For a blog about sitting in the woods, I tend to spend a lot of time in prairies; and lately, as I've mentioned, I have been spending a lot of my free out-and-about time at Wolf Road Prairie. Again, this is a great place to visit and a window into the landscape of Illinois and... Continue Reading →
Last Saturday was the first substantial snowfall that we've had all season. To herald the occasion, I was out of bed by 5AM, shoveling the sidewalk by 5:20 or so, and on the road by 6:30. I would have left much earlier, but you can't get into the preserves earlier than dawn, and the sun... Continue Reading →
For the few of you who are actively following, here are some pictures from my favorite spot by Salt Creek Woods. I've been going out regularly, and I have a number of pictures and thoughts that I need to share, but all my time is being eaten by some other commitments. I hope you like... Continue Reading →
Sitting still in the middle of the field. One tree South of me making a racket, letting the world know that there's a breeze blowing. A million leaves flapping in unison. The grasses and flowers are going to seed, covered in dew, sparkling and billowing. What few clouds move quickly along and the sun shines... Continue Reading →
There be beavers in Salt Creek. He found evidence as he was ambling along this past Saturday. Downed trees and stumps chewed to a fine and tapered point. Another tree, still standing, which was a work in progress. Where they make their home is anybody's guess. He didn't see a lodge, but he didn't spend... Continue Reading →
8/21 Into the woods with the family. Willow Springs Woods in South Cook County. First time here, and I’m learning that it’s important to go and scope these places out ahead of time, or else you find yourself wandering aimlessly trying to decide on a place to sit. Which was what happened my first morning... Continue Reading →
"It is in the wilder spaces, of scrub and deadfall, where you'd rather not tread. In these places you find wonders." - We must balance our need for order with the natural order's need to be wild. "…skimming the leaves atop the understory…(birds)" Small flocks of five to seven chickadees chatter and fuss and pursue... Continue Reading →
sittinginthewoods 