Alaska is warming?. My glacier photos.

I traveled to Alaska in June for an 11 day adventure. Three days were spent in Denali National Park, seven days cruising the inside passage, and one day in Vancouver. I didn't know it, but Alaska can get warm. One day in Fairbanks, it was nearly eighty degrees. No coat needed. Alaska is an absolutely beautiful place and I had a great time, mostly. One little problem, I got the flu about six or seven days into the trip. The flu made it more difficult, but I was lucky that it wasn't the worst flu that I've ever had.  Anyway, I didn't get to do everything that I planned, but did 85% of what I wanted to do. 

I took over 3,000 photos, yes 3,000. That a lot and I'm still going through them picking out the best of the best. Here's just a sample of the scenery.   

I got to see five nice glaciers while I was there. You can actually hear the popping and crushing of ice. There's a cold wind that blows from the glacier. Kind of cool....

I didn't see any fish or whales near the glacier. The glacier bank can be many stories tall and big portions can fall off, making a huge splash. Ships don't get too close to the wall.

An ice river! It is a pretty amazing "moment" to gaze into the glacier. They say the ice at this point is 400 years old. I guess you could say that this is the result of many snowstorms 400 years ago!

I learned that the blue ice is from the shear weight of all the ice, which squeezes the air out of the ice and the result is blue ice. Interestingly, some glaciers are advancing and growing larger while others are contracting. 

As you can see, it is an amazing place. I will go back to Alaska some day, but for now, I have pictures of whales, moose, caribou, towns, people, etc.. As I finish going through my pictures, I will post more.

Sorry for changing the subject, but I want to tell you what I do, I do treasured maps for lake houses, river lodges, and beach homes. I've been doing them for almost ten years. 

Folks are discovering that these decor maps are wonderfully unique gifts that become family heirlooms. Oh yeah, I hide things in the lake waters, such as a tiny mermaid/fish. Folks love to search for them. I call my maps, treasured maps because most folks have that special body of water that they treasure. My treasured maps make a great gifts for the fisherman, lake lover, or Lake house. 

And there's more....... I often get comments about the tiny mermaid hidden in the waters of all my maps. Folks love to tell me about the search for the mermaid. They say the children really enjoy hunting for her and are thrilled when they spot her in the waters. Oh yeah, some folks tell me that she moves, but I'm not sure that I believe that. LeoLakes.com

Most folks add a star to a special place such as a lake house, river  house or where they caught that big fish. I've been doing lake, river and bay maps for approximately seven years. Over the years, I have experimented with different elements of map art in order to provide the best and most unique map on the market. Folks will be drawn to the map like a crackling fire on a cold winter night.  I try very hard to make my maps special by adding interest to the maps. Paddle over to my website, LeoLakes.com. 

Also, each framed map or map over 16x32, comes with a certificate of authenticity, lake poem, and interesting facts abut the map. 

I have hundreds of maps on my website that can be purchased right from the site, or I can do custom and personalized vintage style lake maps, too. Lake maps will add beauty to your Lake House Decor! Find out more interesting facts about my treasured maps by going to LeoLakes.com. 

My Fishing Journal

I went kayak fishing last weekend on Marrowbone Lake. Rather than report the trip as a blog, I just copied my fishing journal pages. This is my first fishing journal entry, so it is the beginning and I'm learning how best to report trips in a journal. Why a fishing journal? Two reasons, first it dates and provides information on the trip so that I can look back and see what worked etc...second, I can give it to my kids as a date and time history.  Take a look and let me know what you think.  

Hey, do you like to paddle? Paddle over to my website and check out my lake, river and bay maps I do beautiful decor maps. Folks are discovering that these decor maps are wonderfully unique gifts that become family heirlooms. Oh yeah, I hide things in the lake waters, such as a tiny mermaid/fish. Folks love to search for them. Also, you can personalize your lake map with a star where your lake house is located.  I call my maps, treasured maps because most folks have that special body of water that they treasure. My treasured maps make a great gifts for the fisherman, lake lover, or Lake house. Order soon to avoid the rush!

As you can see, my maps make a great gift.  Click here www.LeoLakes.com for more information.

