photos

 One thing I know for sure is that I have definitely neglected my photography.  If there is something I need to do to regain my sense of self, this is one of them.  

I can see how this happened.  Some practical/computer issues put a big damper on them.  To make a sad sob story short, I had to get a new cordless mouse and while using it my fingers accidentally clicked or something and I unclicked a setting in my editing software, and I had no idea what I did.  It took a while, and several videos and pleading text messages but several MONTHS later I have it now resolved.

Lake Superior near Duluth- I dont think this is going to be the final version of this photo.

I also had a creative block you could say, where I had a hard time with subject matter.  Many reasons for this, but I think I have worked my way through that one.  I have such freaking high expectations for myself.  Its a problem.  

I did some editing this weekend, but I had some house issues (dear god, the shit just never ends sometimes) and I was quite distracted.  I am going to give it a go today again.  At least it rained!

Basically I am getting in my own way- which has been known to happen.  So, I am clearing my path and doing what I want.  I have made plans for a few more getaways and one more yet in the planning stage.  THESE are things that I need to do. 

Onward!  I have a new abandoned building on another camera from this one, and that will be this afternoons goal.

The Last Adventure of 2016

If you were to look in on me right now, it would be a sorry sight.  Here it is -  not too long after 4am on a Saturday as I begin this paragraph, plus it is our Christmas break and the Mad-Art Teacher is sitting on the couch unable to breathe through her nose.  And not sleeping....This is not cool.  I didn't get to sleep until at least midnight.   I am pretty sure that the germy little fingers of a grandchild (not sure which grandchild, actually) introduced me to this virus, and the main reason  I think THAT is that the MA got the same thing at pretty much the same time.  Oh well- that is what happens in the winter....  when you have lots of visitors who stick their little fingers all over your face.  No regrets.

Who me??  

Seriously needs to up his selfie game- lol 

I said to the MA  earlier this week that I HAD to find someone to go with me up to Bayfield, as I was really missing it and I needed an adventure.  Low and behold, the next day he casually mentions that if I hadn't found someone to go that he would!  Wait, WHAT?  This is the last work day of the year, and the man who NEVER misses a day of work, much less the second to the last day of the year (where clients call in a panic to find out what they can do to avoid paying all the taxes) and he wants to spend the day with me in Bayfield!  Huh. I was hoping that the apocalypse wasn't happening whilst we were traveling because it was that sort of an event.  Hehe  So I told him what the schedule would be and what we were doing and in what order and he was good with that.  The only issues HE actually had is that while he was driving I would be chatting away (shocking, I know) and would forget that he didn't know exactly where he was going.  He has, of course, been to Bayfield and the area before, but it has been a while and he had never been over to Meyers Beach....  but that was fine.  I just reminded myself frequently to give specific directions.  Apparently when the kids were little and we had gone to my Grandma and Grandpas in Minnesota we had come home that way, but I have no real memory of that- I was undoubtedly occupied with said rascals in the back seat.

So, I ignored the fact that I had things brewing in my head and instead- armed with zicam and a positive attitude- we left in the am to head up to Washburn.  Along the way we admired the new bridges that were installed on Hwy 13, rebuilt in less than 6 months mind you, where they had been washed out by the storm in the early summer.  There was very little sign of the power of mother nature there, except we did see where the train tracks were never fixed- rails are hanging there unsupported.  I guess the the train isn't running beyond Park Falls now- who knew?!

Vegetarian frittata with roasted rosemary potatoes mmmmmm

 I was STARVING when we arrived at Coco's for a lovely breakfast of frittata and potatoes.  I knew that it would be totally worth the wait and it was! Being there in the winter is so nice, you have choice of seating and no chance your favorite breads have been all bought up!

Look what was not at all in it's usual spot!  Docked for the winter

Bayfield was next up, and while that is always beautiful, the ice in town was a problem.  Last Monday there was a massive wind storm and it is obvious everywhere that the lake and its spray had coated the surfaces of the road and, well, every other surface as well, with ice.  Made for some hazardous walking, but we got to the docks and over to the marina area and then to Big Water Coffee!  Our next stop was going to be for a walk down on Meyer's Beach, but that was not to be.  As I mentioned- ice. And it was all over the stairs that lead to the beach, and neither of us were willing to break bones just to get down there.  sigh.  It is a nice drive over though, and there was very little traffic.  I had some alternative places to go- including for me to shoot an abandoned house by the Bayfield golf course and then stop by Friendly Valley Beach.  I knew that beach is level with the road and that we could get there without too much effort.

