“When you're young, there's so much that you can't take in. It's pouring over you like a waterfall. When you're older, it's less intense, but you're able to reach out and drink it. I love being older.”
Sigourney Weaver
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
It’s very easy to overlook what’s in our backyard. Sheltering in place affords us the opportunity to explore locally and discover beauty close to home. Two weeks ago, fellow photographer Scott Fuller called and suggested meeting at a local waterfall.
It was a perfect day. Perfect to a waterfall photographer means overcast and even rainy. Bright, sunny days lead to blinding white water and dark featureless shadows in case you’re wondering.
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien is a donut-shaped forest preserve encircling Argonne National Laboratory. Sawmill Creek runs through the Preserve on the way to the Des Plaines River. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps built a 5-foot limestone dam (waterfall) on Sawmill Creek in the relatively new park.
This one’s for you, Bud
The park wasn’t named for the waterfall. Ironically, it was named after Forest Preserve District President Seymour "Bud" Waterfall.
After a short hike, we arrived at the waterfall. The recent rains created a nice flow. Long, several second exposures turned bubbles turned into beautiful streaks and ovals.
I don’t think I gave this waterfall a second look several decades ago when I moved to Chicago. But now that I’m older, I can take the time to “drink in” the beauty and joy of scenes like this.
Thanks for looking,
Chuck Derus