Category Archives: Photography

Destination, Photography, Travel, Wildlife

NORTH AMERICAN BEAR CENTER – Ely, MN #exploremn

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NORTH AMERICAN BEAR CENTER

The North American Bear Center is a nonprofit museum with indoor and outdoor viewing of live black bears in natural habit with a pond and waterfall. The 2.5-acre enclosure is home to four resident bears – Ted, Tasha and Lucky, and Holly. The educational mission of the NABC is to replace myths about bears with reality; with over 50 video exhibits of wild Minnesota bears, a wide variety of daily programs, and a hands-on children’s area, people of all ages learn bear behavior from the bears themselves. It is recommended to allow at least a two-hour visit for this unique, world-class experience that the whole family will enjoy! ~Explore Minnesota

If you are ever near Ely, MN you will want to stop by the North American Bear Center.  I happened to be in the Ely area this last weekend visiting the International Wolf Center on the opposite end of town.

I was traveling with two other photographers; we were fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time.  We had finished viewing the expansive exhibit and went out on the observation deck.  No bears were out in the main enclosure at the time.  We did notice four bear center staff off in the distance with a photographer.  As luck would have it, we were waved over for a more up close and personal view.  This was certainly a better perspective to capture the bears.  There was a local professional photographer there shooting to provide updated photos of the bears at the center.  We were allowed to shoot through the fence from that location.  It was magnificent to see Lucky and Holly sparing, rolling around in the grass and just simply being bears.

Our view prior to being waved over

Our view after being waved over

View from observation deck during a scheduled feeding

Bear-sized Cong filled with grapes
Eating apricots
At the feeding platform
Making short work of the snak
Lucky all done snacking

Check out the North American Bear Center website | fb page

EXTRA

Views: 586

Destination, Photography, Travel, Wildlife

INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTER – Ely, MN #exploremn

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INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTER

The International Wolf Center (IWC) is a research and educational organization based in Ely, Minnesota.  Its mission is to “advances the survival of wolf populations by teaching about wolves, their relationship to wildlands and the human role in their future.” The Wolf Center operates an interpretive center in Ely open to the public.  Visitors can view captive “ambassador wolves” in natural surroundings through large windows.  There is much to learn about wolves through a variety of exhibits and programs. This organization lies within Superior National Forest. It also sponsors research symposia and offsite educational programs, publishes International Wolf magazine, and provides information about wolves via its website.

In response to wolf controversies, the Wolf Center does not take a stand on how wolves should be managed (such as by hunting or trapping), as long as healthy wolf populations are maintained. Its policy is to provide the most accurate, up-to-date information possible about wolves and let people make their own decisions. ~wikipedia

If you are ever near Ely, MN you will want to stop by the International Wolf Center.  I happened to be in the Ely area this last weekend during a photography trip with two other gentlemen to the Minnesota North Shore.  We stayed in a cabin about 45 minutes from Lake Superior; just outside of Isabella, MN on Hwy 1.  The weather wasn’t cooperating for sunrise or sunset one day; this was a welcomed alternate destination given our close proximity to Ely.

THE PACK

Wolf Pack

It is pretty amazing to see a pack of wolves up close and personal albeit through glass.  The staff give  fantastic informational presentations about the wolves and even moose.  If you are want to see how a pack of wolves feed, you can do that too.  There is a What’s for Dinner program every Saturday at 7 p.m.

MORE IMAGES OF THE WOLVES

You don’t have to look far to find controversy surrounding wolves in Minnesota.  I found a story about a hunter and his encounter with wolves too.  Wolves are beautiful wild creatures and I hope there will always be a place for them in Minnesota.

Check out the International Wolf Center website | fb page

EXTRA

Views: 622

Destination, Photography, Trout Fishing

RUSH RIVER – Hwy 72 to 570th #trout

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Rush River

The Rush River is a 49.8-mile-long tributary of the Mississippi River in western Wisconsin in the United States. It rises just north of Interstate 94 in St. Croix County near Baldwin and flows generally southwardly through Pierce County. It ends in Lake Pepin of the Mississippi River, about 1 mile west of the village of Maiden Rock in Pierce County. The largest tributary is Lost Creek.   ~wikipedia

Hwy 72 – 570th

Rush RiverThe stretch of water between Hwy 72 and 570th is full of riffles, deep runs and pools – an a whole lot of trout.  There is enough space immediately South of Hwy 72 to park a couple of cars and an easy trail down to the stream.  After parking one vehicle at the 570th bridge, my fishing partner Linnae and I arrived stream-side on Hwy 72 bridge at approximately 1:30 p.m.  The morning rain had finally moved out of the area.  It was in just shy of 50 degrees with a 10 mph breeze.  It was bit chilly.  The waders fit a bit more snug with an extra couple of layers added for warmth.