American Pelicans Photo at Kentucky Lake

American Pelicans at Kentucky Lake!  A customer sent me a photo of White Pelicans on Kentucky Lake. I was surprised to find that they have been wintering on the lake for the last 12-14 years. This island is a busy place. LeoLakes.com

It looks like a lot of Cormorants have joined the pelicans. This is a cool place, if you like to watch birds.

Next winter, I may make a trip to Kentucky Lake and take a few photos of the pelicans. Oh yeah, check-out my website LeoLakes.com for beautiful Lake, River and Bay maps.

Kayak over to my website, LeoLakes.com. I paint beautiful lake, river and bay decor maps. 

Ain't she pretty! She's all dressed up in a beautiful frame and ready to go to that "lake house warming party". you will be so proud when you walk in with the prettiest gift at the party..........LeoLakes.com

Folks are discovering that these decor maps are wonderfully unique gifts that become family heirlooms. Oh yeah, I hide things in the lake waters, such as a tiny mermaid/fish. Folks love to search for them. Also, you can personalize your lake map with a star where your lake house is located.  I call my maps, treasured maps because most folks have that special body of water that they treasure. My treasured maps make a great gifts for the fisherman, lake lover, or Lake house. Order soon to avoid the rush!

As you can see, my maps make a great gift.  Orders pick-up during the holiday's, so order soon. Click here www.LeoLakes.com for more information.

"Hanging a Leo Lakes Treasured Map in a lake house, is like christening a boat with a bottle of champagne!" 

My first travel log....

Recently, I went to the Florida panhandle for a few days. On this trip, I did a travel log.   

Now when I go on a new travel adventure, I keep a journal of the places that I go, such as restaurants, hotels, etc... I use my artistic talent to add color and even add coordinates. My thinking is to give this book to my two daughters. Hopefully, some day they may retrace my footsteps. An adventure in itself. I'm still perfecting the content and look, but so far so good. Take a look!

    

I know what you are thinking, I have too much time on my hands, well better to have too much than none. Anyway, take a look.......

Paddle over to my website, LeoLakes.com. I paint beautiful lake, river and bay decor maps. Folks are discovering that these decor maps are wonderfully unique gifts that become family heirlooms. Oh yeah, I hide things in the lake waters, such as a tiny mermaid/fish. Folks love to search for them. Also, you can personalize your lake map with a star where your lake house is located.  I call my maps, treasured maps because most folks have that special body of water that they treasure. My treasured maps make a great Christmas gifts for the fisherman, lake lover, or Lake house. Order soon to avoid the rush!

As you can see, my maps make a great gift.  Orders pick-up during the holiday's, so order soon. Click here www.LeoLakes.com for more information.

"Hanging a Leo Lakes Treasured Map in a lake house, is like christening a boat with a bottle of champagne!" 

My treasured map business card......

A mini treasured map business card.......I finally got real business cards! It took me a long time because I was never satisfied with graphics that I came up with. Fortunately, I kept trying and this is what I came up with. I like it because it's a small treasured map. The colors pop and I've placed some interesting things around.  

I think the geese are kind of neat with the shadows The star at the lake house gives you an idea that the map can be personalized without actually saying it. 

If you look real close, you can find fish jumping in the waters. I think that it's a pretty cool business card! Hey, do you like to paddle? Paddle over to LeoLakes.com and see some great treasured maps of your favorite paradise.

Unlike most maps, There’s a tiny mermaid hidden in the waters which folks love to search for and some say she moves around! You'll love the waterfowl which are hand painted (touched up) on the canvas prints to give that original look and each map is hand signed by Leo. For a personal touch, you can even add a small star to the location of your lake house or special place and add a few words such as "Evan's Lake House, Est. 2014" or be creative. The signatured Ruby Meridian, waterfowl and vintage plane have a story that’s included in the signed Certificate of Authenticity.  Leo Lakes treasured maps will make a cherished gift for that special someone. 

California Lake House Maps

Triplets! Decor maps of Pardee Reservoir, Camanche Lake, and New Hogan Lake all located in California for a customer who spent their childhood wondering these lakes. 

