Category Archives: Travel Blogs

A New Crabapple Becomes a Beautiful Tree

May 22, 2022 Troy

One summer day at work, I was told about a crabapple tree that was going to be thrown into the compost because the top had been broken so it wasn’t able to be used for our customer. I asked if I could have it? It was a nice tree and with some care it would likely be just fine. So I brought it home and planted this little crabapple in a perfect spot for us to enjoy. With a little trimming that winter, this new crabapple would be ready to grow into a healthy tree for years to come.

The next spring it leafed out with a few blossoms, but spent more of it’s energy into growing and recovering from being planted. While it was only seven feet tall, we were just excited it survived the winter and was full of leaves. Just keep growing little tree!

When spring arrived the next year, our little crabapple had lots of beautiful, fragrant flowers bringing smiles to our faces. Over the summer, a change for our family would be made. We had decided to move into a different house to fit the needs of our family. One of the hardest parts of that decision was leaving this tree behind. I convinced my wife we could transplant this tree as long as we did it once the leaves had dropped for the season. It had become a healthy and vigorous little tree in a short time and would very likely be able to handle the trauma of being uprooted and replanted. So that’s what we did. That fall, just before this house was sold, a friend came over and we dug this tree out and replanted it at our new house.

The next spring it leafed out once again and began growing. Releaf! Over the next few years our little crabapple had adapted to these new surroundings, continued to grow and provide amazing beauty and fragrance each spring. We couldn’t believe how much it grew each year. Some of those years were cool and wet while others were hot and dry. Yet this tree just kept growing.

Some years there weren’t many blooms to fill the air with its calming aroma, but we enjoyed it still. Our little tree had some challenges during these years but continued to grow and flourish into a mature tree. This spring it put on such an amazing show as it has become a full sized tree reaching over thirty feet in height. We could never have imagined what it would become over almost 20 years its been in our lives. What a special gift for us!

Troy's Blog, Wildflowers

Prairie Blooms

May 8, 2022 Troy

Early April and the landscape still appears to be in winter hibernation on a rare warm early spring day. Will spring come this year, people are beginning to wonder with cold and snow still in the forecast? There’s a lot to do but on this beautiful afternoon but I decide to head to a park and see if there’s any signs of this elusive spring – maybe some colorful mushrooms, migrating birds, or an early spring blossom out on the prairie. Loading my camera into the car I head to a place where Pasque Flowers bloomed last year. If there’s any sign of spring, these will be it. At least much of the snow has disappeared and ice covered lakes are starting to thaw. Spring has to eventually make it’s annual appearance, right? Exiting my parked vehicle I can see the landscape appears to still be asleep in a winter slumber. Anticipating very little to see I still grab my camera and begin to hike out to where the first spring blooms emerged last year.

Entering the area, I began to walk slowly back and forth looking for any sign of life while getting a few odd looks from others out for a stroll wondering what I may be looking for. Getting closer I could tell some of the grasses where beginning to show some green. The prairie is starting to wake up. Scouting amongst the dried up leaves and stems from a season ago, I eventually saw a pop of color. These must be the Pasque flowers! Getting closer, they were indeed the first flowers freshly opened just inches from the thawing ground. Kneeling down to take some photos I glanced up only to be stared at by a passer by in a very concerned way. They may not have seen the camera and were likely trying to figure out what I was doing. Eventually they continued on their way and I resumed my exploration of these beautiful little flowers. An occasional fly would enter these little purple blooms being one of the only sources of food available. A surprising and successful adventure out on to the Prairie! Yes, spring was on it’s way!

migration, spring, Troy's Blog, wildlife

Spring Duck Migration is Underway

April 30, 2022 Troy

It was one of the few nice days so far this spring. There was a lot to do at home but my camera kept whispering my name. Ignoring it at first, I continued on with my list of things to do but as the day continued, the call became louder and louder. Admitting I had not really used the camera much in awhile, I finally decided to accept the continual suggestions and head out to an area park. Knowing it would probably be busy as many people wanted to get out and enjoy the beautiful day, I thought through where I would go. After much thinking, I decided on a park a little further away hoping the ice would now be off some of the smaller ponds and wildlife would be starting to make their way north.

