Masada

Snake Path

There are two ways to get to the top of Masada… the Snake Path… or…

Masada

…the gondola “path”.  We chose the Snake Path. It is a fairly difficult and fun hike to the top.

Masada

 If you ever go to Israel, this is a must see.

Masada3

under the bridge

Just in case you were wondering what it looks like underneath 5 Mile Bridge, here ya go!
Just in case you were wondering what it looks like underneath 5 Mile Bridge, here ya go!

Illinois River Bridge

Illinois River Bridge

I posted an image of this bridge here. This is a favorite destination on a hike that features the I & M Canal, and a train tracks. The bridge spans the Illinois River and I think it would be cool to climb those stairs…. it would also probably break some local ordinance or law! So… why not??

family joy

Soren!

I hope you will allow a little grand-parenthood indulgence…. Soren is our first grandchild, and, I highly recommend the great wide wonderful world of grandchildren. I only knew my father’s mom: a gentle, loving soul, so, for me, it’s an extra special joy to be able to make memories and share life with this little guy. And, of course, that’s my beautiful bride with Soren. Thank you for letting me indulge.

Ruth and Soren

5 Mile Bridge

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Before I post a couple of portraits I wanted to share another shot of what has become a favorite spot of mine to photograph. I have posted other images of 5 Mile Bridge here, and  here. I have been riding my bicycle quite a bit this year, and this bridge is about 14 miles from my house. This bridge – and the barns nearby – is special to me. I love the sense of history and forgotten tales that I find here. The old barns particularly point back to days when the prairies were a little younger, and life a bit simpler. I use this bridge to remind me that I have committed to pray for a family, so, it has become a kind of sanctuary on my journey. Finally, it’s the whole process of riding that I just love: seeing the country go by, the wonder of how a familiar place can take on such varying characteristics and feel so different as the weather and seasons change, and yet remain familiar, and therefore somewhat comforting, each time I visit. And that’s enough of my musings for today…

tranquil morning

It was foggy in the area this morning, with almost no wind and a peaceful river...
It was foggy in the area this morning, with almost no wind and a peaceful river… great conditions to ride…

POP

Not quite sure this is true, but I think New York is the diner capital of the world. This one is in Queens.
Not quite sure this is true, but I think New York is the diner capital of the world. This one is in Queens.

My ride

By now me and old TREK here are good buddies. We have covered lots of miles and he has never let me down.
By now me and old TREK here are good buddies. We have covered lots of miles and he has never let me down.

everything is all right…

Don't you love that moment in time when you make a connection... they are usually wordless moments... but your eyes connect, and in that moment hearts are entwined, understanding
Don’t you love that moment in time when you make a connection… they are usually wordless moments… eyes connect, hearts are entwined, there is a depth of understanding, and – even if it’s just for a single moment – everything is all right…

A big dish!

The world's largest and most sensitive radiotelescope is located in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. You can learn about this amazing feat of engineering and science here.
The world’s largest and most sensitive radiotelescope is located in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. You can learn about this amazing feat of engineering and science here.