Fishing Report

For years I have been hearing about the Pike that are supposed to be in the Kankakee River here in northwest Indiana. Finally, I got to witness this one first hand the other day. Even though it was tiny it was a joy to catch and release back. I hope it grows to good size.

Fishing was more relaxed this week than last week but still good. Hopefully this week's cooler weather will have the fish jumping at all the bait we can offer.  

White Campion

Mary, Mary, quite contrary,
How does your garden grow?
With silver bells, and cockle shells,
And pretty maids all in a row.^[1]

Cockle Shell

Have you ever wondered what cockle shells look like? They look more like Native American clay pots to me; but this wild flower isn't even native to the Americas but it is interesting and beautiful after all.  


The cockle shell is full of tiny seeds about the size of a poppy seed. The shell itself is a sturdy little container.

Racing Raccoon

Racing across the path in front of me at the marsh last Sunday, this raccoon was in a big hurry to get somewhere.

Unlike a couple of weeks ago when I got too close to Mama and three babies, I gave this one a wide berth.

It appears to be a year plentiful of raccoons. There's certainly plenty for them to eat.

Turtle Baby

Over the last few weeks Mama turtles have been seen everywhere, digging in sand and dirt, planting their eggs.

Now the babies are hatching. This one was crossing a path at Coffee Creek. The baby was not much bigger than that dime I tossed down next to it to prove its tiny size.

Damsel Gets One

Here was one of my best friends along the hiking trail. This little damselfly grabbed one of the nasty mosquitoes and is seen here having lunch.

Crescentspot

With summer moving towards fall and the coming of the asters and thistles, you are bound to see a Crescentspot or two flitting along your hiking trail.

These are curious little fellows that will pop out for a better look at you.    

Spring House at Potato Creek

Potato Creek State Park started out as a farm and the yellow building in the picture's background was a farm refrigerator. Built over a natural spring, the spring house kept food cool naturally with the cool spring water.

In the foreground a tiny water fall shows that the natural spring still flows even though the farm is long gone and the spring house is just a bit of interesting history.