Pulling into the county park I had chosen, the parking lot was surprisingly open. There were several vehicles there but people were returning from their hikes and leaving. This should turn out to be a quieter adventure than I was expecting which would be nice. Now parked I switched my shoes to warmer boots since I was expecting to sit in one location for some time and the ground was still cold. Grabbing my backpack holding the camera gear and some warmer clothing should it be needed along with some food, I began my hike to the pond. Along the way I decided to travel through a small forest in search of mushrooms. They weren’t showing a week ago and today was no different. One more stop to the prairie along the way to check for Pasque Flowers. They were beginning to grow now and would be in full bloom soon. Now on to the edge of the pond which I could see the ice was gone and ducks littered the surface.

Meandering through trees at the edge of the pond I found a nice spot to perch in between two larger trees. The camera was set upon my tripod and I was ready. With all of this activity the ducks had moved to the farther end of the pond but I knew they would be back in time. Trying to remain mostly still I just sat and observed these waterfowl for awhile. Eventually they began to venture back to where I was sitting gathering food for their journey to their northern nesting grounds. Ring-necked ducks were the first to work their way closer and I expected to see these here as I’ve seen them a number of times in years past. Mixed in with them were a few Buffleheads which I wasn’t really expecting but happy to see. A couple of Pied-billed Grebes swam back and forth. While trying to capture a few images of them, a Ring-neck pheasant took off from right in front of me. I had no idea he was even there. How could I have missed it? What was even more surprising was it stayed that close to me for nearly an hour before scrambling to the air. That’s not typical for a pheasant. Of course there were the expected Wood ducks and even a few coots. As the sunlight was began to fade, a Sandhill Crane decided to land at the edge of this pond, probably for the night.

I had enjoyed this afternoon out photographing wildlife but the sun was now at the horizon and with it, my light for shooting wildlife. Packing up I was hoping to witness a colorful sunset. I climbed to the top of a nearby hill and watched as the sun continued to dip under the horizon. There wasn’t much of a show except for one small area in the landscape and I wasn’t in a good place to photograph it. Beginning my hike back to the car, the clouds on the opposite horizon began to produce a soft, pink glow. A beautiful way to mark the end of this wildlife adventure.

While walking I began to wonder if the owl I had photographed in this area a few times last year was back. There was no sign if it on this trip. I returned to the car now anticipating the warmth of the engine. Cold had started to return to the air with a stronger breeze pushing it through my clothes. With a slight shiver I began drive home with a smile having enjoyed an increasingly rare afternoon in a park.

Photos, Seasons, spring, Troy's Blog

The First Flowers of Spring

April 24, 2022 Troy

The calendar says it spring but there have not been that many spring like days so far this year. An occasional warm and sunny day but those have been followed by many cold and windy days bringing freezing temperatures and coatings of snow making it feel like spring has not begun. One early sign is pussywillows beginning to bud out. While out looking for sings of life to show spring was indeed on the way, the only thing I came across was a few bushes of willow beginning to show swelling buds. I’ve tried to photograph these before without much success but that doesn’t stop me from trying. This day was no different with dark, overcast skies keeping birds roosted and other plants still dormant. The only real spring opportunity seemed to be this pussywillow.

I do enjoy seeing these and often remind me of Spring Break trips with the family as they would often begin blooming just as we were preparing for a vacation together and would be well along in the blooming process once we returned. One of subjects I’ve wanted to photograph during those years was the actual flowers of these willow shrubs but really didn’t have an opportunity to do so. This seemed like a good time to attempt such pictures. Cutting a branch from one of these bushes, I took it home and set it up in a vase. Within a day they were beginning to open further and show all of their tiny flowers. Having this branch out of the wind made it possible to really get close up and see more of the details of these blooms.

We’re so use to these being just little balls of white fuzz but there’s a lot more going on as they continue to develop and you can examine them closer. Their little yellow anthers begin to emerge and are quite interesting. There’s not a lot of time as they continue to develop quickly and in a short time begin to release all of their pollen, drying up just a short time later. With fresh blooms you can have a chance to see this process but it will all be over in a short time so don’t forget to keep an eye on them. They are beautiful with more than just fuzzy little white balls. It was nice to finally have a chance to photograph these early spring flowers and capture more of their beauty.

Orchids, Rocky Moutain National Park, Troy's Blog

Monopoly Traveler Reflections–Wild Orchids

April 9, 2022 Troy

During our few days exploring Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the ranger led programs that looked interesting was a hike around Lily Lake looking at the wildflowers. As a horticulturalist I’m always interested in seeing plants in their native environment. We had hiked mostly around the lake looking at the different plants growing there. Many of these I was familiar with and was enjoying seeing them here up in the mountains. As the program was nearing the end the ranger pointed over to an area and mentioned wild orchids were blooming there if we wanted to go in search of those once we made it back to the parking lot.