This was way way treacherous- I was clinging to the railing as I stepped to the top to see what that stairs were like.  Not good

Only in your dreams....

I spent a lot of time reminiscing- my sentences frequently started with: That is where Adam and I** .... or Laurie and Adam and I always .......  It was entertaining (for me at least) to think of all my Bayfield adventures and that was courtesy of memories that popped up while guiding a new person through a Bayfielding adventure.  We also stopped at the Chequamegon food co-op (no ice there!  haha) and then had a light late lunch at the Black Cat Cafe in Ashland.  We got home before it got dark, so I was able to unload all my stuff- I always take and accumulate a lot of stuff when I am in the far north- and feed the horse before dark.
** Adam- I sort want to go see Point Detour again- but not in the ice- just sayin'  ;)

We found an iceberg!  

So the Lake was just glorious- even though it was quite grey and overcast.  There was some shelf ice built up on the beach, and that ice was covered with sand.  There were other areas with worn and weathered icicles hanging from brush and a shells of ice over the rocks.  The Chequamegon Bay was fairly quiet, and was partially frozen down by Ashland,  and the South Shore- as per usual- was more active.  But, that is normal- gah, it kills me still that I couldn't get down to that lake by Cornucopia.  PLUS, while I wasn't rushed by my companion,  I could not take all the time I wanted to shoot as the wind was so cold.  So my pictures are fine, but I am NEVER satisfied.

Friendly beach and ye old Gitchee Gummee tree stump

But that keeps me trying new things and wanting new lenses (hehe) and giving me new things to do in the year to come.  2016 did not suck you guys.  It is what it is, the good and the bad- and it is all in your attitude- and in your quest for a little joy in your life.  Happy New Year's Eve to you all and be safe and happy tonight and all through the coming New Year!

Well, well, well, what should I start with here.....

So I have a lot of things that could/should be covered here.  I just don't even know where to start.  It is, thankfully, still early August.  Another weekend is upon us and I had a pretty interesting week.  :) I began my week of up in Washburn- on Lake Superior- kayaking!!  And we got to kayak in some SEA CAVES!!!  YEEEESSS.  (you will notice kayaking drives my blogging decisions quite frequently these days)  There were a lot of other things this week, but they are for another post or in some cases not for public consumption.

It was a spectacular morning- we left early to get to Thompsons West End Park by about 7:30 or shortly before and put into Lake Superior.


When the Mad-English teacher and I did the Book Across the Bay 1.5 years ago, we were smitten with the little island that had a fire breathing ice dragon right by it.  This cute little island!  And we were determined to find the little guy and we did! 

 There are caves along that shoreline to the south of Washburn and we had a great time exploring and paddling and generally having fun.  We proceeded north and past my car to go along the shore.  Eventually we got up to the Marina, which is when we noticed a turn in the mood of the lake.  What began as a serene paddle became a little more challenging.  When we were going around the marina the water became significantly more choppy, and while we did proceed to the other side and continued up the shore a ways, we found our point of exit.  We decided to get out before we got back to the car, and I just simply walked back to get it.  Maybe a mile, no biggie.

By the time we got everything all arranged it was almost noon and as we say in the car on the way to Coco's -  DEBI AND ADAM HUNGRY!!!  So we had a great idea and ordered a plate of falafel and a plate of dal and we split it!  NOM NOM NOM!!  Serious good eats there, people.

Of course there was then the requisite trip to Bayfield for Debi's coffee habit and we *may* have stopped at the candy store.... 

I could do this almost every single day.  I am very happy for 2- 3 time a week, which I have TOTALLY nailed!  

The thing about the kayaking- it is such a relaxing yet physical sport.  We feel VERY BRAVE being on Lake Superior and we just don't care if we choose the calmest days to go- we are smart!! We discover new things all the time when we go. 