They're not identical, but they are custom. They will warm a lake house like a crackling fire on a cold night. In fact, here's the comment."They were delivered and Love them so much, Thank You. Take care and I really appreciate your talents."......Frame your favorite place LeoLakes.com

Paddle over to my website, I do Lake Decor Maps... Interestingly, I often get comments about the fish in the waters of all my maps. Folks love to tell me about fishing and love the jumping fish that I show on my maps. Also, they say the children really enjoy hunting for the tiny mermaid and are thrilled when they spot her in the waters. Oh yeah, some folks tell me that mermaid and fish move, but I'm not sure that I believe that. However, if you look closely you may find her and the fish jumping around. 

Add caption

Most folks add a star to a special place on the lake such as a lake house or where they caught that "Trophy Fish". Check-out below, a customer wanted to add the place, weight and fish type of a trophy that he caught.

I've been doing lake, river and bay maps for approximately eight years. Over the years, I have experimented with different elements of map art in order to provide the best and most unique map on the market. Folks will be drawn to the map like a crackling fire on a cold winter night.  I try very hard to make my maps special by adding interest to the maps. LeoLakes.com

Also, each framed map or map over 16x32, comes with a certificate of authenticity, lake poem, and interesting facts abut the map. 

I have hundreds of maps on my website that can be purchased right from the site, or I can do custom and personalized vintage style lake maps, too. Lake maps will add beauty to your Lake House Decor! Find out more interesting facts about my treasured maps by going to LeoLakes.co

My funny fishing Cartoons

I've just added a few fishing cartoons that I've done for your enjoyment. Check'em out......I have hundreds and place them on the blog occasionally. Enjoy.....Wow, spring is here and I need to get my fishing licenses. I'm headed to Marrowbone Lake this coming weekend. 

Leo Lakes Studio 

Check-out my maps, they make the best fishermen's gift! I have over two hundred on my website that can be purchased right from the site, or I can do custom and personalizes lake, river or bay maps, too. I have maps of Lake Winnipesaukee, Table Rock Lake, Greers Ferry, Lake Lanier, Gaston Lake, Choctawhatchee Bay, Toledo Bend, Raystown, and many others. Oh yeah, I hide a tiny fish in the waters of all my maps that folks love to search for. Find out more interesting facts about my treasured maps by going to LeoLakes.com. 

Jekyll Island Travel Log

I spent a few days on Jekyll Island back in March. I can say that I have found a new favorite place. It's mentally recorded as one of my top natural places that makes my mouth drop and I think awe...

 It's in Georgia on Jekyll Island and is a beach called Driftwood Beach. The northern end of Jekyll Island is eroding, has been for many, many years. 

As the island erodes, the beach moves closer inland. Trees end up on the beach, until they finally end up as driftwood. 

 It is a wonderful photo opportunity, however it's kind of erie seeing these ancient trees that died years ago against the backdrop of the ocean.  

Jekyll Island is a beautiful Island with much to do. Driftwood Beach is just one special place.  

There's a Sea Turtle Rehab Center that can be toured. Also, after the 1880s, wealthy folks begin visiting the island during the winter, in fact, at one time as many as 20% of the richest had winter homes on the island. There's a tour of the historic district that's very interesting. 

Wildlife is everywhere on the island so bring your camera. 

Jekyll Island was so much fun that I created a "Travel Log" for the trip, my first. The island map at the beginning of this blog, is the actually beginning of the travel log page. I found that the travel log is a great way to document my travels. I will blog about my travel log at a later time.

Paddle over to my website, LeoLakes.com. I paint beautiful lake, river and bay decor maps. Folks are discovering that these decor maps are wonderfully unique gifts that become family heirlooms. Oh yeah, I hide things in the lake waters, such as a tiny mermaid/fish. Folks love to search for them. I call my maps, treasured maps because most folks have that special body of water that they treasure. My treasured maps make a great gifts for the fisherman, lake lover, or Lake house. 

As you can see, my maps make a great gift.   Click here www.LeoLakes.com for more information.

Just remember: "Life is short, get away from the big screen and get on a big stream".