SPRAGUE LAKE NODDING THISTLE (CARDUUS NUTANS) An early morning snowfall of

An early morning snowfall of 3-5 inches blankets this scene in Northern Illinois as I hike to the lake taking in the majestic views of this small park

A beautiful soft golden light illuminates this prairie scene stopping me in my tracks to admire and photograph

The evening sunlight illuminates this scene along the South Fork Kishwaukee River in Northern Illinois

when I noticed some blue vervain standing close by

I turned my attention to the South Fork Kishwaukee River with the reflections of the box elder tree that hugs the rivers bank

SPRAGUE LAKE NODDING THISTLE (CARDUUS NUTANS) An early morning snowfall ofA nice leisurely hike around a beautiful and picturesque Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. (678 3000)