Yesterday was the full moon of July. I’d heard it referred to as the “supermoon” – appearing immense in size due to its proximity to the earth. As rainstorms moved into the area in the afternoon, I had given up any hope of seeing the moonrise. But the clouds parted and the skies cleared about 6:00pm. We had gone out for a night of fishing (which was not so weather-dependent), yet we lucked out in so many ways. The fish were biting, the sunset was beautiful, and it was quickly followed by the rising of the pink full moon. It cleared the trees on the east side of the lake, and let its reflection glisten in the still water below. For a short while it hung in the sky between the trees and the upper clouds, then quickly slid out of sight into the clouds. We stayed on the water for another half hour, and as we headed to the landing the moon cleared the clouds again, this time shining clear and white.
landscapes
A quieter 4th of July
The long 4th of July holiday weekend has kept us in the Twin Cities. Rather than hurry to a northern lake, we decided to relax at home and make some shorter excursions. Between early morning bike rides, a Twins baseball game, and some tasks around the house and yard, we’ve enjoyed a relaxing weekend. On the evening of the 4th, we took our boat to Peltier Lake, one of the lakes near the edge of the metro area. The wind had been gusty all day and there was a threat of rain and storms, but it looked promising. As the sun set in the west it seemed to divide the lake and the sky. The clouds to the south kept that area in the dark, while the break to the north let the sun reflect off the sky and onto the water, almost a split-screen effect. The fishing was good, the weather held for us, and we were able to watch the fireworks all around us as we headed back to the boat landing.
Pivot sunset
My intention was to photograph the full moonrise, yet sometimes the best intentions don’t work out — as was the case when a layer of clouds hovered on the horizon to the east. After this change of plans, I decided to concentrate on the sunset that was about to take place to the west. We were south of the Twin Cities by 35 miles, but we were in the heart of an agricultural area. Minnesota farmers have been late getting their crops into the ground this year because of the rain, but it was good to see the corn pushing up. The pivot outlined the hillside in the distance, and the sun set to the side of the silos, glowing brilliantly before slipping past the horizon. Sometimes a change of plans creates new opportunities. (PS – On this Fathers’s Day, a thanks to my dad for nurturing my sense of adventure and optimism. Miss you, Dad!)
Morning light at Hidden Falls
I took the opportunity to venture out to one of the wonderful state parks we have in Minnesota. In the south-central part of the state is Nerstrand Big Woods Park. Along with the large trees and prairie that co-exist in this park, there is a wonderful waterfall, Hidden Falls. Prairie Creek meanders through the park and it tumbles over the layers of limestone at the falls. With the large amount of rain we’ve had recently, all our lakes are full and the falls are running with larger than normal volumes of water. And such was the case when I arrived at Hidden Falls. It was early in the morning and I was accompanied only by the birds in the woods and the sound of the rushing water. The overhead trees have come into full leaf and are green. This delicate tree branch seemed to contrast with the fury of the tumbling water behind it. The scene was complete with the early morning sunlight glistening off the falls.
Minnesota fishing opener weekend
This weekend has been the Minnesota fishing opener – a tradition of celebrating the beginning of open lakes and water, the promise of spring and summer, and the outdoor recreation of fishing. This is the weekend for the opening of walleye and Northern pike fishing – a time that finds all fisher-people out on the water. We have participated in this ritual for the past few years, heading north to some of our favorite lakes. This weekend we camped near Inguadona Lake and we were fortunate to be rewarded with a wonderful sunset. Although the day had been sunny and windy, with clouds around, the evening calmed and the sun broke through the clouds before setting. The reflection over the lake seemed fitting for the close of the day. As we later slipped into our tent, we drifted off to sleep with the sound of loons calling across the lake. All in all, a true Minnesota celebration of the fishing tradition and the North Woods and Lake Country.
lindastaatsphoto.com 