Rush River Brown TroutGiven the recent weather and current wind, we decided to toss spinners at the trout this afternoon.  I used to spinner fish all the time before I discovered fly fishing and developed patience for it.  It wasn’t long and there was a fish on.  It was a short 15 minutes of stumbling over rocks and getting to a good run just upstream from the bridge.  Purchasing a folding wading staff (see gear below) was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.  It has been especially helpful given the weakness in my leg post knee replacement.

ELLSWORTH ROD & GUN

land footprint

I was a bit surprised and sadden to see the stream bank directly across from the Ellsworth Rod and Gun given their mission –  “trout stream improvement projects, wildlife habitat improvement projects…”  The bank is littered with shot shell wads and clay pigeon debris (photos below); not to mention the lead pellets that are no doubt all over in the water and bank for fish and waterfowl to potentially ingest.  Their website indicates a Spring Cleanup day of 4/18/18; perhaps this area was missed.

Given the footprint of their land, I am not sure why they decided to shoot across the Rush River; their appears to be ample land to West of the club house to develop for trap shooting.

Shot Shell Wads and Clay Pigeon Debris
Shot Shell Wads and Clay Pigeon Debris
Clay Pigeon Launcher

The Ellsworth Rod and Gun has a beautiful track of land.  Funds are raised in part by their biweekly chicken feeds.  These feeds take place Thursday evenings from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. – they are plenty good.

For the next several hours we made our way upstream.  We tossed spinners into deep runs, torrent riffles and deep holes.  We averaged a fish every 20 minutes.  There were lots of 8-12″ trout to be had.  There were two exceptions.  Linnae landed a colorful 13-14″ Brown and I landed a 17-18″ Brown.  Here are some photos from the fishing excursion on Friday May 11th 2018.

13-14″ Brown
17-18″ Brown

GEAR

Folding Wading Staff with Neoprene Case and Camera attachment
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SF Fly Fishing Landing Soft Rubber Mesh Trout Catch and Release Net With SILVER Magnetic Net Release Combo Kit
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Anglatech Fly Fishing Vest Pack for Trout Fishing Gear and Equipment, Adjustable Size for Men and Women

Take only photos; leave only ripples in the stream.

My take on Chief Seattle’s Take only memories, leave only footprints.

Views: 1165

Destination, Photography, Trout Fishing

RUSH RIVER – Fisherman’s Road #trout

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Rush River

The Rush River is a 49.8-mile-long tributary of the Mississippi River in western Wisconsin in the United States. It rises just north of Interstate 94 in St. Croix County near Baldwin and flows generally southwardly through Pierce County. It ends in Lake Pepin of the Mississippi River, about 1 mile west of the village of Maiden Rock in Pierce County. The largest tributary is Lost Creek.

Three small communities are located on the river: Centerville, Martell, and El Paso. While the land near the source is relatively flat, the river soon falls into a steep valley typical of the Driftless Area, with outcrops of sandstone and limestone.

The delta of the Rush River is a State Natural Area, designated in 1986. The heavily wooded floodplain provides an ideal location for waterfowl. ~wikipedia

Fisherman’s Road – El Paso, WI

Fisherman’s Road (425th) in El paso, WI is a quintessential trout experience.  Access to these beautiful blue ribbon trout waters is easy and plentiful thanks to generous land owners like Craig Purse and conservation organizations like Eau Galle Rush River Sportsman Club, Inc.,  who received a large track of land (148.5 acres) donated by the Koch Family.