Wild orchids? I didn’t realize there were orchids growing in the mountains. Or in most places including were I lived. I was vaguely familiar with Native Lady Slippers but didn’t really know much about them. Intrigued I convinced the family we should go back and see what these orchids looked like. We searched and searched but weren’t exactly sure what we were looking for. Scouring the landscape in the place the ranger had pointed to I saw a number of different plants but knew they weren’t orchids. Continuing to look I became distracted by a couple of hummingbirds floating here and there stopping for nectar occasionally. While watching them glide back and forth I spotted something unusual. Focusing closer on it I realized that must be the orchids we were told about. They had an unusual flower that must be from the orchid family. It turned out these were Coralroot Orchids which are shown in the top photo. Taking a few photos and now satisfied in a successful hunt, we retreated back to our car and discussed where we should eat for lunch.

During our time in this incredible park, we were driving along looking for wildlife and happened to spot what looked like a moose in the woods. Getting out at the next parking area we went in search of this large animal. A few steps into the surrounding forest I spotted it and took a few pictures as it was moving on. Not wanting to disturb the moose further we turned around heading for our car when I looked down and realized I was in a bed of what must be different wild orchids. Again it was the flower that gave it away. I didn’t really know for sure it was an orchid but had a hunch. Upon returning home I looked into these potential orchids and confirmed they were indeed native wild orchids. That was it, I was hooked! Ever since I’ve been searching for and growing native orchids finding more fascinating and unusual types within a short distance of where I live. What a great hobby to go out in search of orchids that can survive in cold climates.

Lake Superior, Troy's Blog, Winter

Ice Breaking Up on the Big Lake

March 27, 2022 Troy

A warm late winter afternoon on Minnesota’s North Shore highlighted what time of year it was. Spring would soon be here bringing warmer days. Ice along the shoreline of Lake Superior was beginning to break apart as evidenced by little islands made entirely of ice floating out to sea. Plates of ice littered the shoreline from previous days when it broke apart. Probably from a windy day creating waves on the big lake. These plates were stacked up in all different directions as the waves washed them up on top of each other. Overnight a light snow fell covering much of the rock and ice making up the shore line just north of Duluth. It’s really a beautiful winter scene!

The sun was high overhead on this bright afternoon showcasing each shard of ice. Each step must be carefully placed lest you break through this often fragile puzzle or slip and find yourself face to face with an unforgiving piece of granite coated in frozen water. Worse yet, you could land in this very cold body of water. It was a warm winter afternoon but that only means the temperature was just above freezing and a dip in the water could bring on hyperthermia. This is a good opportunity to use ice cleats to help secure each step allowing the user to spend more time enjoying each barge of ice as it floats by, slowly disintegrating.

Focusing more on the shoreline brings a myriad of shapes and sizes of ice plates thrown on top of one another. How did they get like this? Many of the boulders and beach were covered in ice. That is easier for me to figure out as the spray from each wave crashing into the shoreline ends in an eruption of water coating these rocks in water which quickly freezes.

The suns strength was not enough on this day to break through most of that ice protected by a thin layer of snow. Strolling along the shore brought a relaxing beautiful late winter view. But for only a short time as there was still the long drive back to the big city before heading to work the next day. A visit to the shores of Lake Superior is always a great way to spend a day no matter what season it is.

Hawaii, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Troy's Blog

Returning to Kilauea

March 19, 2022 Troy

While celebrating the New Year on the Big Island, one of the few things on our wish list was go back to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. On our last visit to this amazing park, it was just hours before a portion of the volcano wall collapsed causing a plume of smoke and ash to billow into the air. After that it began erupting in other places causing lots of destruction in its path and changing the volcano and island. This would be an amazing opportunity to see how much the volcano had changed during that time. During our first few nights on the island, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park website warned that the eruption had paused. Since this was one of our intended things to do while here, we were disappointed and wondering if we would be able to see lava actively flowing. Our schedule remained flexible so we could adjust things around in the event lave began to flow once more. Just before going to bed halfway through our trip I checked the website. Lava had begun flowing once again earlier that day. Tomorrow we’ll drive across the island and explore an active volcano.