I believe these are the nests of some sort of swallows

These stairs (totally unedited photo I see) belong to friends of ours~

No matter where you look, there is quite a view.

Anyway, enjoy the scenery and whatever you do look for your joy.... and it helps to hang out with a rocking awesome joygiver as well.

Road trip north!

What a perfectly lovely, albeit cold, day this was!  If we have to have cold temperatures, the sun makes all the difference in the world.

Lost Creek Falls

The Mad-English teacher and I have decided that we need to get back into hiking and biking shape for the year (damn you elbows) and he discovered a waterfall that needed investigating.  So we decided to head on up to Cornucopia via Washburn and Bayfield (I know, shocking, right?) After our requisite stop for bread at Coco's, and then for a scone and coffee/hot chocolate in Bayfield, we headed up north on Highway 13.  

Bayfield docks

The weather was quite chilly today, but the sun was out and that was all we needed.  It was fun to walk out onto the Bayfield city dock and watch a little boat cut through the ice between Madeline Island and Bayfield.  The ice was crunching and it was just so fun to watch.  There were all sorts of little vessels around that you never see during the summer.  Love seeing the differences in the seasons like that.  We were fortified with an exquisite chocolate chip and lavender scone with crunchy sugar chunks on top, and our preferred hot beverage and off we went to the north.

Lost Creek

After a little driving around, we found the entrance to the path to Lost Creek waterfall- and it isn't much of an entrance.  It is an ATV trail that is marked with a yellow gate across it.  No real indication that it leads anywhere at all.  It was pretty easy walking for the most part.  Rough with stones and later tree roots and the dreaded ice patches, but overall it was not heavy hiking.  We may have gone a little too far **coughahalfmileahem** but I checked the internet when I actually got a bar or two, and we realized the trail that we looked at longingly was indeed the one we were looking for.  So back we went, avoiding holes and slippery pine needles as we journeyed.  Once we got off the ATV trail, the hiking actually began.  It was covered with the afore mentioned pine-needles and got narrow and rocky and rough- but regardless once we discovered that lovely thing, we picked out way down the  ravine.

Lost Creek Falls

That water fall is divine!  And we were there at just the right time- there was running water and ice in different shapes and forms.  It was beautiful!  We did some rock hopping and I managed to get across without falling into the water, so that was good!!

Meyers Beach

Ice Caves in the distance

Next stop in the journey, you know because we were driving right past it, was a stop at Meyers Beach.  We walked down the beach towards where the ice caves are, enjoying the really different look of the Lake in the early spring.  It is still frozen, but there is so much wood and snow and ice piled up.... sandy colored in places, many layers of white and blue and tan.  It was just gorgeous.  It is interesting hiking on the beach in hiking boots- especially when a lot of it is frozen.  

Meyers Beach

By this time, the ME and I are getting a tad tired, but we had planned to stop at Houghton Falls as well.  You know, sometimes you drive by something that seems interesting but you never stop- and that is one of those places. It is just north of Washburn a few miles and we have driven past many times.  Originally we were going to go there only, until we discovered that it isn't a very long walk. Less than a mile one way!  So, we stopped here on the way out.  While the falls aren't all that much to see- at least for us - still frozen, not that great, there is a dells and then the end point is an outlook above Lake Superior and that was worth the walk!  Tired as we were.....  

Beautiful reflections in Lake Superior

Houghton Falls area- Lake Superior

Houghton Falls 

So this all finds us at 2 pm and starving so of COURSE we stopped at Coco's for lunch.  I mean, what else could be done??  After a delicious lunch- I had the dal with pickled cabbage and raita sauce wrapped in flatbread with a wonderful sweet potato and pecan salad, AND we may have had a cookie to go... we then headed down to Ashland to shop a little here and there.  After which we collapsed into the car and drove home.  Whew!

The pictures speak for themselves, it was a great day for hiking and photography!  And finding my joy!

