Odyssey

Today we went to see our Grandkids. They live 160 miles from us round trip. Besides looking forward to seeing them, I was looking forward to seeing any nature along the way.

First we came across  a Cooper's Hawk. We saw one of these fellows a few miles from our house. He was sitting on a telephone pole wire looking around.

Come to find out, today was a day for these birds. We saw 3 of them along our journey. All sitting on a telephone wire.

Going to our Grandkids house we cross the St Joseph River 4 times. Really 8 times round trip. This river runs thru my city. Here is a description of this historical river:

St. Joseph River

 

Few rivers in Indiana have had more historical significance than the St., Joseph. Interestingly, the river is also said to be the hardest worker in the state.
The St. Joseph is really only a visitor to Indiana. It rises near Hillsdale, Michigan, flows across half of that State, dips into Indiana and flows back into Michigan to complete its 210 mile journey to Lake Michigan. Approximately 42 miles are spent in Indiana but Hoosiers have never hesitated to reap all the benefits they could from this river. In our state alone there are 4 dams on the river.

A plaque of the beginnings of the St Joe River in Hillsdale, Michigan

I went this summer with my brother to see the beginnings of this river.

Continuing on, we also cross the Black River and the Paw Paw river in Michigan. And many other large ponds. Water is in abundance in my area. And I can't get enough of these beautiful lakes, rivers and streams.

The Paw Paw River and the Black Rivers in Michigan

I was hoping to see some wildlife somewhere around all this water. I didn't see much at all. Three Great Blue Herons at a very small pond. They were all standing together near the shore.

Nothing else to talk about on our journey to our destination.

Once we got to the school football field where my grandson was playing flag football, it started to pour. Just pour. We were prepared with rain gear. As I watched these little guys play flag football, I saw movement across the field. The whole area on the other side of the field was plowed corn fields. Again I thought I saw movement. I did. The field was full of  Sandhill Cranes. They were spreading their wings, walking about, pecking for corn. I would have been able to hear them if it hadn't been raining so hard.

  Our visit was over and we headed home. It was now dark and on the highway I didn't think I would see much. Well we didn't almost 80 miles back home. It wasn't until we were 4 miles from our house when I saw 2 deer standing along the highway waiting to cross the road. The most dangerous place to cross the road is a highway.

 

 As I have said, I live on a lake, but this lake is surrounded by farm fields and woods too. It is nothing to see deer around. Every time I do it is as exciting as the first time. 

I should also mention in my town runs railroad tracks. Now here in my town the train whistle is not banned. I love to hear a train whistle. And I wasn't disappointed....the tracks are 7 miles from my house and run thru the center of town. We had to wait for the train and I got to enjoy the sound.

Grandkids, family, day trip, deer, birds and a train. A wonderful odyssey!