Showing posts with label adventure. Show all posts
Showing posts with label adventure. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Weekend day trips to the north


It snowed this past week, and though everyone said it would be gone by Saturday, it was indeed NOT gone.  But that did not stop the Mad-missing-English teacher and I from striking out on both Saturday AND Sunday for points north! 

Now living where we (I guess, I, now) do, one wouldn't think that we would need to strike out farther north, and yet we do.  There are waterfalls to be found, and lakes to be listened to, coffee to be consumed, and breakfast to be enjoyed.  Among other things, you know.
A slam on the brakes moment that needed to be captured

The Chippewa River north of Glidden
 We set off bright and early to head north to our favorite place to eat- possibly in the world- Coco's in Washburn.  After the proper amount of nourishment, we set off on Hwy C towards Cornucopia to a water cascade area called Siskiwit Falls.  We'd never been there, and we are always up for something new- Always.
There was a lot of water in this river and it was quite exciting to be so close to it.  We had done a little research and we knew that there were several areas that could be looked at.  We went as far as we could, slipping a little on the leaves and pine needles- and the afore mentioned snow, but the problem was, for this location,  a gigantic tree had gone down effectively stopping us from getting over to the best vantage point for both our viewing pleasure and for photos.  Sort of a bummer, but you so couldn't get there, so....  on to the next place.
Part of Siskiwit Falls
Our next stop was a planned trip to Lost Creek Falls.  We had been there last spring right around the spring thaw- but there was not nearly as much water then as there was Saturday!  All the rain and snow we have gotten filled the creeks and made a really great show for waterfallers such as ourselves.


The path to Lost Creek Falls



Lost Creek

Through the trees 
The Falls- a lot of water here!
As we needed to ponder our next move, we decided to go to Meyers Beach, as we were very close anyway!  Wow was this ever a great idea.  The pictures don't really show the amazing waves that were occurring- they were huge and rolling.  When you looked out at the lake, it didn't look that rough, but as the waves came to shore they broke in beautiful rolls spreading along the shore.  wow!  The cool thing was that every point that we saw the lake during the day had a different look.  It was so interesting.
again, these photos can't show the power, rhythm and sounds that were present Saturday.  

Flotsam and jetsam on shore

Looking towards the sea caves

lovely driftwood pieces artfully arranged by Mother Nature and Lake Superior
 We decided that we wanted to explore a few places that we had seen signage for, but had never ventured off to look at ..... so off we drove to the north.  Our first stop was Little Sand Bay Campground waaaaaaay up to the north, but there really wasn't too much to see there.  So we decided to try to find a "rustic campground" called Point Detour.  Apparently Point Detour is the farthest point north in Wisconsin, which we decided was worth getting out of the car to investigate.  Rustic it certainly was, by the way, we can't even comprehend how anyone in a camper could possibly even get their camper in that place. But maybe this is a campground that people don't drag more than a tent.

The lake definitely had a different look here.
We had to stop at the top of these stairs as there was a board across them- because there were about 8 steps out in the middle.....  and upon further investigation from the bottom, the entire thing is more than a bit rickety.  We had to shimmy down the side of the stairs, which was quite an adventure to say the least.  Leaves and pine needles and snow added up to some interesting footing this entire weekend.

After hanging out on this rocky landing for a while, and you will notice that the lake has a totally different look than at the beach, we decided to head on over to Bayfield.  We of course landed in the coffee shop for a while, and then walked on down to the docks, where our favorite ferry the Madeline was coming into town.


We ended up in Ashland at supper time, and I had one of those (almost) tire screech moments where I had to pull off the road to one of the lakeside parks to take some sunset photos.  The colors were just too compelling and the lake was so gorgeous and calm.




The Mad-English teacher and I went waterfalling Sunday as well.  After a nice pancake Sunday breakfast we headed on up to Iron County and visited Potato River Falls.  We had also been there earlier this year, but it was nothing like what we saw that day.  It is unfortunate for the picture taking that we had to be there in the morning, as the sun was really difficult.  But oh well.  The fall were STUNNING.  So much water, so loud, so fun to see.  The footing here and at Copper Falls was terrorizing in many places.  The wooden stairs and boardwalks were very slippery in spots and I had some really bad flashbacks.  I will over come this I promise!

Potato River Falls- Upper Falls


We decided to head to Copper Falls as well, which I have to say people around here take this for granted.  It is a gorgeous place and the falls are just spectacular.  It was fun to be there during the off season where there were no other visitors....  However, I did miss the concession stand's ice cream cones.  haha.

Brownstone Falls I think.

Interesting patterns on the ground
We had a nice time climbing around and investigating the various places around the park.  Again, the Falls were spectacular.


This was a great GREAT way to spend a weekend!  Seeing the glory of the scenery that is northern WI gave me more than my share of joy, and spending it with my partner in all things adventure completed the experience.  

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Summer memories: Scene 2- #HaveAnAdventure

The Mad-English teacher and I have had a great time with our #HaveAnAdventure twitter hashtag!  Of course this centered around our Denver trip, but kayaking in Lake Superior made the cut too.  Lake Superior will have to wait for another post.


One of the absolute BEST times of  the summer (the best time of all I just can't really decide on and might not be able to disclose!) was my trip to Denver, including airplane trip and snow covered mountains.  It was so chock full of firsts and awesomeness that I can hardly stand it.  And it got like, what? 4 blogposts of it own?

The thrill of seeing the airplanes take off while still in the parking garage!  so fun
Those clouds though!

