I signed up to do the MS Tour de Farms ride with my friend, Jen. Covid nixed the big event but we rode our miles anyway along with Jen's friend, Kathryn, whom it turns out I have mutual connections with via the ever small lesbian world. Anyway, here are some pictures along the route. I … Continue reading DIY MS Ride on the I&M Canal near Morris, Illinois.
Author: wanderlust69
LEJOG Virtual Challenge: Mile Marker 285.7. Salisbury, Near Stonehenge
Received a postcard this time around that shows an idyllic beach scene in Bournemouth. From the reports coming out of England last weekend, the reality looked a liitle more like this! I'm sorry but that is my worst nightmare even in pre-pandemic days. I know you pasty white English are dying for sun when you … Continue reading LEJOG Virtual Challenge: Mile Marker 285.7. Salisbury, Near Stonehenge
I begin birding in earnest: Morraine Hills State Park, Volo Bog State Natural Area, Orland Grasslands, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, and Chicago Parks
We were called back to work on May 20th but I had previously scheduled vacation time so decided to keep it so I could visit more parks and practice with the Nikon P900 camera I had rented. It was recommended to me by my birding mentor, Scott Judd, because it has a wicked zoom. Nothing … Continue reading I begin birding in earnest: Morraine Hills State Park, Volo Bog State Natural Area, Orland Grasslands, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, and Chicago Parks
Nachusa Grasslands and Lowden State Park
As I had mentioned previously, I was going to try to visit some nearby nature preserves to quell my need to travel. One of the first I visited was Nachusa Grasslands which is about an hour and a half from Chicago. My goal was to get there as the sun was rising but that would … Continue reading Nachusa Grasslands and Lowden State Park
LEJOG Virtual Challenge: Mileage Marker 185.7 Somewhere in Dorset
It has been quite the week or so since I last posted as cities across the United States, including Chicago, protested the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. The area where I live was in the heart of the first night of protests and the ensuing riots. I could spend all day … Continue reading LEJOG Virtual Challenge: Mileage Marker 185.7 Somewhere in Dorset
LEJOG Virtual Challenge: Mileage Marker 111.9 and Dartmoor National Park
Hello dear readers! I have been sitting virtually at this spot for some time now it seems. So where are we exactly? Ah, South Brent, located on the outskirts of Dartmoor National Park. While planning for my real trip, I very much wanted to make it to Dartmoor as it fit in with the literary … Continue reading LEJOG Virtual Challenge: Mileage Marker 111.9 and Dartmoor National Park
Henry Palisamo Nature Park
I rode by this park about a year ago and finally got a chance to check it out during my COVID time off. It's a quick 20 minute bike ride from my apartment, located in the Bridgeport neighborhood. For non-Chicagoans, think Daley's and the White Sox. Also known as Stearns Quarry, it served as a … Continue reading Henry Palisamo Nature Park
LEJOG Virtual Challenge: Mileage Marker 95.3 (Part 2)
Fowey to Polperro We'd continue on by taking the ferry to Polruan and picking up once again the South West Coast path. Our walk today takes us to the quaint Cornish fishing village of Polperro, notorious for, what else, smuggling in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Polperro Heritage Museum sounds like a good place … Continue reading LEJOG Virtual Challenge: Mileage Marker 95.3 (Part 2)
LEJOG Virtual Challenge: Mileage Marker 95.3
This next 49 miles of virtual adventure gets me to Plymouth in East Cornwall. Continuing as I did before, I'll break it up into two or three segments as there looks to be some lovely coastal walks that my virtual route doesn't take in. Being I am currently not allowed to walk next to Lake … Continue reading LEJOG Virtual Challenge: Mileage Marker 95.3
Around Chicago: The real time walks and cycling
These are scenes from my actual excursions. It really did add up to 46 miles but took about 2 weeks Chicago weather being what it is! Walk around the neighborhood. Some favorite murals and sculptures. Early days of the lockdown. Empty streets and sidewalks. This was a 3 mile run/walk day. Streets still pretty empty. … Continue reading Around Chicago: The real time walks and cycling