Use of this land is not without conditions; the biggest of which is “take out what you bring in.”  This goes for private land as well.  It is simply not acceptable to leave behind plastic worm containers, aluminum cans, glass bottles – any form of liter!  This isn’t a difficult concept, yet I see it most every time I am on a stream.  I make it a point to pick up what I can.  The net hanging off my vest is an excellent receptacle for trash on the hike back to my vehicle.  Land owners will appreciate you making this effort.

On the trail

My fishing partner Linnae and I arrive at Fisherman’s Road @ 7:30 a.m. on Saturday 4/29/18.  It was a chilly 27 degrees with frost on the ground.  This time of year, it feels good to get your waders and gear on for warmth.  It was shaping up to be a beautiful bright-sun-shinny day on the Rush.  We crossed the river from the parking area and walked along the wonderful trail that Craig and his wife maintain.  They even have a fire pit (with split wood stacked) at the bend in the river for people to enjoy.  This is why respecting the land is so important.  Too many shenanigans and the access the public enjoys can easily be revoked.

We surveyed the water as we walked along; not much activity as we suspected given the temperature. We tried some nymphs while we waited for the sun to warm things up a bit more.  I connected with a single fish, but did not land it.

Rush River

The Streamer Guy

Related image

As we made our way down stream further, we ran into “Streamer Guy.”  He had been out even earlier and was on his way back in from the stream.  He was all about the streamers.  No nymph or dry fly fishing for for this guy.  He was more than willing to enlighten us on his preferred method of catching larger trout.  This is what I love about other fly fishers on the stream that you meet.  Their willingness to take time and share their knowledge and experience with you is priceless in my opinion. This gentleman even gave Linnae a few a patterns that he personally tied himself to try.

Rush River

Later on

Later in the day when things warmed up a bit, so also did the action.  At approximately 1 p.m., the bugs started to rise with increasing frequency.  The fishing was challenging given all of the natural food in the water and on the surface.  We managed to land a few Brown Trout on a Blue Winged Olive size 18.  We both landed a Brook Trout as well.  In this photo you can see Linnae’s Brook Trout en route back to the stream as it flopped out of her hand while I was trying to take a picture.

Rush River

The action was steady for a good while.  We didn’t hook any monsters; mostly little fighters.  I did observer some nice ones rising to the naturals, but could not coax one to bite.  Before we knew it, it was 3:30 in the afternoon…a mere 8 hours after we arrived.  Time flies when you are on the trout stream.

Take only photos; leave only ripples in the stream.

Adaptation of Chief Seattle’s Take only memories, leave only footprints.

Views: 4101

Photography, Trout Fishing

HAY CREEK – Minnesota #browntrout

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Hay Creek

Hay Creek is a small trout stream in southeastern Minnesota. It has its headwaters west of Goodhue and empties into the Mississippi River just to the north of Red Wing.  It runs 25.1 miles, over half of which is a Minnesota designated trout stream. Like the Vermillion River, Hay Creek receives extensive fishing pressure due to its proximity to Minneapolis–St. Paul.

Hay Creek was named for the hay meadows near its banks. A railroad once ran along Hay Creek from the claybanks near Goodhue to the pottery and stoneware factories in Red Wing, which also made use of the water from the creek. The railroad was torn up in 1937, but traces such as trestle pilings remain.  ~wikipedia

Hay Creek Map

Stream-side

I arrived stream-side around 12:45 p.m.  I was hopeful that the warm sun and pleasant temp would be productive.  Six other cars lined the side of the dusty gravel road.  I walked over to survey the water by the bridge.  I could see trout slurping Blue-Winged Olives (bwo) from the surface.  A site like that installs a perma-grin on my face.  It didn’t take me long to return to my car and get things situation.  Since the fish were still feeding like crazy I wasn’t going to pass up the nice run immediately upstream from the bridge.  My first cast yielded a feisty 10″ brown.

Brown Trout

I caught a few more smaller ones in the same stretch and then moved on to another spot further upstream.

Hay Creek

A wee bit further upstream is a nice riffle with a deep run below.  I noticed there were a few Caddis flies in the air in addition to the bwo.  There were trout slurping bugs from the surface here as well. It didn’t take long to catch a few more trout here.

The trout were in a full-on feeding frenzy.  I switched over to an elk hair caddis fly and continued upstream.