To reiterate the progression of this trip:  The Mad-Art teacher had never been on an airplane before and the Mad-English teacher had offered a couple years ago (and to think we were mostly joking) to hop on a plane with me to anywhere, get out of the plane walk around at the airport and then get back on and go home.  Basically in 24 hours.  Isn't that cool?  He's such a giver. Anywho, once I made the commitment to go to Italy next summer, I decided that I needed to actually get on a plane.  So, though there were moments that we thought maybe it wouldn't happen - :P - it was decided that it was ON!  So, research was done, a location was settled on, the trip moved from one day to over night, to since we are there, we really should go do some hiking- because hiking, mountains..... seems obvious, you know?  And yeah, 4 days happened.  Our itinerary was simple: airplane, mountains, hiking, good food.  And some time in the city.  check check check check and double check.
Lookout Mountain 
Rain and hail did not spoil our afternoon!
Panorama Point, Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Snow was somehow acceptable here....

One of the best decisions of my life!  What an excellent time we had, there was really no downside or bad moments.....  The closest we had was getting rained on and having a tornado warning pop up on our phones....  It just added to the FABULOUS stories that accumulated on this trip.  I will always remember:

1. The feeling of taking off in that airplane the first time. (I loved it,  just like someone told me I would!  ;) )

2. Seeing the clouds from above.

3. The moment when we saw our first snow-capped mountain from Lookout Mountain.

4. Feeling the effects of heights when we were hiking.

5. Seeing the sign for "fight back" if attacked by a cougar.

6. Rain in the city coming off the Denver Art Museum

7. Picking up snow after that amazing drive up to Winter Park.

So many other things, but these stand out and came first to mind.


Hiking at Red Rock


Driving to 11,000 feet
Hiking at 9000 feet



My take away- what I will be relishing in as I begin my new school year- you can not wait until the time is perfect.  I realized when almost everything I loved to do was limited or eliminated for a short period, that I have to take advantage of my time and abilities and cravings for adventure.  I think the authentic Debi is the one who is out doing things that are scary.  Those are the things that stay with me.  The other night we were visiting some wonderful friends and got talking about St. Peters Dome and how the path opens up at the top with a stair step type of overlook towards Lake Superior.  One of the couple is afraid of heights (like me!) and was not happy reliving the moment when they got to the top.  I said how I was scared to death, and it is one of the reasons "clinging to trees in unusual places" came to be....  but that didn't stop me from doing it.  Anything for a great photo, you know!   And the second time I went up there (I do torture myself at times) was easier than the first.  I was able to get closer to the edges, but of course not like Adam, who peers over the drop-offs.  I can't watch.  lol.  During that discussion, I understood just how much I LOVE doing things like that, in spite of or because of these fears.  Totally different than just 5 or 6 years ago when I would NEVER have faced these mental roadblocks.  These are the times that make me feel totally thrilled and alive. The mountains were amazing!  And scary.  #HaveAnAdventure  #bringitbaby








And then get me started talking about the food we ate... but that is apparently for another post.





Colorado was an amazing, perfect trip.  The ONLY thing that could have made it better was more time there.  But we were tired and ready to go home after 4 days of shoving every moment possible full of every shred of joy that we could find.  I will go back.


A shared favorite moment with Adam- flying under the contrails....  









Random people at Lookout Mountain





Berthaud Pass

Friday, August 21, 2015

Summer Memories - take 1

I had a whole different plan for this particular post, but I am going to kick off these memories with the most recent one.**


The Madeline Island phase of Bayfielding

As I said, we went for  a trip up to Bayfield yesterday.  Even though it was cloudy here in Park Falls, it was much more pleasant and sunny up north farther.  It was not warm, so it didn't quite seem like swimming weather, but that is indeed what the Mad English teacher and I did!  But I digress....
OH well, yeah, we may have stopped at Big Waters Coffee!

We headed out for Bayfield, but had our requisite stop in Bayfield for breakfast at Coco's in Washburn.  It was outstanding as per usual.  We picked up some bakery to take home, which is also part of the routine.

The best lunch EVER!

We landed downtown first, did some shopping and then headed to the ferry for a lovely ride over to Madeline Island.  The unusual and noteworthy thing here was the fantastic picnic that was provided by the Mad Science teacher, courtesy of the string of company that she had had last week.  We had a decadent selection of yummy things to choose from and we ate until we were stuffed.  So fun to eat on the beach!

Swimming in the COLD waters
We walked on the beach, which was super nice- the water was not too cold, or so it seemed, and then after lunch we headed out into the water for a swim.  Swimming in Lake Superior has been something that has been discussed for a while now.  It has been tricky to arrange schedules to accommodate this particular item on the list, but we did it!  The air temp was not particularly warm, but we were far from the only people on the beach!  Lots of kayakers, swimmers, beach walkers on Madeline!

Looking UP while on the beach

I will admit that I have not been swimming in YEARS!  I guess the last time was when I was in the Boundary waters!  It was a hoot!  But it took several minutes for me to work up the courage to dunk myself under, as that water was chilly!  Yikes.

Heading onto the Madeline with the car!

It was a fitting way to finish up my official summer adventures with my dear friends-and the Mad-English teacher who will be farther away now than any of us would like.


We got to wave like maniacs to the people on the other ferry!  (Oh wait, maybe that was just me!) This was so fun, usually the ferries aren't this close!  

And we all certainly found our share of joy...

**So, I wrote this several days ago, and of course I got busy and didn't get around to posting til now, so insert words that make sense: like instead of "yesterday" think, sometime earlier in the week, or possibly in the month.... you get the picture.  Work with me here.  :)