About mid morning we climbed into our vehicle for the almost 2 hour drive from Kona to the National Park. Our goal was to be there at sunset to see the orange glow from lava filling into caldera so we started a little later in the morning. Once at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park we stopped at the visitors center, then drove to the overlook of the volcano. It was amazing to see how much larger the caldera had become since visiting 4 years earlier. Smoke was rising up this area but we couldn’t see any lava. It was a little disappointing to not be able to see any orange liquid oozing out from below the rock but it’s still an impressive view. I noticed what appeared to be people across the caldera walking to a different viewing area. Expecting it to be a relatively long hike and some people in our group being unable to walk that distance, I dismissed the thought of finding where the trailhead was for that. After examining the new caldera and signs showing the differences since this last eruption, we returned to the visitor’s center. I listened in to a Ranger talk about where to see the lava and what it takes to do so. He recommended returning very early in the morning when there are very few people at this viewing area they opened just weeks before. That wasn’t really an option for us since it’s such a long distance to drive so on to the next best option – joining hundreds of other people to witness sunset at the newly created viewing area.

A portion of our group opted for hiking the few miles to this overlook where you could actually see lava spewing from below the surface. In order to get a parking spot, we were advised to arrive in the area a couple of hours ahead of sunset. Once parked we spent a little time getting ready and those of us going to the viewing area began our hike. As it turned out, the hike was pretty easy as it was mostly using a paved road no longer in service. A short time later we were at the over look with daylight still presiding over the volcano and there it was. The orange glow of lava erupting. It was a surreal experience for me – very humbling to see with my own eyes. There were hundreds of other people also there so park rangers were trying to keep people rotating to the front for everyone to get a chance to see this natural wonder and it’s power to create the land we walk on. I spent some time photographing this awesome natural power, now understanding more why some many people are drawn to it. Respect is required of such a powerful force and has been shown through the centuries as so many have seen its destructive abilities allowing new life to emerge for many 100’s of years after. Eventually darkness fell over the volcano and the familiar orange glow was a vibrant, sole light source of the volcano. Watching the lava ebb and flow was so mesmerizing. Something I will remember for a very long time. With people waiting back at our vehicle, and a 2 hour drive ahead of us, it was time to depart this viewing area with memories and photographs. It was an incredible experience!

Ice and Snow, Troy's Blog, Winter

Ice, Snow, and Frost at Gooseberry

March 6, 2022 Troy

Winter continues to have a tight grip in Northern Minnesota. I love exploring the North Shore of Lake Superior in the winter even if it means trudging through deep snow to hike anywhere. The landscape seems so peaceful resting from a summer of growing. As I take in each detail of the rocky, icy rivers and waterfalls, little ice sculptures begin to appear. They’re so unique and beautiful! It’s calming to watch water rushing underneath these while trying to imagine how they’ve formed over the past couple of months.

To see the caverns tucked under the deep snow warns of possible danger should someone decide to venture over this ice cold water. Yet a peak at the snow above and ice below connected by each pillar of ice begs for a closer view. Deciding to walk out on top of this rushing water, following trails of others, I kneel down next to a rare open spot on the river to see frost clinging to these icicles. It’s mesmerized me causing me to forget it’s a cold, cloudy winter day next to the big lake. Reaching for the camera and focusing on the ice formations allows me to see even more of the detail coming together capturing them to admire over and over again. If only I had a macro lens with me and could get even closer to these, I would be lost here for hours.

At first sight, the rushing water grabs your attention. But after watching for awhile you begin to see details surround this small, open portion of Gooseberry River carrying it’s ice cold payload to Lake Superior a short distance away. The ice formations floating above the moving water connected to the snow above with small pillars of ice hiding the numerous caves just behind. Soon these will all be gone with spring quickly approaching. In the next couple of weeks, these ice sheets will begin to melt carrying these sculptures down the river. For today there is plenty of snow taking over the landscape creating a beautiful winter wonderland.

Moving up and down the waterfalls, there are many areas I would like to explore but the afternoon is moving quickly and daylight will run out. Time for a little hike along the river banks enjoying the views. I had hoped to get out and see the lake shore at least for a few minutes but no such opportunity today. There was still the long drive home to come. I could see Lake Superior through the canyon carved by this river from a distance. Ice covered near the shore with that familiar open blue water as you looked out over the lake. That would be as close to it as I would get for this trip.

Walking along the river, I was amazed at how much ice and snow was on top of the water. You could only tell by small areas of open water rushing downstream. The snow had to be four or five feet above these open areas. I couldn’t recall a time when I’ve seen the snow that deep. Once this all begins to melt I’m sure these waterfalls will be furious with all the water running over top. I’ll have to return in early spring to see it first hand.

