Sunday - Arrival day was a light weight day capturing the sea from Seal Cove

Turning north back toward Gold Beach, we caught the sunset at Meyer's Creek Beach

On Monday at O-Dark Thirty, we drove south of Gold Beach to another path into the pitch-black woods. Headlamps were required this morning to navigate the nine story drop down to the secluded beach where we were treated to a fantastic scene that unfolded as the sun rose.

Just as we packed up, I turned right to catch the right-side of the secluded beach

My camera stood in as the actor for this scene

Monday evening, we drove back to Meyer's Creek for our first wet shoot - wading knee deep in the water to catch the waves

We were waiting for the right mix of light, background, and waves - hopefully wildlife.

As the waves came in, water was well above the knee.

If you get closer, you can capture the reflection

When the weather is bland, go silhouette

Finally, the skies got interesting for sunset

And Oranges & Blues

Wednesday morning, we waited for the sun to rise on the Coquille River Lighthouse

Wednesday afternoon, we drove nearly an hour into the mountains to capture waterfalls

Such a delight to have multiple waterfalls

On top of the falls was a reflecting pond

As we drove away from the falls, we stopped to shoot this mossy covered tree

Kinda fun trying out multiple exposures

The skies were pretty plane, so we went silhouette again. I tried to catch the sunburst but couldn't quite get it.

90 minutes through the mountains and got the wrong spot at Shore Acres

I was in heaven Thursday evening to capture more waterfalls

Someone who knew our guide sent this picture of our motley crew.

July 4 2026 - Getting ready for the big celebration

Peoria's River Front Museum has one of the country's largest historical collection of the nation's revolutionary documents and artifacts

Paul Revere's iconic depiction of the Boston Massacre

Yes, freedom was the basis, but freedom to expand west was a chief reason. The Northwest territory including Illinois was coveted by the revolutionaries

Before the second continental congress signed it, this was passed around the colonies

Then the framers decided to declare independence and never looked back

Panoramic view of Peoria from high atop Peoria's twin towers

As dusk fades, the amateurs begin to launch their own celebration of our 250th

Art spent quite a lot of time lecturing on abstracts.This was my first attempt.

Shot this with my iPhone. Hard to complain.

When the light is harsh, duck into the woods and drag the shutter.

Let the leaf peeping begin

Day 2 - we drove up to Dallas Divide

Every trip to the mountains should include at least one moose sighting

This was literally the last shot of the week. I think it could be my favorite.

October 2022, Deb and I woke up before dawn to catch the sunrise at Banner Marsh. This shot was worth the trip.

In September 2024, I plotted the darkest sky I could find in a 1 hour radius to take this shot of the galaxy. The lights on the horizon is Macomb, IL.

In March 2025, I noticed this large blob in our back yard tree. Turned out to be an owl. I took my long lens thinking he would flee as soon as I approached. To my surprise, he stood there watching me as I walked up within 50 feet.

In May 2025, Deb and I were scouting scenes to shoot and as I drove towards Princeville, I saw this perfect, old, rustic Red Barn in a beautiful scene.