january river

january river

I have been enjoying the relatively warmer weather for January in the Chicago area (34 degrees is like a heat wave!) by taking some bike rides along the Illinois River. After being rather inactive, I am looking forward to some more exercise and racking up the miles!

river ents

river ents

Took another ride today…. the weather is unusually warm for January…. I waited to see if these Ents would say anything…. they didn’t.

snow rider

The Snow Rider rides again!

snow trek

The weather got a bit warmer and I got tired of nursing an achy knee…. so….

snow trek2

…the Snow Rider once again rode along the river…

snow horses

…and he was glad he did.

shadow rider

lonely playground

 

lonely playground

playground poem

winter’s grip

winter's grip

New Buffalo, Michigan is not exactly known as a winter-get-away-from-it-all kind of destination. Especially if you live in Chicago! It’s about an hour and fifteen minute drive from our home and dear friends allow us to stay in their condo, so it has become our destination to celebrate our anniversary. This image, and the next, were taken on a cold winter day, when the wind was especially angry and simply did not grant you permission to take another step without wondering if your internal temperature would leave you looking like Jack Nicholson at the end of The Shining. When I took this, I thought the sun might win, but the wind, snow, and clouds seemed to lock it away in some cold, celestial prison where they might play with it, impervious to the immeasurable heat and radiation. We loved it…. and had a great time.

sandstone

colored sandstone

Final picture from a recent hike at Matthiessen State Park. This is a good example of the numerous sandstone formations that are found in the park. The soft surface makes a great canvas for names, messages and other markings.

in stillness

roots and water

just listen in stillness

echoes of paradise

calling to the deepest

places in your heart

where oneness

awaits your surrender

a quiet bow of the head

on your knees

you listen in stillness

the eternal song

beckons you

to the peace

of forgiveness and rest

stairs are to your right

stairs are this way

Matthiessen State Park is a wonderful place to hike throughout the year. The next few photos are from a recent hike there.

end of day clouds

end of day clouds

Serving up a little Midwestern sunset sky for your enjoyment.

bridge and light

bridge and light

One of my favorite spots to photograph along the Illinois River. Must have been in a somber mood when I worked on this image 🙂