How Marge Cline turned out to be my unexpected daddy
In the 2004 American League Championship series, Boston Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez stated in the post game interview after losing yet again to the New York Yankees: “They beat me. They’re that good...
View ArticleMidewin National Tallgrass Prairie social distancing hiking
About a month ago, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources closed the Illinois State Parks in response to the Covid 19 pandemic. The shelter in place order states that people should stay indoors...
View ArticleSpring bird migration Bakers Lake Nature Preserve
Ever since Illinois went on lockdown in mid March, I have spent the majority of my time in my condo in Albany Park, Chicago. I have not been out of state since racing the American Birkebeiner Marathon...
View ArticleSpring warblers light up LaBagh Woods in Chicago
On two trips to my local forest preserve, I was able to see a variety of colorful warblers, other birds, and a few interesting mammals as well when I visited LaBagh Woods in Chicago. Mid May is peak...
View ArticleWarbling at Ryerson Woods
The word “warble” is defined as to sing or whistle with trills, quavers, or melodic, embellishments. According to the internet dictionary, it does not mean to look for warblers during spring migration....
View ArticleBird watching Chicago spring migration out my front window
When Chicago and Illinois went on lockdown during the stay at home order in March of 2020, Chicago area bird watchers were in a tight spot. This was especially true when Mayor Lori Lightfoot closed the...
View ArticleNippersink Creek canoe adventure through Glacial Park
Sometimes it is not possible and exhausting to get in the car, load up the canoes, camping gear, and go on a distant adventure to a distant state. Sometimes you want to go local. This is why for...
View ArticleChicago River Christmas paddle ends 2020 on a positive note
The difficult year that is and was 2020 is well document. The Coronavirus Pandemic has touched every facet of our lives and made an indelible impression on all that are living through it. Everyone has...
View ArticleCastle Rock State Park canoe camp adventure
It can be tricky to find a suitable place to camp near Chicago during the three summer holiday weekends. The Wisconsin River is usually a suitable option, but water levels in May can often drown canoe...
View ArticleBest affordable hiking boots could be the Nortiv8 Armadillo
The problem with some outdoor adventure activities is the price required for gear to get started. This can be an impediment for many to start the hobby. No one wants to risk buying a bunch of expensive...
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