I spotted this lovely Black-necked Stilt strutting around on its long, slender pink legs in some wetland not far from the Mississippi River. It was quite focused on its task of foraging for food.
“I dressed and went for a walk – determined not to return until I took in what Nature had to offer.” ~Raymond Carver
A Red-tailed Hawk sitting in a tree along the Mississippi River levee.
“For to have faith, is to have wings.” ~J. M. Barrie
A large flock of migrating white pelicans has returned to spend some time along the Mississippi River. It’s hard not to be impressed by this beautiful sight.
“The best way to pay for a lovely moment is to enjoy it.” ~Richard Bach
Tows spotted along the Mississippi River near Tiptonville, Tennessee
“The first step toward getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.” ~Leonardo da Vinci
“New habits can be launched … on condition of there being new stimuli and new excitements.” ~William James
Reelfoot Lake and the Mississippi River were at flood stage this past weekend. This had some of the little critters scrambling for a dry spot on higher ground.
My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Tho some may dwell where these abound,
my pray’r, my aim, is higher ground.
~Johnson Oatman, Jr.
My husband and I have a favorite spot where we enjoy standing and watching the barges glide slowly and silently along the Mississippi. There’s something mesmerizing about watching the powerful engines of the tows as they seem to effortlessly push their large loads up and down the river.
Sometimes, I can’t help but be taken back in my mind’s eye to far away childhood memories of standing spellbound along the Illinois Central Railroad and feeling the rumble of the large, powerful engines of the freight trains as they glided smoothly along the tracks through our small West Tennessee town. The thrill of waving to the conductor and receiving a wave or hearing a short, loud blast of the engine’s horn.
Yes, there’s something magical about watching the barges go up and down the Mississippi and the memories that they bring to mind. And sometimes, you can’t help but smile and wave and wish them safe travels on their journey.
“Sometimes, the inessential is essential.” ~T. L. Rese
… the river don’t talk, the river don’t care
Where you’ve been, what you’ve done
Don’t know why it is your standin’ there
It just rolls on by whisperin’ to your soul
It’s gonna be alright, the river just knows
~Rodney Atkins
“What makes a river so restful to people is that it doesn’t have any doubt – it is sure to get where it is going, and it doesn’t want to go anywhere else. ~Hal Boyle
walking on a country road 