On the Backroads in Illinois
I seldom see rural Illinois. I’m either in a rush to drive from Madison to downtown Chicago via the interstate, or I totally bypass Illinois and drive to and from my hometown (which is on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River) by taking a faster route through Wisconsin, Iowa, and Missouri, and then crossing the bridge into Illinois. I know it sounds contradictory, but I really do go through four states to get from Wisconsin to Illinois. It shaves 30 miles from the drive each way.
But this past week I actually did get off the Illinois tollway and we drove through a lovely part of northern Illinois few people see. And yes, I find it pleasurable driving through rolling countryside and farmland. Maybe it has something to do with living in Wisconsin for the last 30 years or so.
We attended a great wedding in a small hamlet (it really does qualify as a hamlet) and left the reception just as the dancing was beginning and the sun was setting. It had rained the entire day, but as we drove the skies cleared to the west. And so we were treated to a view of a striking sunset. Sure, I know all the rules about sunrises and sunsets being rather trite photographs, but every once in awhile I still like to post one.
Sundown on the farm–a delight to many a Russian peasant. In all seriousness I like the picture. Sunsets can never get old.
Comment by todaysnewsart — July 6, 2009 @ 4:41 pm
That is a lovely peaceful sunset.
Comment by Laurie — July 6, 2009 @ 5:24 pm
You did an excellent job controlling all of the light elements! Very nice!
Comment by montucky — July 6, 2009 @ 11:31 pm
Beautiful, can a girl have to many sunsets? (or sunrises for that matter!)
Comment by uphilldowndale — July 7, 2009 @ 1:29 am
Beautiful sunset. Of late, I am finding myself totally fascinated by clouds – the colors reflected, the shapes and so on.
Comment by edvatza — July 7, 2009 @ 8:06 pm
Wonderful image. The farm buildings are just lightly illuminated.
Comment by Gandalf — July 8, 2009 @ 8:09 am
I didn’t know there were rules about sunrises and sunsets. Or that they’re considered rather trite. Seems a terrible shame to me, missing out on all that beauty for the sake of rules. I’m glad you don’t follow the rules.
It’s a beautiful sunset. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Comment by Robin — July 8, 2009 @ 12:38 pm