A Snowy Drive

Today was a beautiful, crisp winter day,

so I decided to take the long way home on my way back from town.

I don't often go down by the lake in the winter,

simply because the access roads are usually hazardous.

But as the road crews have been busy clearing the roads this past week,

I decided to travel that way.

While waiting for an appointment I spied this little guy outside the window.

(Click on the photo.)

Wonder where this squirrel is headed?

Guess he found a way to avoid the traffic.




Driving down to the lake.

Just don't go off the road as there is quite a drop on either side.

The road was fairly clear - until I reached the bottom.

There the sun never gets a chance to warm the pavement,

melting the snow and ice.

Poor, poor farmer is still hanging around.

Crossing over Moores Creek.

This road is usually flooded here in the spring

and actually becomes part of Lake Monroe.

I parked the car and ventured out into the snow to take some pictures.

Off in the distance,

it looks like the main body of Lake Monroe is ice-free.

The state limits building on the shores of the lake

as they wish to preserve a natural view from the lake.

American Sycamores.

Close-up picture of the bark of

an American Sycamore.

Time to head back up the hill.

Remember, do as I say and not as I do:

don't drive and take pictures.

Stream alongside the road.

I hope you enjoyed our little trip.

Thanks for coming along for the ride.

Tripping Down Memory Lane, Part I

Traveling down to the Tailwater released a long-forgotten memory of another overly-wet spring just a few years ago (2oo2, to be exact). I wondered: had I taken my film-laden camera with me when we drove down there that day? Why, yes I had. Let us now go back in time six years. And enjoy some of the other old-fashioned photographs I also discovered.

The water roars out from the bottom of the dam. In May of 2002, Lake Monroe was at its highest ever level and was declared to be at 105% capacity. For the first time, water flowed over the overflow spillway (designed to protect the dam). I, like many others, drove down to take a look at history. Along with a very soggy landscape, I also spotted a Copperhead snake. Now, I like snakes, but I know better than to try to befriend such a creature.

It's fascinating, really. The background remains the same, but the scenery changes every second. The roar of the water was unbelievable. We had to shout to hear each other. My understanding is that they had opened the valve just about all the way in order to relieve the lake and the dam of the pressure.

I notice that no fishermen were present this day.

Hmph, now I need a coat. You may find me odd, but I don't really mind the squirrels raiding the bird feeders. After all, they provide quite a bit of entertainment in return for their meal. The raccoons however, just steal in the middle of the night, grr. Fortunately, they don't seem to start hitting the feeders until March.

Ouch, that hurts just watching him, er her? Eh, whatever.

Ah, I remember this. We were driving back to Indiana after having visited The Great Darke County Fair.

Oh, Rosie? Do you perhaps recognize this vignette? Too bad I hadn't 'met' you back in 1996 when we were here.

That's right! We had visited The Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island, North Carolina. You know, I do think that that was our last true vacation. Imagine that...

Nature Visits

Oops, hey Mr. Raccoon, you've been discovered. Now vamoose!

Um, Mr. Squirrel? You might want to see your lawyer about the fact that Mr. Raccoon had previously cleaned out the feeders.

Rats, this feeder is empty too.

And, now I lament the fact that you cannot share in the sensory overload that we are experiencing right now. Let's call it Eau de Skunk. I'd gladly share this natural essence with you if I could.