Return to Pleasure Lake

Two Over the Lake

I had posted about Pleasure Lake, the small lake and trail in Palos Hills, in the past. Tucked away in the middle of the suburbs and easily overlooked, the lake is a nice respite from the urban world. This time, my Mom joined Sandra and me on a walk around the lake.

The trail circles Pleasure Lake, and, along one of the lake's sides, Stoney Creek also runs, leaving space for the pathway to cut between the two waters. On the walk, we spied a family getting their feet wet in the creek.


Ducks!

The lake is home to many dragonflies and it is a pleasure to view the multitude of these winged insects. The variety and depth of color can stun with their beauty. On my travels in nature, dragonflies have often caught my eye. Last year, I snapped this photo of one in the Crab Orchard Wildlife Refuge in Southern Illinois:



Perched in Southern Illinois

And seemingly, I found a close relative in the suburbs of Chicago:



On a More Northernly Perch

Like most of my photos, you can click on them and look at a larger version on ImageShack. The delicate detail of the wings really shows nicely on the larger image.

Our walk also presented us the nature of life as we watched two dragonflies buzz around one another. Suddenly from above, a bird swooped, froze its location, and snatched one of the insects in mid-air. Moments later, I caught the remaining evidence.



With a Late Morning Meal


A Closer View

As we left, my Mom photographed Sandra and me after the warm summer day walk.



Sandra and I

Yes, satisfying to return home.