Late August sighs

I have discovered that somewhere along the way here, it is still dark at 5 am now!  When the heck did this happen??  Oh yeah, that would be during the almost 3 weeks of semi wasted summer due to that stupid tick bite.  Sigh

Wild waves on the big Lake

I am in the process of transitioning myself to school hours, so that involves getting up at 5 instead of 6.  I don't really use an alarm, since I wake up frequently at night anyway, so it is pretty easy just to get up when it is time.  I have not been sleeping particularly well, either, a combination of a somewhat warm bedroom (been a little humid lately), snoring (it is allergy season in the northwoods for the MA), a jumpy brain (lack of good exercise and school thoughts) and heaven knows what else is going on there. So I just get up and get myself moving.  I am hoping that by shifting my day's schedule I will be desperately tired at night and will be able to fall asleep BEFORE 11:30 or 12.  AND I feel well enough now to hit the gym harder and get out for walks and bike rides again.  Now if only the rain would cooperate.

So the north is turning towards fall- some of the weaker trees are beginning to turn a little, there is fog in the mornings, the skunks are out digging around in the yard (oh goodie), and the subtle smells and sounds of the outside are changing. And of course I am visiting my tomatoes daily, willing them to hurry up and ripen. My inservices begin next week and then the day after Labor Day, school will begin.

It is always exciting to have the beginning of a  brand new school session, especially against the contrast of nature heading towards the end of its current life cycle.  It is a good way to go into the fall.  I am energized this year by the  really good class that I sort of half missed. But enough filtered through for me to have a mind set of positivity and keeping the eye on the REAL prize.  Which is teaching my students through art, encouraging their growth as people by expressing themselves with pictures and other media.  Not with the incredibly intrusive, and irrelevant in many cases, over load of educational pedagogy that is being thrust on all teachers in our state.  When did the methods become more important than the students?  I am not sure.  sigh

But that is what it is, and I will do my best to fulfill the true needs of the students and the wants of those who are "in charge" at many levels.  Therefore, of course, instead of spending the last week at school busily preparing for the school year ahead, I have been indulging in last minute summer immersion. (No one said I was logical!!  :) ) I returned Monday from visiting the kids in southern WI.  Tuesday, I was fortunate enough to spend a late birthday journey with my sweet friend Jane up to the Lake Superior shores of Wisconsin and Michigan.  Wednesday, I did some necessary errands and then had a fabulous birthday massage (finally), and then yesterday, I spent a lovely afternoon with my dear friend Cat- again a late birthday event- up in Ashland.  AHHHHHH  it has been a lovely week.  

It was a beautiful day- no, really!

Today is involving my last summer Bayfielding for the year.  I am sure we will be getting up there again during the fall, because, you know- apples.  (It was a tough winter for the apple trees here) AND I am seeing another Book Across the Bay happen, because that was just fabulous.  I foresee a day of  berry picking in some form, lunch, coffee,  standing on the dock and weeping er, admiring the view, no matter what the weather, and hopefully some hiking about the area.  Yes, summer is awesome.  sigh.

And I would  imagine that pictures will follow!  I have a lot of editing to do and frankly, my photo taking has let up a little because I am trying to take everything in and truly be present with my friends.  Connecting with people, enjoying the sights, taking a few photos, eating some truly fine food and dipping my feet in the lake- these are the things that refresh, satisfy and bring true joy!

Don't forget to share some joy today!  

My First Day of Summer Vacation! :)

Tuesday was my first day of full-fledged, honest-to-heaven, summer vacation. YAY.

The Apostle Islands Marina

So of course it is perfectly logical for me, the Mad-Science Teacher, Laurie and the Mad-Young English teacher, Adam, to head north to Bayfield!  It makes total sense to up and drive to our favorite restaurant for breakfast, then to one of our favorite towns to visit and definitely our favorite coffee shop and certainly the greatest ferry ride there can be.  Yeah, I am a bit of a fan of the whole thing.

The interesting thing is that I never really had been to Bayfield before about 3 years ago.  I had driven through on the way to the orchards and the strawberry fields in the past, but we never went to Bayfield for fun. No idea why.  Anyway, when the Mad-Seester and Emily came to visit a few years ago, we decided to go on up and take the Apostle Islands Boat Tour, and it was fabulous!! I had such a great time with them on the Lake!!  I was hooked right then.

