Troutbirder II

Troutbirder II
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Monday, September 27, 2010

Nothing Much Happened

The sun was out this morning. And there was no rain in the forecast either. As I peered over my cup of coffee, and looked out the window, the tops of the trees were perfectly still. A good day for cleaning up the garden and clearing the downed trees out in the woods. Perfect, I thought and then I changed my mind and decided to take Baron for a long morning hike. Days of cold, wind and heavy rains left me and the big guy ready to commune with nature.
We hiked perhaps 6 miles this day at a relatively slow pace. Not another person was to be seen all morning. We had Lake Louise State Park all to ourselves. Neither did the birds, deer or even butterflies seem to be around either. . The summer flowers were long gone to seed and only a few scattered asters were in bloom. Baron constantly sniffed the ground looking for anything interesting. Parts of the trails had standing water from the flooding last week. I guessed by looking at the grass that was laying flat, the Upper Iowa River had briefly risen by about three feet. Other areas and towns further to the west had been completely inundated.

In the distance I could see a cross country ski shelter along another trail. Another reminder that winter is not that far away.
At several points the trail left the open grassland and entered the deep woods. CLICK on the small picture and see if you can spot the large wolflike creature hiding in the light and shadows.





A distant reminder of civilization came into view. Giant windmills converting the prairie wind into electricity.

We ended our walk with a little fetching at the deserted beach. Baron loves to fetch. Rather that bring the stick back to me, he would drop it on the beach, begin growling, and then paw, drag, and leap at it. I actually think he believes the stick is a snake. And they say German shepherds are very smart dogs. I have my doubts, though, about that one.
All in all, it was a quiet day. Lots of fresh air. Hiking with my best buddy. Nothing much happened. I love it.

16 comments:

  1. I woke up this morning to a heck of a racket - 200 Common Grackles in my backyard. Located four Great-tailed Grackles with them. A lot of fun - then the Cooper's hawk, Merlin and Kestrel showed up. It was a show.

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  2. What a fun day! I can just imagine Baron getting that snake! :c)

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  3. The days of doing nothing are some of the best and most memorable. :)

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  4. What a great day! And good for you for shirking your duties and going on a nice hike with your best friend!

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  5. This sounds like a perfect day as far as I'm concerned. I'm glad you have such a wonderful place to hike and a good companion to hike with.

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  6. Sometimes a day with nothing much happening is great. With the bad weather we are having, it was a day like that today so I curled up in bed and read my book for most of it. :) It is not often I have such an opportunity.

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  7. Wise decision! The gardening can wait. A day like that with Baron might not.

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  8. There are times when those right there are the best days!

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  9. Gunny sends Baron big greetings!

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  10. It sounds like you and Baron had a perfect morning hike. And yes German Sheps are smart. Didnt you know they like to be silly and play too? LOL.... He is a handsome fella...

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  11. I could actually feel your calm and relaxation, just you, your dog and the quiet prairie and woodlands. Fantastic! And beautiful prairies you have indeed!!! Much different than the species I see here in South Texas - so interesting to view....

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  12. There are few things more precious than a walk with one’s dog. Thanks for taking me along with Baron. Lovely photos of a beautiful countryside.

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  13. I like the little shelter.I could stay out there for a couple of days and be perfectly happy.Nice dog you got there.

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  14. That Baron is such a good poser in those beautiful scenic photos you took! Laughing at the stick / snake story. Scout who rarely barks (only at solicitors at the door) - will bark at stuffed garbage bags on the curb. I have no idea what she thinks it is.

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  15. Kia ora TB,
    You made the right decision over that morning coffe, and lucky you had a good mate handy ready for a bit of a ramble in nature. Great walk.
    Cheers,
    Robb

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