With delightful autumn weather forecast for the day, we headed out before sunrise this morning to Wild River State Park. This Minnesota park is north of the Twin Cities and is located on the St. Croix River. Although there was the promise of afternoon temps in the upper 70’s, the morning had a cool feel to it. We drove down to the canoe landing on the river and could see the fingers of fog stretching into the air and creating a veil over the fall colors on the Wisconsin shoreline. As we turned the opposite direction facing away from the river, we were greeted by the full moon as it was making its way behind the hillside. The prairie stretched out before us filled with golden grasses; the birdhouses were empty at this early time of the morning. The hillside was brilliant with the colors of fall – golds, oranges, reds – all in a hush before the sunlight brought them out into a blaze of bright color. Silently we watched the moon descend behind the hill and turned our attentions back to the river, accompanied by the geese and the ducks that were flying by.
Photography
Lucy
During my quick road trip to Kansas last weekend I was fortunate to photograph my niece Lucy for her high school senior pictures. Trying to fit it in between family obligations and her volleyball games was a bit of a challenge, but we carved out some time on Sunday morning. The day was overcast and actually quite comfortable — a perfect combination for photos. We wandered the area, utilizing some old storefronts, an alley, an old stadium, and the train tracks that traverse through the county. By the time we were done, Lucy had given her smile and her charming personality a real workout, but it was all worth the effort. She’s a great young woman with an exciting future ahead of her. I can’t wait to see what adventures and accomplishments await her.
Observations from a quick road trip
I made a quick trip on Interstate 35 this weekend. Driving home I compiled some short observations from the journey:
1. Exit 22 in Minnesota is for the towns of Hartland and Geneva. The exit sign going south lists them as Geneva Hartland. That will be my pen name if I’m ever in need of one!
2. This heartland area was glowing in the late afternoon light. The soybeans are yellowing, the corn is drying, and with a bit of a haze in the air the area was beautiful. I’m thankful for all the food this country produces.
3. The red lights on each of the wind turbines all blink off and on at the same time.
4. It’s an eerie sight to see combines working in the dark in the fields.
5. It’s disconcerting to hear bugs splatting on the windshield right after dusk, especially so many bugs!
6. Sometimes luck is on your side, but you have to recognize it and act on it. I made a quick stop for gas and food at Clear Lake, Iowa (home of the Surf Ballroom – the location of the last show by Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and the Big Bopper in 1959). As I looked down the road I saw the potential for a beautiful sunset. With my GPS I could follow just the right roads to the lake and found a beautiful park with sand beaches and a perfect view to the quickening sunset. Many of the people who were out walking, biking, and/or fishing stopped to take in this sunset. It was worth the extra 30 minutes out of my drive to enjoy this bit of beauty.
7. Family is worth 16 hours on the road!
Blue moon sailing
Every two and half years or so we are treated to a blue moon – the second full moon in one month. With relatively clear skies last Friday night we headed to a nearby lake to enjoy a picnic on the shore and watch for the moonrise. We were joined by a large group of children trying their luck fishing as well as a number of people out bicycling or walking – all enjoying the evening. As luck would have it, a bank of low clouds was hovering on the east horizon, and the moon was hardly visible as it first slipped over the lake. But as it continued its rise in the sky it cleared the clouds and shone brightly, reflecting in the water below, and lighting the path for this sailboat as it made its way back to the marina. A beautiful night and a wonderful way to bring a close to the end of August.
Red shoes for a wedding
We drove north this weekend for a family wedding celebration along the shores of Lake Superior. The bride and groom met while playing co-ed soccer and have a love of adventure and the outdoors. They hike and ski, bike and snowboard, and have a goal to visit all the national parks in the United States. It was only fitting that they celebrate their wedding outside, surrounded by family and friends, with a view of Lake Superior. Although there were a few minutes of raindrops prior to the wedding ceremony, the clouds passed, the sun began to shine through the clouds, and the bride walked down the aisle in her red shoes to greet her soon-to-be-husband. With the support and blessings of their families and the friends that came from all corners of the country and the world, they began their new life together with smiles of joy and happiness. Here’s to a future of adventures and much love!
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