Wednesday, July 17, 2013

The First Stop On My New Journey

I've started getting out again now. The first place I went to is a little nature park called Dunham Prairie Preserve. I still haven't received my new camera yet so I used my current camera for this trip. I thought it would be easier than it was to use it, but I discovered that I really do need that new camera.

The good thing is that it is going to get here later today, so I should be able to get going with the new camera just as soon as I get a small amount of practice with it. Now I should really be able to get going on my new journeys the way I've been intending.

It was because of my current camera that I went to this smaller park first. I knew there would be a little bit of difficulty. I still had a lot of fun walking the trails though. I discovered that they really haven't been keeping up the trails like the usually do.

Thew trails here are actually mowed into the tall grass, but it looked like they hadn't been through here with the mower in quite some time. Maybe they'll be coming through here soon to fix everything up. In some places though, the grass had grown so tall that the trails were erased.

There is a trail that goes to the Big Sioux River that is completely gone. I went there anyway because I already knew the way. It's possible that they couldn't make that trail this year because of flooding. I'm not sure. There's no flooding right now.

One thing I noticed with all the tall grass was the amount of flying bugs. For some reason they reeally enjoyed attacking me. I've really been letting the bugs bother me this year. I think maybe I've just grown soft or something, because I never let them bother me this much before.

The thing I wish I would have taken a picture of was the mulberry tree I came across. I've always loved mulberries, and I made sure I stopped long enough to eat my fill of them. It was worth even battling the bugs for this. They were kind of thick around the tree.

My dog Isabella was especially excited when we got here, and I had to pull her back a few times from trying to pounce on some hidden little creatures. I like to keep her focused on the trails so she doesn't get into any trouble. She's usually happy with that.

My next post probably will be done using my new camera, unless I have time to share more pictures from this trip. I knew I'd begin to get too many pictures to share them all. Oh well, that's the breaks. I guess we'll find out what happens next when it happens. I'm just beginning to have a lot of fun. Talk to you later.

18 comments:

  1. Good to see you back out on the trails, Ratty!! :) Wear your bug spray--the bugs are BAD this year. Make sure you check Isabella for ticks in that tall grass too. Bugs are getting to me this year too for some reason.

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    1. I keep telling myself to get some bug spray, but I always forget when I get to the store. Then I come back here and complain about the bugs again.

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  2. A fun area, been there myself.Will look forward to see what camera you have picked.Some real nice areas north of you around Okibodji.

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    1. The camera I finally chose was the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200. I've used it once so far and I love it. I'll remember to look north on my new adventures.

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  3. It is great to see that you are getting out on the trail and enjoying yourself. Those trails sure do look inviting. I'm looking forward to seeing the photos that you capture with the new camera.

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    1. I'll be sharing my first photos from a riverboat museum in my next post. I love the new camera so far.

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  4. Ratty, glad to see you out exploring again. That park looks so inviting and you got some great shots, especially the wooden bridge. Looking forward to more with your new camera.

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    1. This park has two bridges like that. I love them both. I hope they get back there soon to clear the trails a bit more.

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  5. beautiful shots, so green and so relaxing. glad your camera is on the way

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    1. That park is my favorite little park right now. I just got my new camera yesterday.

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  6. I love all the green! And I can't wait to see how your new camera does!

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    1. I used my new camera once already, and it performed excellently. I love it already.

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  7. What a beautiful place and a beautiful adventure. I felt as if I were walking along with you. A lot of fun, too! The last shot of the footbridge is my favorite. Glad to see you are out and about!

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    1. The little footbridges at this park are my favorite features. Getting to walk on them is always worth battling the bugs.

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  8. Oh ya..

    You are going to have a new toy.

    Something that is new must bring a lot of excitement.

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    1. My new toy is bringing excitement already. I really like this new camera.

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  9. So good to see you bringing us new trails to follow again!

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    1. I hope I can keep bringing you new trails. I have big plans that I hope I can keep up with.

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