A winding path of massive stone that would normally be submerged, found in Matthiessen State Park of Utica, IL, USA. Found early into the 2023 Canadian wildfires, I took the day’s surprisingly good Air Quality Index forecast as a sign to pack up and finally return to where I took Rocks Along the Vermilion. I hadn’t been to that serene area along the river in years, and was undeterred by calls for high heat and excess humidity. Looking back, I could’ve planned my trip better for the June heat wave that was well underway.
I arrived and left my pitiful water bottle in the car, assured that the dense forest would keep me cool. 10 minutes under the canopy proved how wrong I was: I had all the shade I needed, but the humidity was beyond stifling no matter where the path led. I quickly found myself covered in sweat, and taking a wrong turn didn’t remotely help. I came across a group of hikers and a fairly rude one asked which way was the way. I wanted to respond “great question!” or “the way to what?” but said his guess was as good as mine. Ironically, I then took the wrong path while he took the right one, neither of which had a sign.
I finished backtracking and knew that dehydration was setting in, but also began to recognize where I was at. I followed a path that seemed true and found myself on an unfamiliar downward slope that emptied into this scene. I knew I was nowhere near the river, but saw everything I hoped for in the dried stream. Dragonflies went about their enchanting way while frogs lounged in receding puddles. I set up my equipment and dumped the rest on a boulder, hoping for a second wind that never came. I bracketed a few shots of this scene and quickly realized that I wouldn’t make it back up the hill, let alone to the car, if I stayed any longer. I hoped for a few hours along the river, but had to settle for roughly 10 minutes here.
I powered through my return and demolished the water bottle that waited for me, and had a ripping headache for the rest of the day. I’d rather be prepared next time, but I also consider it a small price for so many wonders along that stream.
Pentax 67
SMC Pentax 45mm f/4
Rollei Infrared – ISO 400