This is Duchess. She lives on a ranch in Tennessee where she guards sheep. She was acquired from another family where she did the same job. While in her later years she has developed some medical conditions that may restrict her ability to do the sheep guarding job properly. Still when not watching over the flock Duchess looks for human attention.
This epic tank has been anchored at Huddle's Resort on Leech Lake, Minnesota for decades. In the 1960's minnow buckets were made of metal, now the floating plastic containers keep fresh water flowing and minnow bait alive. This same tank is or was used for attaching a stringer of fish for cleaning inside the brown shed. Numbers on the white tie-off board correspond to family cabin numbers and the hotel rooms.
In late September the fishing was poised for pick up as the weather cooled off. That particular week the water temperature was 58F. Locals wait for the thermal cline turnover that flips warmer and cooler water layers in the lake. At that time fishing generally gets favorable. Of course fishing is always better the week before or the week after my visit.
A single seagull watches over low breakers on Leech Lake's south shore in northern Minnesota. Each wave brings the potential for a minnow or crawfish snack. Why else would the bird be here in September's late afternoon sun? While not gliding over Regent's Park Canal, this bird will need a pal for a minute or two before flying south soon. But enough of the Red Rose Speedway references.
Like many towns here in the Midwest, there are a number of unique architectural buildings near downtown. Maquoketa, Iowa located in the eastern portion of the Hawkeye state boasts a few historic structures from long ago. This one retains its former name, Hotel Hurst while offering 21st century town dwellers comfortable residential living as apartments for seniors I think. If the walls could talk they might reveal how and why the building was constructed but more importantly the many stories from hotel visitors when the town depended on rail for their connection to the world.
