Oak Street Beach on a foggy day

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I had time between appointments today, so I ended up wandering around at Oak Street Beach, which is located near downtown Chicago.  It was amazing to capture the fog around the buildings and on the beach.

Wandering around at Starved Rock State Park (Utica, IL)

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Today was an absolutely beautiful day to go roaming around Starved Rock State Park.  I haven't been there in years.  I was shocked to see that they've basically paved the paths so there was no real climbing, which on some levels I was relieved, yet also saddened.  When I asked a park ranger he told me it was to preserve the land.   I was also shocked at how crowded it was on in the middle of the week and it's not even summer yet.


I hope while watching both films you feel like you spent the day wandering the woods with me or at least feel like you took a mini vacation.

Part 1


Part 2

The Beauty of Gloomy Day

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin


This morning was warm, bright and sunny, yet by the time I got out it was cold and gloomy.  I was frustrated due to the amount of pain I'm still in from the car accidents and that I haven't completely recovered yet.


I knew if I just got myself up, out and walking that I could distract myself from everything.  I really wanted to walk along the beach and figured I'd be able to transform the mood into something beautiful if I just used my camera.  This is what I saw.

Early Spring at the gardens at the Bahai Temple in Wilmette, IL

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

It was the first warm spring day this year. I stopped by to see the gardens that surround the Bahai Temple in Wilmette

Lilacia Park (Lombard, IL)

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I went to see the lilac's in bloom at Lilacia Park. Unfortunately, I think I got there a week or two too early for them to be in full bloom.

Smith Museum of Stained Glass and the Chicago Mosaic School

© (2011) photographs by Vicki Polin

While I was strolling around Navy Pier I came across the Smith Museum and decided to take a few pictures of some of the beauty I saw. Totally amazing work.

Navy Pier and Ohio Street Beach (Chicago, IL)

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

After an appointment I went for a walk along Navy Pier. I haven't been there since they had Chicago Fest there. I think that was back in the 1980s? They've completely renovated the place.