Fall in Illinois

 Just thought i would share one last set of photos on this blog. photos of one of my favorite times of year when the trees change color and summer gives way to winter.I wont be posting here much anymore because i am going to work on a website this winter, buy myself a new camera, and try to sell myself to the photography world. but thanks to all who have read and enjoyed my photos on here. I will post a link to my website when it is up and running. take care all.

Bugs and things

I figured i would post some random pictures of butterflies and dragonflies that i have taken over the summer, sadly the the warmer days are dwindling away and colder days are creeping in. before long all my post will be fall colors, then random spots where i can find beauty in the cold snow or i may just have to find a new project to keep me busy this winter. hope you enjoy stay tuned for fall photos.

Japanese Festival MO, Botanical Gardens

Spent Sunday afternoon strolling through the 35th Annual Japanese Festival at the Botanical Gardens, let me tell you this place is amazing anyone that has never been to the gardens should check it out at least once,but the Japanese fest gives it an extra kick with food and little tents set up selling merchandise it was a perfect event to attend on a very nice September day. just make sure you arrive early as we didn't get there till six and missed most of the days activities.  

Washington Park, Springfield IL

The Carillon

  Washington Park in Springfield Illinois, is one of my favorite parks in the Springfield area for taking photos. Washington park sits on 20 acres of land, features more than 1800 species of plants, has a conservatory, and the really cool Rees memorial carillon wich contains 67 bells built by Petit & Fritsen. Concerts are held year round every Sunday and on Wednesday evenings during summer months. Tower tours are available daily. So if you are ever in the Springfield area and are looking for a good place to have a picnic or take some cool pictures i recommend checking out Washington Park.

bells taken down to clean

metal flower inside the conservatory

water lily 

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Glenarm Covered Bridge or Sugar Creek Covered Bridge

 Glenarm Covered Bridge, is about five miles away from where i live and about one mile off interstate 55 or old highway 66,and sits off of, Covered Bridge road (pretty original). The bridge sits on sugar creek and was built in 1880 by Thomas Black,and rehabilitated in 1965. the design of the bridge is covered burr arch truss, and spans 60 feet across, it is one of only five 19th century covered bridges remaining in Illinois,there is roughly about a three acre park area (Pioneer Park) around the bridge with one pavilion for anyone looking to picnic,there are also trails for anyone wanting to take a walk, they are on the west side of the bridge along the creek. the bridge offers some unique photo opportunities in this area mainly because of its uniqueness. Sugar Creek feeds into Lake Springfield and either does or does not feed into Sangomon River at some point, I will have to figure that out sometime. Anyway hope you enjoy the photos, and get the opportunity to visit this beautiful piece of American History next time your heading down I-55.  

fireworks

distorted boat lights on Lake Springfield

Happy 4th of July weekend,
  Just posting a few photos of fireworks taken at rock the dock last night, for the spirit of the 4th of July. I know it has nothing to do with state parks but i thought i would share anyway. hope you enjoy, have a safe and happy holiday.

Current River Missouri

Photos from my wife and I's trip to Missouri's Current River. Current River has always been one of my favorite places to canoe, the waters are cold and a beautiful blueish green color due to the many Springs that feed into the river. The river starts at Montauk State Park and winds its way down into Arkansas.
On this trip we did Baptist Camp to Akers Ferry (where we rented our canoes from) and the river was as beautiful as always. there was some debris in the water, (mostly downed trees from the many storms we have had this year) but nothing serious and everything was smooth sailing. It was my wife's first time down the river and i think she enjoyed it besides the fact we did seventeen miles on her first trip, we stayed at Jason's Place campgrounds and arrived on a Thursday thinking the party people wouldn't be there yet, well we got placed next to twenty noisy people anyway. but all in all it was a good trip everyone had fun even the dog. to anyone that's never been to Current River and is thinking of going, if you are not a party person don't go on the weekend, weekday trips here are best, and don't stay at Jason's Place, its known for parties.

Lazy dog

Welch Spring

Welch Spring Hospital

Sangchris Lake State Park

overgrown path at Sangchris Lake

wild Heath Aster at Sangchris Lake

Black-eyed Susan at Sangchris Lake

Daucus Carota or Queen Anne's lace at Sangchris Lake

Morning Hike at Sanghris Lake State Park (the closest park to where i live) this morning turned out some good photos, albeit the path was overgrown since last time i was out just last month and the ticks where ravenous.I picked at least two dozen of them nasty little things off my pant legs. this state park never disappoints though i fish and walk the trails frequently through the warm months and always find myself at peace. The park has Two campgrounds, A horse riding trail or (equestrian trail), a snowmobile trail for winter use, and the fishing seems to be good in the spring but the lake gets hot in the summer due to the power plant that sits just off highway 104. but there is plenty of good opportunity's to take good photos at Sangchris and these are a few i took this morning on my hike hope you enjoy.  

Dragon fly at Sangchris Lake