This adventure began simply. The words, “Grandpa, do you want to go fishing at Apple Creek?” came first. This grandpa needed no encouragement. Fishing with a grandson is one of the best experiences in life. Those who are grandparents know the joy and delight to be found in grandchildren. Pile a fishing experience on top and the combination is exceptionally memorable. Apple Creek is always memorable.

Apple Creek is a tributary of the vast Missouri River. It is approximately 64 miles long and encompasses a drainage area of 1,680 square miles. The water which flows in Apple Creek eventually becomes part of the Missouri river. Apple Creek enters the Missouri between the Bismarck airport and the University of Mary situated on a Missouri river bluff. In spite of the large drainage area and its length, Apple Creek is a small river. Calling it a creek is fitting.

Our grandson drove. I rode in the passenger seat for the first time. At 16, he is a careful and safe driver. Night Crawlers, a 5-gallon bucket with a rod holder, his backpack tackle box and two rod and reel combinations made all of our gear. After we unloaded in the parking lot, grandpa’s duty was carrying the bucket with the Night Crawlers and rod holder in the bottom.

You stand on shore while river fishing. Since most of the 64 mile stretch of Apple Creek flows through private land, we fish on the public highway right of way…next to the bridge on North Dakota highway 1804. Yes, there is traffic on the highway, yes, it does disturb the peace. It is not distracting. Apple Creek is a beautiful, tranquil place. Look up at the edge of the bridge and your reward is a view of hundreds of Cliff Swallow nests. In September, these birds have raised their young and already migrated with them. Fish at Apple Creek earlier, during the summer, and the swallow airshow is spectacular.

There was another optimistic fisherman already there. He had chosen the finest place where the creek spilled over a small rock dam just before the bridge. Fishing above the rocks and just below them is strategy for success. Our grandson had to choose the third best location just before the bridge near to the shore. He never commented…either negative or positive. Instead, he baited his hook…and began to fish.

He doesn’t say a lot. He says less while fishing.

I don’t have a fishing license for North Dakota. He fished, I watched.

It wasn’t long before I noticed the setting sunlight illuminate the White and Yellow Heath Aster blossoms just up the bank from where we were fishing. Knowing I wouldn’t be fishing, I planned to take photos before we left. But it was a surprise to me to see how the sunlight highlighted those aster blossoms.

Our fisherman grandson did catch one fish. He released it. There was more than fishing that peaceful North Dakota evening. There was more than the joy of spending time with a much-loved grandson.

While the sun set, the “Apple Creek Light Collection” was captured. Sunlight on God’s created objects was the chief subject. Soft, evening light makes the ordinary seem extraordinary. Look at what light does to earth objects. There is beauty to be found when the object is in the light.

You and I can be in the “light.” Jesus is the light of the world.

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

The Apple Creek Light Collection

These rocks caught the sunlight under the bridge.

Twilight and the awns of this grass caught my eye…

He let me take his picture…it’s my opinion, but the joy and beauty of this peaceful evening on Apple Creek show on his face.