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2009 Fall Colors : The colors are especially vibrant this year and I thought I'd pass a few of them along for you to enjoy. They are from Grandview Drive, Forest Park Nature Center, and others from Matthiessen State Park near Oglesby, Illinois. When President Theodore Roosevelt visited Peoria on October 10, 1910, he called Grandview Drive the "World's Most Beautiful Drive." Grand View is revered as one of the most beautiful drives in Peoria because of its breathtaking views of the river and the many historic and remarkable homes lining it. See if you agree (although most of these pictures are "homeless").

2009 Fall Colors

The colors are especially vibrant this year and I thought I'd pass a f ...

Updated: Nov 02, 2009 12:15pm PST

2009 Summer in Peoria, IL : I thoroughly enjoy pausing to take photographs while out in nature even when in familiar surroundings. These pictures are from the Peoria area: Detweiller Golf course (no I don't golf - I'm afraid I might like it), Forest Park Nature Center (everything is wild - no fences), and the Illinois River near Galena Marina where I do much of my kayaking. I hope you enjoy these glimpses into the respites God grants me from everyday life. He is so gracious! Many of these pictures are of high water, since the Illinois River remained above Flood Stage in the Spring of 2009 from early March through most of June and even into July. Peoria broke their previous record for days above flood stage on the Illinois River with 86 days and counting by the end of May.

2009 Summer in Peoria, IL

I thoroughly enjoy pausing to take photographs while out in nature eve ...

Updated: Aug 31, 2009 5:43am PST

2009 Sailing on the Illinois River : Wikipedia says, "Sailing is the art of controlling a boat with large (usually fabric) foils called sails. By changing the rigging, rudder, and dagger or centre board, a sailor manages the force of the wind on the sails in order to change the direction and speed of a boat. Mastery of the skill requires experience in varying wind and sea conditions, as well as knowledge concerning sailboats." That said, here are a few pictures taken while sailing on Peoria Lake with my buddy, Cliff and a variety of friends. He's the sailor! I'm the accomplice! I hope you enjoy the photos!

2009 Sailing on the Illinois River

Wikipedia says, "Sailing is the art of controlling a boat with large ( ...

Updated: Aug 27, 2009 8:06am PST

2009 Emiquon Preserve : The Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge is a 11,122-acre wetland wildlife refuge located in Fulton County, Illinois across the Illinois River from the town of Havana. The Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge and the Emiquon Project cover the historic beds of Flag Lake and Thompson Lake, which were shallow, alluvial lakes created by the Illinois River. Heavy loads of sand and silt carried southwest by the river created almost random, undulating topography along the river's bed. The river responded to these deposits by repeatedly shifting its course, leaving long, narrow sections of abandoned riverbed behind it. My visit to Emiquon was most enjoyable. It didn't, however, yield the kayaking I expected. Instead, I did some walking along the perimeter paths taking some pictures that I hope you enjoy.

2009 Emiquon Preserve

The Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge is a 11,122-acre wetland wildlife ...

Updated: Aug 24, 2009 5:44am PST

2009 Banner Marsh : This past Saturday was hot and muggy but still a great day for kayaking and hiking around Banner Marsh (click on MAP THIS above) not far from Peoria. I found and identified more wildflowers, saw my first Buckeye Butterfly, and chatted with some fishermen from a local club who were out enjoying some catch-and-release competition. I hope you find some pictures you enjoy!

2009 Banner Marsh

This past Saturday was hot and muggy but still a great day for kayakin ...

Updated: Aug 18, 2009 5:35am PST

2009 Peoria, IL Riverfront : The Peoria Riverfront Walk is always enjoyable, but especially in the early morning when the sun is low in the sky and the air still cool. This particular morning was no exception! Meandering along with lots of time and cool, fresh air (about 60 degrees) was so relaxing and refreshing! And...I continue to marvel at the ever expanding number of things to discover, explore, and enjoy in God's beautiful garden! Again, you can click on the "Map This" button above to see where each picture was taken.

2009 Peoria, IL Riverfront

The Peoria Riverfront Walk is always enjoyable, but especially in the ...

Updated: Aug 06, 2009 2:09pm PST

2009 Spring in Peoria, IL : I take so many pictures around home I decided to add this category. Don't forget to check out the location of the pictures by clicking on MAP THIS if that is of interest to you.

2009 Spring in Peoria, IL

I take so many pictures around home I decided to add this category. Do ...

Updated: May 14, 2009 8:19am PST

2008 Summer in Peoria, IL :

2008 Summer in Peoria, IL

Updated: May 14, 2009 7:57am PST