The Honey Hole

When I arrived at my favorite spot on this stretch of Hay Creek, the grin continued…there were Caddis flies everywhere.  I inhaled a few, but didn’t care.  They were crawling all over me.  The fish were hitting like crazy; I wish I had brought the GoPro.  After catching a dozen or so fish, the action stopped.  Check out the video below.  I tried to fish a bit more after a rest, but I think the trout gorged themselves on Caddis flies.  It was time to give the run a rest after having caught a good number of trout.  I had a good run and decided to head back to the car.  I didn’t connect with any monster trout this afternoon, but the action was plentiful and steady; you can’t ask for much more than that.

Caddis Flies

Take only photos; leave only ripples in the stream.

Adaptation of Chief Seattle’s Take only memories, leave only footprints.

Views: 1673

Destination, Gear, Photography

WILLOW RIVER STATE PARK – Willow Falls #Wisconsin

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Willow River State Park

Willow River State Park is a 2,891-acre Wisconsin state park located five miles north of Hudson. The centerpiece of the park is Willow Falls, a powerful cascade in a 200-foot deep gorge. Another popular feature is Little Falls Lake, a shallow reservoir on the Willow River. Because of its proximity to Minneapolis-St. Paul it is one of the most visited state parks in Wisconsin. Trilobite fossils found in the lower layers of the gorge indicate the rock is around 600 million years old.

History

Settlers moved in, and by 1830 logging and wheat farming were common in the Willow River Valley. The river was invaluable for the former, as logs were floated downstream to the St. Croix.

Power

A German immigrant, Christian Burkhardt, realized the river could also be harnessed for the latter industry; he built a grist mill there in 1868. Burkhardt became a wealthy landowner and followed developments in water-powered industry. He traveled home to Germany to examine hydroelectric power plants and returned in 1891 to build his own on the Willow River. Burkhardt eventually built four power plants and dams on the river, which provided electricity to Hudson. Northern States Power purchased Burkhardt’s power company in 1945 and operated its sites until 1963, when damage to one of the plants from a lightning strike prompted the company to liquidate their Willow River holdings.

In 1967 Northern States Power sold the land to the Wisconsin Conservation Commission for a state park, and stabilized the dams at a financial loss. The state park opened in 1971.   All but one of the dams were removed in the 1990s to improve the scenery and trout fishery.  The last dam was removed in 2015. ~wikipedia

I feel absolutely fortunate to live among the lakes, rivers and bluff land right on the boarder between Minnesota and Wisconsin approximately an hour south of the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area.  Willow River State Park is another example of the natural resources and beauty right in my back yard so-to-speak.

Willow Falls Hill Trail MapThere are a few different trails that you can hike to access Willow Falls.  The most direct route is from Willow Falls Parking Lot just a wee bit north of the park main entrance.  The Willow Falls Hill Trail is only a .4 miles long, but the first leg of the trail once you meet the woods is steep.  Having just had knee replacement surgery in January, the downhill part was a bit challenging.  A week ago there was 4″-6″ of slippery solid ice on the paved trail.  That attempt to hike to the Willow Falls was aborted immediate in favor of exploring other areas of the park.  I would recommend the mile long Willow Falls Trail from the campground to avoid the hill if that is a concern.

Little Falls

Little Falls Lake is no more as the dam was breached in 2015.  There is a small water fall where the dam once was, a rapids is a more accurate description I suppose.  The former lake basin was teaming with migratory birds that early Spring day.  Ducks, geese and Sandhill cranes milled about in the tall grasses where the water once stood.

Willow Falls

A week in the Spring time can bring about change quickly.  Mid 50 degree days made short work of the ice on the Willow Falls Hill Trail.  All of the runoff made for a magnificent display of water raging over the cascades.

The woods and falls area is still pretty devoid of color although some grasses were sprouting up and the mosses providing for some contrast in the blah brown hold over from Winter.  As did the bright purple hammock that a young lady hung between two trees for some R&R right next to the falls.  A wonderful spot to kick back and lounge.

 

Gear

In case anyone is wondering, I’ll share what works for me.  There are several ways to achieve desired results; this is my experience with the gear I’ve chosen.  You don’t have to buy the highest-end gear to achieve great results.

