Month: August 2018

Woodlands, Wetlands, Prairies and Birds!

by KayeRay, posted in birding, illinois, lakes, midwest usa, nature, photography, Travel

Hike the Preserves at Crabtree Nature Center near Chicago, IL.

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With the help of active restoration and natural succession, the 1,182 acre parcel of farmland that has become Crabtree Nature Center has been restored to ecological heath and biodiversity.

Crabtree is known as a birding site.  Up to 270 species have been recorded migrating through the area.  Many have been thrilled to spy a sandhill crane family or spot a flock of hooded mergansers on the lake.

The Peace Garden State

by KayeRay, posted in adventure, kayaking, lakes, midwest usa, nature, North Dakota, photography, River, Travel

North Dakota Adventure

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PEMBINA GORGE

Whether you prefer hiking, canoeing or kayaking, winding along the bends of the Pembina River through the panoramic Pembina Gorge is a must for any nature lover. Enjoy the recreational, historical and natural scenery opportunities of this scenic North Dakota nook.

Rendezvous RegionWalhalla, ND
Fishing on Lake Sakakawea at dusk.

DEVILS LAKE

Head to the full-service Woodland Resort for unbeatable boating and fishing. The resort also boasts a restaurant, cabins, motel, campground, bait shop and boat rentals, along with a full-service winter ice fishing headquarters with fish house rental and guided ice fishing packages available.

1012 Woodland DriveDevils Lake, ND 58301

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LAKE METIGOSHE STATE PARK

Nestled in the scenic Turtle Mountains on the shores of Lake Metigoshe, this state park includes several miles of rolling hills and multi-use trails. Amazing canoeing, kayaking and fishing opportunities abound on one of the cleanest natural fresh-water lakes in North Dakota. Cabin rentals are available in summer and winter

 

For more info visit https://www.ndtourism.com/best-places/11-great-north-dakota-outdoor-adventures

10,000 Lakes and Counting

by KayeRay, posted in adventure, kayaking, lakes, midwest usa, nature, photography, River, Travel

Looking for adventure in Minnesota….

  1. Fall colors at Mic Mac Lake in Tettegouche State Park / by Wayne Moran

    Chase the Fall Colors on Minnesota’s North Shore

    It’s always worth visiting the North Shore, but in September and October, the region transforms into a truly magical destination that practically insists on becoming your annual vacation spot.

  2. Boundary Waters SQ

    A Beginner’s Boundary Waters Itinerary: Four Days in Paradise

    One of the hardest things about planning your first Boundary Waters trip is deciding where to go within the vast preserve’s 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 11 hiking trails and approximately 2,000 designated campsites. This four-day itinerary highlights some of the best sights and camping spots along a moderate course, and ends with a hearty dose of small town Minnesota on the final day—a complete “Up North” experience if there ever was one.

  3. Arctic Cat ATV

    Minnesota’s ATV Trails Cater to All Riders

    Minnesota boasts dozens of trails for all-terrain vehicle riders. Opportunities exist for riders throughout Minnesota, with the majority of trails clustered in the northern part of the state. There are trails to match every skill level, from flat and open trails that cater to beginners, to narrow, winding trails that will challenge even the most experienced riders.

  4. Northeast Voyageurs

    Houseboating & More at Voyageurs National Park

    Voyageurs National Park is Minnesota’s only full-fledged national park. It is uniquely water-based among national parks, with its interior accessible only by water. 240 camping, houseboat and day-use sites dot the shores of four large, island-studded lakes, and dozens of smaller lakes, along the Canadian border.

  5. Find Creature Comforts in the Midst of Wild Nature

    Find Creature Comforts in the Midst of Wild Nature

    The Boundary Waters is a true wilderness preserved within Superior National Forest’s 3 million acres, and offers its many visitors an experience of a lifetime. But it isn’t the only place to take in the area’s beauty. Much of the forest shares the BWCAW’s distinctive, rugged beauty.

  6. Voyageurs National Park

    The Big 6: Minnesota’s Spectacular National Park Sites

    Six diverse and unique national park sites can be found in Minnesota, preserving and highlighting some of our most distinctive natural, historical and cultural resources.

     

For more information on these and other ideas visit http://www.exploreminnesota.com/travel-ideas/all-travel-ideas

Fox River Wildlife Up Close

by KayeRay, posted in kayaking, midwest usa, nature, photography, River, Travel
If you want to see plenty of exciting wild life creatures up close……………plan a kayak trip on the Fox River in the Summer months.  On a recent 3 hour kayak expedition during the month of August, one can plan to see and photograph large mouth bass jumping out of the water after flies and smaller flying creatures.  Turtles swimming around the lily pads close to the river banks.  Carp spawning in the creamy mud banks alongside the river.
In addition to the many underwater animals you’ll see many large flying birds such as Blue Herons, swallows and cranes hunting alongside the river banks for small insects and fish.  As you round each bend and turn on the river you never know what to expect or what you will see.  A true adventure awaits you on the Fox River in McHenry County, Illinois. 

Kite Ballet? Yup

by KayeRay, posted in kite, midwest usa, nature, photography, Travel

High-flying professionals demonstrate awesome feats of beauty and great skill at the Chicago Botanical Gardens in Illinois.  The coordination of these light flying crafts was spectacular.

The Chicago Fire Kite Team has been competing and demonstrating team sport kite ballet and precision since 1986. Invited to kite festivals around the world, they have flown in front of friendly crowds in England, France, Japan, Canada, and the United States.