Photo Makes Flickr’s Best
Shortly after uploading the Anneewakee Creek photo set from the archives one of the photographs was selected as Flickr’s Best – an invite only group for only the best pictures on Flickr. The honor came as a surprise and it is well accepted for not only a personal achievement of my craft, but shows that there are parts of Douglas County untouched.
This particular photograph was captured on an island in the creek just downstream from Anneewakee Falls. Hiking there is no small feat either in regards to increased development from Anneewakee Trails along the majority of the creek. Starting from a cul-de-sac in Chaparral Ridge, a pathway is present that follows a sewer line before coming to a fork. Once past the silt fences a real hiking trail can be picked up all the way to the sharp bend in Anneewakee Creek.
Here the current begins to rush around a rock-covered jutting. The trees create a canopy over the whole bend making it a cool resting spot and to change out footwear – from hiking to hip waders. Crossing the creek at its lowest spot one can recognize where deer, raccoons and other wildlife has crossed the same path as footprints are riddled on the sandy banks.
After scouring up a hill to circumvent a small set of rapids, the creek reappears into a fantastic site with the tree canopy beginning to open up as the falls lie ahead. This is another point in the creek where passing is feasible, but becomes tedious as moss covered rocks hamper stability, lessening any short of traction.
But it is also here where the photograph was taken on a small island that rises out of the creek bed with a single tree rising out of it. Once again the spot is a nice place to rest, letting your feet hang over the edge as the cold waters move swiftly past. Anneewakee Creek is remarkably clear, has a rich history and defines one of the five valleys that dominant the landscape of Douglas County.
