Marion Reservoir, Kansas – Strong, cold winds are blowing across the plains as the first wave of winter’s return moves in. The south shore of the lake boils with whitecaps, spraying me with frigid water as I set up the tripod. Fingers are already freezing, but this is kind of exciting so I don’t mind. Further downshore fellow photographer Herb Hobson is studying the waves as they crash over dark boulders. I’ll move down there in a bit, but for now I’m drawn to these fallen trees on the sand. It’s as close as I’ve felt to standing at an ocean’s edge, while still in Kansas.