LED Experiment

What would happen if one were to put some LED strip lights behind a photo in one of those cheap clear plastic frames? One result is that it could look something like this . . .

Well, not too bad for a cheap plastic thing with cardboard backing. But, there is one little bitty issue...

The "Kodak" printing on the back of the picture shows through. Bummer. 

But, as a proof of concept experiment, it shows promise. Now, if I had money to burn, I'd get a print done on "satin cloth" from RediPix.com and figure out a non-cheap, non-cardboard way to mount and light it. 

Something to think about....

January morning

Blue-flag Iris

Sometimes, on a cold and snowy January morning, a bit of Spring is a welcome interlude.

River Walk Jan 4, 2012

A beautiful sunny day. Warm, too. Just had to get out and see what's been happening on this most northern stretch of the Mississippi.

The first thing I came across was a set of tracks made by three otter in the last couple days, probably two days ago.

Three otter

Three otter

As I turned the corner to head west upriver, this scene presented itself. A quintessential winter river scene - a big white pine, long blue shadows, and a flat, white river.

Mississippi River scene

At this bend of the river a sign cautions those who travel this way in the warmer months. It doesn't really apply on a January day.

OK...

A little further on, I came across a set of fox tracks that were coming from where I was headed. These were very fresh. I'd missed the fox by just a few hours.

Fox track

Closer to shore, alders grow. They've already set buds for next spring's flowering.

Alder buds waiting for Spring to flower

I think the alder buds looks like little sausages!

They look like sausages

And then .... a trifecta!! Fox track, deer track, and otter track - all in one shot!

Fox, deer, and otter! Oh, my!

Near the canoe camp, a beaver had taken down a large birch. This stump was more than two feet across at the cut line!

Large birch felled by a beaver

Since it was nearby, I checked on the canoe camp. Everything seems to be OK.

Canoe camp

And then I saw it. Why is there always some ignoramus who desperately, desperately needs a clue??

Someone really needs to get a clue!

This is a very large Norway pine. It has been all but completely girdled. It is unlikely that it will survive this senseless attack. Here's what it looks like from the river - it's the large Norway leaning to the left.

The injured Norway

If I knew who had committed this senseless attack, I'd be more that happy to deliver the clue that person so sorely needs. I'd be sure to deliver it, most emphatically, on the toe of my size 11-1/2 boot!

Heading back, I stopped to try my hand at creating a panorama of Stump Lake on the Mississippi.

Stump Lake on the Mississippi - Panorama attempt 1

Stump Lake on the Mississippi - Panorama attempt2

All in all, a gorgeous day for a walk. If only I could find that dingbat that needs a clue.....

Black and white with color

The black and white days of a northern winter are a good time to remember and relive the warmth and glorious colors of autumn on the North Shore.



If your browser does not show you the slide show, here is a link to the album of the photos:

https://picasaweb.google.com/fhartmanmn/NorthShore?authuser=0&feat=directlink

Just for chuckles, what happens with this bit of HTML code:

North Shore

Short Days

Short days;
Long shadows
Paint turquoise on snow,
Ebony on branch and twig.

Christmas on the Shore

Winter or summer, spring or fall, Gooseberry State Park is a "must do" stop for our family. When Todd said he'd come north to Duluth for Christmas, we were excited to be able to share Gooseberry in winter with him. We were hoping he'd find the frozen falls as well as other North Shore winter scenes as fascinating as we do. I think he did!

Lower falls on the Gooseberry River

Check out Todd's photo album at:
https://plus.google.com/photos/109166346689447369585/albums/5691321959059947393

Split Rock
Another favorite stop on the Shore is Split Rock State Park. We like to go to the small protected cove that presents fine views of the lighthouse. Here's a money shot:

Split Rock lighthouse from the cove

The cove is protected by the "island" on the right. In summer, it is forbidden to walk on the island in order to protect a bird sanctuary there. Fall and winter, however, it's OK to go there. The lake side of the island offers additional good views of the lighthouse.

Todd on the "island" at Split Rock

Heading back to Duluth after taking in the winter sights on the shore, we stopped for an early dinner at The New Scenic Cafe (http://www.sceniccafe.com/). Check out the menu on their website! Todd ordered the rack of lamb, Fred tucked into the ribeye calotte, and Nancy had the French onion soup. If you are ever on the Shore, do not pass up an opportunity to dine at the The New Scenic Cafe - and it IS dining, not simply eating.

While in Duluth, we had a couple meals at the Duluth Grill (http://www.duluthgrill.com/). The Duluth Grill is another North Shore eatery that we highly recommend. Todd had to try the Big Bold Bison Burger that was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. Fred had the Corned Beef Hash Lover's Skillet. Nancy helped us and we still took left-overs home! This is really good food!

Christmas Day Eve we took in the sights at the Bentleyville Tour of Lights at Duluth's Bayfront Park.
Here's a slideshow of the tour. (For those who can not view a Flash-based entity, a here's a link to the pictures: https://picasaweb.google.com/105110449577043030329/Bentleyville2011)