Unexpected beauty this morning while back home and rambling with Lady. Really surprised me, considering the weather the last week and a half.

Took a break from hunting y-day to find a fishing spot. On the way spotted a harem of elk cows/calves. Couple miles past saw this bull elk resting in a yard near Wharton in PA's elk country. First wild elk that I've seen up close. Inspired me to take a two hour elk tour this a.m.

I'm hunting near Cherry Springs, Pennsylvania, commonly known as the darkest spot east of the Mississippi River. Before my morning ramble, I was able to take this shot of Orion the Hunter, my favorite constellation. I guess I will find out if it translates to social media.

On my morning ramble, I surprised the s*** out of Ezra along Lake Springfield. He was targeting blues with catfish rods, 65-pound braid, 30-pound mono leader circle hooks and either live bluegill or cut shad. As I circled back, he happily latched into his biggest of the fall.

Classic example of why big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), a key prairie grass in Illinois, is known as turkeyfoot, at Rexroat Prairie in Downstate Virginia. Touring natural sites before state gathering of Master Naturalists in Springfield Friday. I love common names like that.

After the last 20 hours or so of Chicago sports, I need to post a photo that shows I was in a very happy state just before the unraveling began. This is the sign at the north entrance to Snake Road in far southern Illinois.

Adult and juvenile water moccasins were the photo of the morning. Found them in a crevice at the base of a bluff along Snake Road in far southern Illinois.

A human was atop Inspiration Point before I took this photo last evening. Either they were camera shy or I was slow on the draw because now I don't see them. I guess as elusive as a crucial Sox win. I've high hopes today for good snakes on Snake Road in far southern Illinois.

Fishing smallmouth with Matt Mullady on the Kankakee beat the hell out of watching the Sox game. We made casts, switched baits, raised a few bass. Mainly we talked/gossipped: outdoors sorts, kids & wives, our late parents, late-life stuff with doctors. Puts Sox in perspective.

Seemingly overshadowed by hulking drying cup plant, volunteers gathered seed last night at Bartel grassland. I'm truly enjoying volunteering and learning about prairie seed gathering. If interested in volunteering, go to fpdcc.com.

Glad the Sox are coming home, but doubly pleased so I don't have to hear that effing John Denver ditty, "Country Roads." I hated hearing it during the USA run in the World Cup, because I think soccer fans and players are too urbane for such nonsense. It didn't reflect well on us.

Grilled venison heart from my first deer taken with a bow. Plated with Berkot's deviled egg potato salad, garnished with homegrown tomatoes & parsley. Marinated in olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, homegrown oregano & chopped garlic. Afraid I would overcook it, but didn't.

The Bowman Brothers went underground at Grand Caverns on our annual trip to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive. Very cool to be at the oldest continuous running tour of caves in the United States (since 1804). It was discovered in 1802.

Good traveling is finding the new. Our VRBO host at Rockbottom Ranch in San Luis Obispo Counyy, saw my The Urban Birding Festival shirt, then showed me two bat colonies. One in a building he will not tear down because of them. His county is home to 20 of Cal's 26 bat species.

Rising/falling keows of western gulls last night gave starkness to touring Alcatraz. Nearly full moon added its drama to the background gaiety of light from San Francisco. Our first supermax is a complicated part of our history, including a Native Americans take over later.

I made chicken fettuccine for my wife tonight and when I went out to get parsley from the herb garden as a garnish I found a late visitor, a black swallowtail caterpillar. It kind of made the meal extra special and made my day.

Saji & I explore Chicago eateries, monthly or bi-monthly. This week was Hyde Park cafeteria Valois Restaurant. He had a huge short rib. I did baked half-chicken, mashed potatoes/gravy, corn & a peach cobbler so big I barely finished. Valois was an Obama favorite breakfast spot.

Painted ladies are on the move. We jumped dozens on the way back to our cars after a morning of seed gathering and seed spreading at Rock Creek Wildflower and Pollinator Area. This one was kind enough to sit still for a close up.

Done many things--fishing, prairie appreciation, hiking, sledding, kite flying, family walks, savoring a favorite downtown view--at Palmisano Park. Added birding at The Urban Birding Festival. Highlights: snapping turtle, coyote on trail, night heron, tail-wagging palm warblers.