I’m writing this in August, using notes I took during my stay in April. Four months removed and by simply looking at the photos and reading my notes I’m back on the trails, sleeping in the cabin, and taking in the amazing views and wildlife of the park. I miss it. I miss walking out of the cabin door and being steps away from the trails and wildlife. I miss the crisp mornings and wondering what might wander past the window as I drink my morning coffee and go over plans for the day. 

Day five was not quite as scenic as the drive to Broken Kettle but it was probably one of the more interesting days of my trip. I encountered some fun wildlife as I meandered Valley Trail, found myself mesmerized by the morning light and had a lovely chat with the librarian in Nebraska City. 

Valley trail is a moderate trail just under a mile in length. This time of year did not really lend itself to much color but the bare trees gave me some excellent views of its inhabitants. Only a few yards into my walk I happened to spy a rather cozy turkey vulture couple. They looked so at peace gazing out over the trees ahead, I almost forgot how disturbing their looks are until one seemed to sense it was being watched and turned its gaze directly towards me. Realizing they were not alone on this gorgeous morning, the other bird, graceful for its size, turned itself so that they were now nearly back to back. Giving them the ability to keep watch from both directions. I heard myself laugh out loud because I found it incredibly amusing but also quite brilliant. With an air of annoyance they both cocked their heads in my direction then just as quickly turned away. After taking several shots of the pair, I did the same and continued down the easy trail.

Several minutes later I heard a distressing noise that at first sounded like a bird, then a squirrel, then a bird again. Unsure if I was the cause of the apparent outrage, I quickly moved to the nearest tree trunk, layed down my gear and scanned the branches above trying to locate the maker of such an incredibly obnoxious noise. To my delight, I had not been wrong. It was a bird, though more accurately a red-headed woodpecker, and a squirrel. Turns out, it had nothing to do with me at all. I’m not even sure they realized I was witnessing their entertaining spat. From what I could make out the squirrel trespassed and the woodpecker was having none of it. I was amazed as I watched the woodpecker aggressively chase the squirrel from tree limb to tree limb until finally the woodpecker seemed more content with the squirrels distance away from his precious tree. I half expected the squirrel to attempt a return but he did not, he simple sat on the very edge of a large oak branch and chattered away in sync with his agitating tail, while the woodpecker returned to his original branch and began rat-a-tatting away as though nothing had happened. Sadly, I was so caught up in the action that I managed to take not a single picture of the may-lay.

Aside from a curious doe I found eyeing me from a higher ledge, the remainder of the morning was uneventful and peaceful. The gorgeous morning light creating such a dazzling display as it danced amongst the bare tree branches that I found it difficult to focus my attention and my camera. Which is how I found myself with my tired feet propped on a wooden chair at the Morton-James Public Library, downloading a small batch of photos. After having very little contact with other people, it was nice to sit in the historic building and take in the everyday activity of others. For the first time that week I found myself feeling emotionally tired and missing home. Packing up my computer, I headed back to the cabin and called it a day.

A “Week in Waubonsie” is my latest series I created after spending my first artist in residency at Waubonsie State Park in the Loess Hills. I’m excited to be sharing this journey over the next several weeks as I also begin the process of developing my first official collection, also titled “A Week in Waubonsie”. I hope you return soon to see the latest release or you can sign up below to receive automatic email notifications.