The sun was high and bright when I arrived at the falls.  I did several 20-30 second exposures made possible by a 10-stop ND filter listed below.  I purchased the Zomei tripod for our travels to Ireland in 2016.  It is compact and light; I’ve used it quite a bit since and like its features.  I am referencing the Osprey backpack because the Zomei tripod fits perfectly in the outer flap.  I don’t like to carry a heavy camera bag while hiking; this one is perfect – especially when coupled with PeakDesign Capture Camera Clip on the backpack should strap.  My camera is securely in place – freeing up both hands – and readily accessible.  If anyone has any questions about these items, I’d be happy to answer any questions.  You can click on the images below for links to these items on Amazon.com.

ZOMEi Z668C Lightweight Travel Carbon Fiber TripodZomei Ultra Slim HD 18 Layer Super Multi-Coated SCHOTT Glass PRO 10-stop ND3.0
Osprey Packs Daylite Plus DaypackPeak Design Capture Camera Clip V3 (Black with Plate)

Other

Photos from previous trip to Willow River State Park in the Winter.

Views: 919

Daily Shots, Photography

From the Archives – 2016 *60 Images

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From the Archives – 2016

For three years (2014, 2015 & 2016) I published a photo a day (not shot and posted a single photo).   My version of a less stringent 365 project.  Throughout that period I shot a significant amount of photos that were not published for whatever reason.  Here are the miscellaneous images from 2016 (60) images).

2014 356 Images | 2015 365 Images | 2016 365 Images

Views: 343

Daily Shots, Photography

From the Archives – 2015 *121 Images

Image 2 Comments

From the Archives – 2015

For three years (2014, 2015 & 2016) I published a photo a day (not shot and posted a single photo).   My version of a less stringent 365 project.  Throughout that period I shot a significant amount of photos that were not published for whatever reason.  Here are the miscellaneous images from 2015 (121) images).

2014 365 Images | 2015 365 Images | 2016 365 Images

Views: 345

Daily Shots, Photography

From the Archives – 2014 *60 Images

Image

From the Archives – 2014

For three years (2014, 2015 & 2016) I published a photo a day (not shot and posted a single photo).   My version of a less stringent 365 project.  Throughout that period I shot a significant amount of photos that were not published for whatever reason.  Here are the miscellaneous images from 2014 (60 images).

2014 365 Images | 2015 365 Images | 2016 365 Images

 

Views: 392

Destination, Photography, Travel

OURAY – Little Switzerland #Colorado

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OURAY

Ouray was originally established by miners chasing silver and gold in the surrounding mountains.  The town at one time boasted more horses and mules than people.  Prospectors arrived in the area in 1875. In 1877, William Weston and George Barber found the Gertrude and Una gold veins in Imogene Basin, six miles south southwest of Ouray.  Thomas Walsh acquired the two veins and all the open ground nearby.  In 1897 the Camp Bird Mine opened.  The mine produced almost 200,000 ounces of gold by 1902, when Walsh sold out to Camp Bird, Ltd.  By 1916 Camp Bird, Ltd., had produced over one million ounces of gold. ~wikipedia

BOX CANYON

The economy today is based solely of tourism.  Known also as Little Switzerland because of its position at the narrow head of a valley, enclosed on three and a half sides by steep mountains.  This enclosure is referred to as a box canyon.

Ouray Box Canyon Sign

OFF ROAD

The one noticeable inhabitant in town is Jeeps.  Jeeps everywhere; along with all sorts of ATV/UTV’s.  This is understandable as there are off-road trails surrounding this area.  We did not venture out and rent a jeep or go on a tour…on this trip anyway.  There are certainly enough videos on youtube to make you think twice about venturing out on the trails.  That said, it still looks like a grand adventure to me.   Some day.  The following video provides some insight into the area trails.

AROUND TOWN

Ouray is a beautiful place to visit.  The downtown is lined with shops, pubs and restaurants.  We stayed at Ouray Main Street Inn; The Miners Cabin.  It was a great home-base for a few days while we explored the area.  We very much enjoyed our dinner at Bon Ton.  The Artisan Bakery serves up fantastic breakfast burritos.  Ouray Candy & Ice Cream Parlor served up a delightful scoop of just that – ICE CREAM – each evening we were there.  We will definitely be back to Ouray.  Love this town.

View from the alley behind the Miners Cabin

EXTRA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qm7wvOYeIy0

Views: 563