I walked out to the bank this morning. Slowly, this time. I looked over and saw three male and one female wood duck paddling around by a fallen tree. Usually, I'm not stealthy enough not to make them fly away into the distance before I even get a good look, but this time, they just hung out, and slowly paddled […]

Chuck, Jon and I took a walk this past Wednesday along the river at the Sangamon River Greenway. Discussions are under way for development of a River Trail in that area that would perhaps ultimately connect with trail plans along the river at Barber Park, all of which would connect with the newest trail leading from the 150 bridge crossing […]

Saturday I paddled upstream from my house, and since the Sangamon was flowing high, fast and strong, I sidetracked and paddled up the accurately-named "Big Ditch". It was an Interesting experience. While fairly monotonous, with long straight stretches, it also has no obstructions such as fallen logs or trees, and feels at times like paddling on open water. Another interesting aspect […]

Always remember to keep looking up. The waxing crescent moon is hanging horns up and low in the Western sky tonight near the red giant Aldebaran, the eye of the Bull. Sirius is shining brightly as usual as the shoulders of the Big Dog to the South. The time changes this weekend and the Vernal Equinox is 11 days away. Things […]

I was out walking Josh and Mowgli, our two dogs in the near-full moonlight this evening. If you don't get a chance to experience a full moon in the woods without the "benefit" of man-made lighting, you, my friend, are missing one of nature's true gifts. This is particularly true this time of year with the leafless trees letting maximum […]