Stories Behind the Images

Photography begins with curiosity. Here I share stories from my travels, encounters with nature, local events, and the work of preserving photographs from the past — adding context to the moments beyond the frame.

Empty park with rows of brown benches among tall trees with bare branches and dry leaves on the ground.
Travel Stories Jiri Kriz Travel Stories Jiri Kriz

Exploring the Quad City Along the Mississippi River

I stumbled upon this outdoor amphitheater, a really pretty limestone structure that's both a memorial and a place for fun. It's called the BIX Memorial. Right behind it was the Centennial Bridge, the one I mentioned earlier. I snapped a few pics and then just strolled along. While I was there, I even saw some pelicans flying around the river. It's pretty amazing how those birds have adapted to living around people.

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Nature & Wildlife Jiri Kriz Nature & Wildlife Jiri Kriz

Explore Eagle Point Park along the Majestic Mississippi River

One of the most incredible places near Dubuque on the Mississippi River offers an experience like no other. Suddenly, the weather cleared up, allowing us to change our plans and embrace the adventure. As we drove along the winding roads, our anticipation grew until we came across this hidden gem and we couldn’t have been happier. After a short but invigorating walk from the parking lot, we were greeted by breathtaking scenery that seemed to stretch on forever. The Mississippi River was in full glory, its sheer size truly awe-inspiring, reflecting the bright blue sky and the greenery along its banks.

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