Although they are millions of miles apart, the Moon and Jupiter appear only a few degrees apart tonight, January 21, 2013. This conjunction of Jupiter and the Moon is the closest they will appear until 2026.
It was worth standing in the 8 degree cold for a few moments to capture this image.
Not much growing during this time of year, but interesting things can often be found if you look around. These wildflowers dried out a long time ago, but still dot the landscape.
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Preserve.
Another test for the new lens....
Built in 1886, this one room schoolhouse served the local residents of Palos Park, Illinois for decades. Around 1915, the landscape changed from mostly agriculture to forest as the Cook County Forest Preserve was established. The number of pupils declined until the school was closed, and tuned into a nature learning center.
Today, a modern facility stands a few feet away, and this building stands empty once again. I hope the future includes a school museum, with exhibits outlining the daily lives of the school teachers and children of the Little Red Schoolhouse.
An unusually warm January day! The perfect day for a trip to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.
This particular dune continues to see a lot of erosion, not only from the wind, and the waves of Lake Michigan, but from the small stream that runs at its foot. Marram Grass refuses to grow (or, it's not being allowed) on the windward side of the dune. The sand doesn't stay in place long enough for the grass to take hold, and if it does begin to grow, the stream undermines the foot of the dune causing a collapse and mini landslide, dragging the grass down to the lake.
After a couple of days of 40 and 50 degree weather, ice remained in some shaded blowouts along the stream.
A few hours later, temperatures dropped and sleet began to fall, reminding us that winter was still in control.
Dan takes a break during a long hike in Cowles Bog. This point was two miles from the parking area, and the highest point on the trail. The views were great - in the winter, the leaves don't obstruct anything.
Most of the snow melted on this part of the dune, but much of the wooded areas were still covered under an inch or so.
Still two miles back to the trail head, Dan took the opportunity to rest on the exposed roots of an oak tree.
I've seen this ride a few times over the years. A local resident who put together a little train ride for the children who visit. It appears to be built of plastic barrels bolted to hand carts. Genius.
LaPorte County, Indiana
Dan takes a ride on a bear at the annual Bass Pro Shops Christmas Fest. Bringing a good old fashioned Christmas to children with free rides, shooting galleries, archery targets, photos with Santa, and crafts.
Our annual journey to the Kankakee State Park , while mom attends a "ladies only" Christmas party. This year, there was no snow or ice, so we took the opportunity to hunt for fossils. Not much luck, but still a nice time outdoors.
We still managed to sneak back to the party and help "dispose" of the leftovers!
The Holland, Michigan lighthouse - often called "Big Red" - silhouetted against a colorful, November sunset.
We arrived in Holland in the late afternoon, with plenty of time for a walk on the beach, and dinner, before heading out to the annual Holland Holiday Open House. It's the kick off to the holiday shopping season in downtown Holland. The stores are open late, and offer holiday treats and refreshments to shoppers. It's our way of getting into the holiday spirit.