Yearning for a sailboat ride

Fast forward to last year and Laurie and Adam and I went up for berries and a trip to Madeline Island and a summer tradition was born.  We went a few additional times last summer, they went with out me once or twice and I went with my sister, and of course Adam and I went up for the Book Across the Bay and drove across that Ice Road!  YIKES!  And I am forever hooked on Sumatran coffee from Big Water Coffee Roasters (if you ever need a gift/bribe for me- you now have the details, now,  kids) and basically do not use any other brand.

Just yes!!

We began our trip with a requisite trip to Coco's in Washburn for breakfast!  It is SO good.  I had a vegetarian frittata and roasted rosemary potatoes and wildrice/cranberry bread.  #heaven

NOM NOM NOM!!!

Amazing beautiful morning

One of the boat tour boats on the left

After breakfast and lots and lots of coffee We headed on up to the Marina and decided to (after soaking up the atmosphere) to take the 5 plus mile walk on the Brownstone Trail.  This involved meandering through the waterfront area, and we went through an adorable park and saw some nice landscaping and of course the lake....

In a little park on the way over to the Brownstone Trail

Stairway to nowhere

The Brownstone Trail goes along the Lake front - and it is lovely.  There are all sorts of things to behold.  Views of the lake, various houses and barns and stair cases.  It is a really nice hike.

 A random barn and silo right off the trail

Some very impressive houses on the lake!

And there were very few mosquitos!

Breathtaking view

When we got to the second marina, which is where you end up before you turn around and head back, there was some beauty to behold there as well.  Interesting to see a boat lowered into the water and all.  No place to get a bottle of water or a Margarita though, until after 5pm.  Unless you are a member of said marina.

Lifting a boat to put into the lake

The other marina in Bayfield

There was plenty of whimsy along the trail.  I enjoy this very much

The Troll that lives under a bridge

Lovely wildflower along the path

A really cool slide!!

Metal creature fabricated out of old stuff!

Great walk with great friends

So after an awesome stop to cool off and get some cold drinks at the Big Water Coffee Shop (and check out their cool new coffee roaster) we headed over to the dock to hop on the ferry. We were fortunate enough to visit with Hannah in her "office" and she gave us some backstories into the beautiful houses and some of the characters that live in the area, both full time and seasonal.  She is pretty great- and it sounds like Bayfield is inhabited by awesome people.

Sail boats as far as you can see

Taking a nap on the ferry

After arriving at Madeline Island we wanted to go to the one place we never quite got to last year and that is Tom's Burned Down Cafe.  It is quite the fun place to be and quite eclectic and eccentric.  I LOVE it there!!  We treated ourselves (those of us who drink, that is) to a Salty Chihuahua!
This was beyond awesome and we proceeded to find the little beach where we sat and watched the lake and the people

Tom's selfie with friends

Lovely vista

Looking for a different viewpoint

soak in the view

Repetition and pattern

After hanging out on the island and deciding what we will do next time we come (get ourselves to the State Park that is 7 miles down the road) we wandered back to the ferry and rode back to the mainland. Where we were exhausted and starved!  After a very nice meal  (Pasta and vegetables with garlic toast) at Greunke's, we headed back to Park Falls via the Chequamegon Food Co-op.  I found myself nicely lightly sunburned and tired.

The interesting thing about Bayfield is the actual sun can feel warm and we got quite warm walking, however, the wind off the lake was chilly, dare I say cold, on Tuesday.  So in order to stop the sunburn from getting worse I just put on and zipped  up my sweatshirt.

 **note to self, keep the sunscreen WITH YOU!!**

Sculpture on the marina

One of the ferries passing as we are going to the island

So many pasttimes

JUMP

Daily routine

I put this in here to freak out the locals!!!  Hehehe  Hard to believe that this was the view not that long ago as I was driven across that bay!!

A mere 6 months ago - the ice road

This is the preferred view- no ice to be seen!

This is the life

You all know that we will be going back.  And that will be a joy!  Until next time, soak up all that joyful summer-time that you can.  And give some joy to those you know!

LOVED this mini-vaca!!