Hawaii, Lake Superior, Troy's Blog

Surfing–Hawaii or Minnesota

February 26, 2022 Troy

On a recent trip to Duluth, Minnesota, the wind could really be felt pushing against the car and I began to wonder what the waves on Lake Superior were like. They’ve been know to get quite large and treacherous at times. Large enough to sink large ships – AKA the Edmond Fitzgerald. I’ve read about people out surfing these types of waves and I was curious to see if the conditions were right. On the north side of Duluth there’s an area to pull off the road and view this grandest of lakes so I headed there. Entering one of the snow covered parking spots I could see large waves crashing against the rocky shore and looking over to my right, there they were. A group of surfers! My wife and youngest daughter was with me and we sat there just watching these surfers as they would grab a wave and then paddle back into the zone.

It was interesting to see and compare as the week before we were in Hawaii watching surfers there. How was it different in these two bodies of water? Certainly water temperature was a main challenge and those people on Lake Superior had on wet suits to keep in any warmth in these frigid waters. The water temperature could not be that much above freezing as splashes from the waves were freezing on shore. Another very noticeable difference was the wave size. Many of the waves in Hawaii were as tall, if not taller than the people out surfing them while on Lake Superior they were only about 2/3rds the height of surfers. From a few discussions with the surfers in Hawaii I learned about using different boards for different wave types. I’m guessing the surfers in Minnesota were on different boards than those in Hawaii were using.

Watching these people out on the water with their boards in the middle of winter was a nice treat and reminder of warmer places from a few weeks before. ‘Stay Warm!’ I thought as we pulled back on the road towards home.

Hawaii, New Experiences, Troy's Blog

Celebrating New Years Day

February 6, 2022 Troy

During the night I would wake to waves crashing on the shoreline and couldn’t wait for daylight to show the view. We arrived at our house during the dark and were unable to see much of the landscape on New Year’s Eve. The fireworks had settled down allowing a few hours of nice sleep. Opening my eyes once again, I looked towards the patio door and finally light was beginning to show through the door. I got up, as quietly as I could so others could continue to sleep, and went out on the patio to see waves rolling over the turquoise water. Soon I was joined by my cousin who was with us for this adventure. A few moments later my wife appeared. Happy New Year! we all agreed. It seemed to take a lot of work and effort to get here, but here was the reward.

Within a few minutes I spotted surfers paddling out to these nice waves for their morning ride. We watched as they waited out in the water for a good wave to roll in that they could catch eventually deciding on one they liked. They began to paddle quickly and soon were up on their board surfing the wave into shore and then doing it all over again.

The ocean had called long enough. A few minutes later it was out to the shore taking in the warm morning sun as it continued to rise over the island. I removed my shoes upon reaching the beach and began to feel this tropical place all around me. Bare feet in the sand below and waves continuing to crash on the shore. Are we still asleep and dreaming?

I had hoped to get in the water the night before without success. It was time now to get that first feel of the ocean. Heading towards the shoreline, saltwater eventually surround my feet. Expecting to wince a little at this first cool wave hitting my toes, I was surprised how warm the water felt. There was no shock or getting use to the temperature. I continued to wade in but only a short ways. My stomach was reminding me it was time to eat and I didn’t want to be wet while eating it.

After a few minutes of walking in the water my cousin and I began exploring the shoreline. Much of the shoreline here is volcanic rock with only a few pockets of sand here and there. Looking in each groove and through the tide pools there were many critters moving about. Crabs would quickly seek shelter from our view but occasionally one would pose for a few moments for us to watch. Fish of different sizes and colors were swimming in the tide pools created by this rocky shoreline with the occasional red or black urchin attached to rocks for them to swim around. As we continued to explore, a Sea Turtle surprised me. A trip to Hawaii just would not seem complete with seeing one of these. This beautiful creature of the sea’s came over to wish us a Happy New Year before continuing on in its search for food. We returned the greeting and continued being mesmerized as waves rolled into the shoreline.

Having gotten a taste of this beautiful place, it was time to return to the house for a quick shower and off to find breakfast. I was so grateful to be able to spend this New Year’s Day with my two daughters, wife, and other family members in these incredible surroundings. One last feel of the sand beneath my feet and it was back inside…at least for the moment.

Gaining Life Experience