I’m in Chicago for a couple of days for the Agile Alliance Agile2009 conference. It’s also a great excuse to hook up with my brother as he lives pretty close to downtown. We spent a bunch of time wandering around Millennium Park enjoying the sculptures, fountains, and other sights. Then it’s over to Grant Park to enjoy the Buckingham fountain. We then wandered over to the Agora sculpture before grabbing the bus back to Scott’s house. ...
The long drive continues through Oregon and makes its way into Crater Lake National Park. Awesome views, but unfortunately a very hazy day that prevents these photos from doing this amazing place justice. I miss my girls! A few more shots around the crater. Then it’s time for more broken down old cool buildings. And of course a good size fire. The haze continues to be a problem as they head past Mt. Shasta. Soon they’ll be home and I will be a very happy man. ...
A quick trip through Spokane, Washington before spending the whole day traveling through Oregon. The aliens have landed! Looks like the wind is really blowing over the Columbia River. Monica is such a llama lover, though it’s hard to deny the appeal of these incredibly adorable creatures. Then of course there’s the spectacular shoe tree in Shaniko, Oregon. Yet another favorite of Monica’s. Then it’s into the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Charlotte told me this was one of her favorite places during the trip. ...
Charlotte and Monica continue their long trek home through Montana. Your eyes aren’t fooling you, that derelict wooden building really is slanted that way. And yes that is a giant penguin. This has to take the cake as the most disgusting wildlife photo I may have ever seen. This bear was gorging itself on dead horse remains along the side of the road. I think I’m going to hurl. ...
The trek continues for the girls as they travel across North Dakota. Some interesting sculptures along the way through endless fields. Looks like a visit to Theodore Roosevelt National Park is in order. Gracie has her leash on, though I suspect Monica is actually making a statement in defiance of the rules. The prairie dogs are totally adorable. Onward through North Dakota, with no time to stop at Home On The Range. ...
Charlotte, Monica, and Gracie are off on the big road trip back home to Santa Cruz. Its been another great summer in Bootjack, but all vacations come to an end eventually, at least for us. You can expect lots of unique photos from the girls on the trip home. There are plenty of barns, old houses, and farming stuff in general as the group makes their way through Minnesota. Brainerd had some funny sights. There were also plenty of osprey along the highway. ...
Monica takes Lindsey and the girls out for a drive to the northern tip of the Keweenaw. There are plenty of sights to take in along the way. First stop is the rock place along the highway. Lindsey has the great expressions ever. I know Monica really likes Cliff Cemetery a lot. It’s a great setting hidden away in the woods. Then a few shots at the bridge into Eagle River. ...
Charlotte and Karen went for a nature hike today. A few of the wildlife sightings included a beaver, his big lodge, and a cedar waxwing. Looks like there were plenty of beautiful berries, flowers, and mushrooms.
Charlotte and I are headed to Bete Gris to check out a remote hiking area called Bare Bluff. This is practically the farthest point on the Keweenaw and the views are spectacular. Some of the hiking is quite a scramble as we scale the cliffs. It’s nice to find a hike with some real elevation here in Northern Michigan. Back at camp, Nick enjoys himself with water-skiing while Gracie watches from the lake. She is such a water dog. We also discovered this year that part of the old barge in front on Rice’s place broke off and moved in front of our place. Now that’s something we’re going to have to keep track of. ...
We’re visiting our favorite agate beach over at Calumet Waterworks with the Hoyems today. Monica and Lindsey leave their mark, and in Monica’s case it’s muhr. We’ve got Monica along for photography and fishing tonight. Our faithful fishing dog Gracie is also here to help wrestle any monster fish to the ground if needed. There’s a few storm clouds brewing out over Lake Superior. Gotta keep an eye on those bad boys. ...