Ideas for places to visit in the Midwest
After scouring woods, creeks and valleys, hunters return empty handed. This is in Lincoln County, Missouri with low rolling hills that turn into rugged terrain towards the Mississippi River. An easy area for these hunters to trail fox and the Basseters chase rabbits. However the enjoyment of being outdoors, camaraderie of friends and the after hunt meals make this a special day.
Hidden along the ridges of Chesterfield Valley you will find these scenic farms. On many Sundays in the Fall and Winter I will go hunting with a pack of Basset Hounds. Traveling through the back woods of farms and parks, following the pack, you will come upon scenes like this and this is probably the best way to experience Missouri’s fall color. Hope you enjoy my favorite season!
Click on the photo to see full screen (it might take about 20 seconds).
https://greatrivers.smugmug.com/Galleries/Missouri-Botanical-Garden/i-zH6C94B/A
Missouri Botanical Garden’s Garden Party Lights features interactive lighting, projection mapping, and laser show installations.
At dark, the light show begins. Visitors take a self-guided journey through over a mile of free-flowing paths with electrifying multimedia created in collaboration with world-renowned projection and lighting experts AVI Systems and Theatrical Concepts Inc.
This is a laser projection on Henry Shaw’s home on the grounds. This is actually a live presentation featuring high definition music and narration. The interactive sights and sounds are something to see.
Be sure to click on the photo for a larger image and more scenes from the gardens.
Last weekend I was able to join a group of fox hunters in Pike County, Missouri. The hunters are dressed in full regalia and ride well groomed horses. The riders with their hounds are really something to see. Here we have a rider with 12 couples or 24 hounds. Twenty riders and the hounds will go through woods, fields and stream looking trying to pick up the scent of a fox.
Lots of excitement this day for the hounds horses and riders. Also, the fox were off doing something else, none to be found.
Early morning on Lake Minocqua. The fog has settled in and boats have not ventured out onto the lake. It is cold this morning but soon the fishermen will be out on the lake heading to their favorite spot.
This misty morning is very calm allowing for wonderful reflections on the lake.
Fall weather sets in on Lake Minocqua. This northern community usually sees it first snow in October and lazy summer days are at an end. In a short time, snowmobiles will be racing on the lake and traversing groomed trails through the woods.
On this day I got up early to photograph a sunrise and found this beautiful scene on the lake.
Click on the photo to see a larger version and more options.
You know it is fall when you experience opening day of Basseting. During the fall season through winter, about a dozen Basset Hounds are tested to see if they can find and follow the scent of a rabbit. Once the scent is found the Hounds go on full alert and try to find their elusive prey. Unfortunately the hounds are on the hare’s territory so eluding the Bassets is not a problem but everyone enjoys the chase!
The Minocqua – Kawaguesaga Lakes are dotted with these scenic boathouses. You can take a short walk to see this one. From downtown Minocqua follow the bearskin Trail across the the first two trestles. After the second trestle, continue another one hundred feet and look to your right. Continue walking to enjoy the scenic marshes and their resident beavers, chipmunks and eagles.
https://greatrivers.smugmug.com/Galleries/Northwoods/i-jFMSV9C/A
Highway 51 intermittently runs though the central United States from New Orleans to Lake Superior. An old highway that has been mostly replaced by the interstate highway system. That is, until it becomes the main thoroughfare after it passes through Wausau, Wisconsin. Then it passes through the cranberry bogs and then through northern Wisconsin forests. The forests become intermittent lakes and rivers creating the scenery of the great Northwoods. In fall you are treated to scenes like this between Minocqua and Manitowish Waters.
Across Lake Minocqua from the Thirsty Whale lies the Beacons, a resort and timeshare property that was once the summer home of Fred. B. Snite, Jr. The Beacons’ distinctive lighthouse-style boathouse was built in 1908.
This is one of many classic boathouses in the area. Many can be seen from the Highway 51 bridge or a walk along the bearskin trail will give a nice view. However, a boat is by far the best way to experience this scenic lake.
You can click on the photo above to get into my gallery with photos of many of the boathouses in the area or click here: https://greatrivers.smugmug.com/Galleries/Boathouses/ to go directly into gallery.
Great Rivers Imaging 