Sickle Moon



A crescent moon, moments before disappearing beneath the horizon.

Across the Bridge



Autumn color at Matthiessen State Park near Utica, Illinois.

Morning at Kintzele Ditch



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.

Chellberg Windmill



The Chellberg 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



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



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.

Flying

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

October Kitesurfing

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

Beverly Shores Marsh



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



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



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

Dellwood Park West Butte



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



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



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



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



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

Waves and Clouds



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.