives the gray canyons of Starved Rock some much anticipated color in early May.

Climbing Out

2011-04-26T20:05:00.001-05:00

The boys climb out of Kintzele Ditch toward the foot of a familiar sand dune. Following a winter of extreme erosion by wind and waves, the banks of the stream are wide enough to walk along.

Beaver DAMage

2011-04-25T15:48:00.001-05:00

A determined beaver gnawed his way through a pretty large tree along the bank of the Little Calumet River.
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T15:46:00.000-05:00

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter.