Day 17

I drove up the "River Road" to Elsah today. I love the river road. For some reason it makes me feel peaceful. I think there is a deep, psychological reason for it but I'm not about to delve into it here :) Anyway, I was looking for eagles but didn't see any that I could easily take pics of.

I did want to take some pics of the frozen river. It was really cool looking I thought. The ice was not smooth & flat and, in some places, it was very free flowing. A number of barges were going up and down the river. I don't think the river freezes solid anymore. I still remember reading the Little House series and learning about people driving across the frozen river before there were bridges (and cars for that matter!)

After I got home, I picked up the kids & we went back downtown to look for eagles. They have an eagle at the Alton Visitors' Center. The kids were unimpressed. They agreed to drive along to the dam but I think it was just to kill time until 2 when they thought I would buy them sodas at Sonic. They were disappointed.

Happy Birthday Paula

Yesterday, I went Eagle watching. My friend Paula's B'day is Tuesday and for her b'day monthy get-together, she wanted to go watch the eagles. So, we reserved a spot on the tram that leaves from Alton and made plans to meet up. Well, yesterday started w/a temp of 7 degrees!!! Yikes it was COLD!!!! I dressed as warmly as I could (I actually wore sneakers, not crocs!) grabbed my tiny little camera & headed out.

Brrrrrr. Good thing we decided to go w/the tram. At least it was warm inside & the drivers pointed out the eagles to us. I had no idea there were eagles without white heads. Until they turn about 5, their heads & tails remain brown. So, I've probably seen TONS of eagles & just thought they were a really big black bird. We had tons of fun. I think my toes are just now thawing.

Here is the card I made for Paula. Turned out just a bit pink, don't you think.