Gone Fishin'

My nephew, my dad and I went out in the boat on an early Saturday morning.  Maybe a little too early for Jason?  Big yawn...  and then a quick smile.

Jumping off the Train Bridge, Park Rapids, MN

If you grew up in Park Rapids, Minnesota, you have likely done this at one time or another.

I saw these kids jumping off the train bridge so I asked if I could take their picture.  They were more than willing!  Having a great time.

Red Bridge, Park Rapids, MN

I went home to Minnesota for July 4 weekend.  It was a quick trip, but it was a lot of fun.

Of course, I had to photograph the red bridge.  I always do.  I have summer shots and winter shots, but will need to get some fall shots at some point.  Last winter I got snowmobilers going over the bridge, this time I got bicyclers.

Big Snowy Buffalo

I loved these big snowy Buffalo!

When I was in Northern Minnesota for Christmas, we drove by a couple of farms with Buffalo.  These giant animals were grazing outside in the below zero temperatures, kept warm by their big furry coats. 

You could see the snow on their faces and the warm air from their lungs exhaling into the cold Minnesota air. 

A friendly buffalo came right up to the fence.  And made us laugh with his antics.

Swans on Fish Hook Lake

A trip to Minnesota in the winter isn't complete without photographing the swans on Fish Hook Lake.

With a beautiful backdrop of trees lining the lakes with their branches filled with snow, the swans glide gracefully along. 

 

Red Bridge, Park Rapids, MN

I love to photograph this bridge.  This is a landmark of Park Rapids, Minnesota.  This is home.

I posted this picture (top) on Facebook, and many people that have moved away loved it.  And even people that didn't know what it was, commented that it was a beautiful bridge and place.

You can usually catch someone snowmobiling over the bridge, on their way to the snowmobile trails.

Park Rapids, MN

You know you are in Park Rapids, MN, when you see this...

...and this...

...and of course, this.

Backyard Orioles

This cute little guy comes to get the delicious grape jelly my mom puts out for him!





(Is it the same delicious grape jelly my dad has on his toast in the morning?)

Itasca State Park

When I was in Minnesota for 4th of July weekend, Jason, Dad and I went to Itasca State Park. 

 "Here 1,475 ft above the ocean the mighty Mississippi begins to flow on its winding way
2,552 miles to the Gulf of Mexico"

Of course you have to walk across the rocks!  And Jason was happy to do it.

More than once... with a little clowning around.

Beautiful scenery at Itasca State Park, I'd like to come back in the fall to photograph the colorful leaves.

The tall trees made a canopy over head.

And, our finale was climbing the steps of the fire tower to take in the beautiful view from above (while catching our breath!). 

Minnesota Loons

Minnesota is beautiful in the summertime, and this year I made a quick trip home for 4th of July weekend.

We went boating on Fishhook Lake to see the loons.  It was a beautiful, sunny day - nice to be on the water.

I love their black and white coloring.  And their red eyes which are hard to see as they are set in velvet black.

Swans on Fish Hook Lake, MN

I love to photograph the snow in Minnesota when I'm home for Christmas.  My dad takes me out to Fish Hook Lake where the swans are peacefully swimming. 

The snow weighs heavily on the branches, it is really a beautiful setting.