Thursday, July 4, 2013

July 4 Ramble - Esdaile, Wisconsin

Out the driveway at 6:30, it wasn't the early start that I'd hoped for but the pillow just felt so, so good this morning.  I've got more chances yet this weekend to get it right, though not tomorrow; I've got to get up extra early and head for the City.....I'm one of the lucky few at our place of employment that will be working.

Feeling again the pull of Wisconsin, I headed to the bridge upriver this time rather than downstream to get across.  Early breakfast in Bay City at the small hidden diner that Dave first shared with me; the many conversations enlightening, fun and mischievous all at the same time.  I ran into a neighbor and old workmate there as well, his daughter and grandson along.

I was hoping for some early(er) morning light for the photos, but I do Point-N-Shoot for a reason......I present them as I take 'em.  All images, except the last 2, are on "Scenic Road", seen in less than 3 miles of scenic valley north of very rural Esdaile, WI.




Lots of yellow but there's some purple in there as well.





An old abandoned building site/foundation almost in the center, the brook near front.







At the north end.......


"Bow and Arrow"


What it was and is all about....... 



 Hope everyone is having a great July 4th.....and for our friends to the north, hope you're still basking in the glow of YOUR big day!  For me.....65 miles.....4 hours.....a perfect Holiday pace.

26 comments:

  1. nice ending to the story.... :)

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    1. Thanks, I thought it was a perfect way to finish it off.

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  2. What a lovely outing. Your scoot is quite the eye catcher in this summer scenery, though.

    Oh, when looking at your photos I can't wait to explore my own backyard (a.k.a. Black Forest) on two wheels again.

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    1. Sonja,
      It can really make itself known, though today it didn't draw out any other pointy-nosed Honda's. I'll patiently wait for the Orange/Black German contrast :)

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  3. It's nice to get an early start. You can avoid some of the mid day heat!
    We went to Turtle Lake to meet up with some friends from the city. Tonight, fireworks.

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    1. Erik,
      Early is much easier for me, late very difficult, more a case of habit than anything else I suppose. I mowed pasture weeds, worked in the garden, still working on one of the cars' front wheel bearing, but I didn't stick with that long....too warm in the garage. Grilling is done, we'll head to the park in Lake City for fireworks soon, cribbage, lake watching, people watching and just possibly an adult beverage. Enjoy your show!

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  4. Coop:

    No rain, a nice looking day, little traffic, empty roads and riding at scenic pace.

    what's not to like on a day off, away from work.

    bob
    Riding the Wet Coast

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    1. You are so right Bob, just about a perfect recipe for a summer day off.

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  5. Sweet ride time!

    And I did not know you owned a Helix too! And my fav color!

    A nice time on the back roads can not be beat...

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    1. Deb,
      The Helix was my 2nd scooter, a125 Buddy was first and I'd have to say that it is my favorite.

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  6. I, too, work today. I have a photo somewhere of the Bow and Arrow. I once thought of stopping at all the "historical markers" on that road, but gave up of it. Too many.

    For me, going to work will take me right into the teeth of Fair St. Louis. I may get some photos, but I suspect I'll just hide out. While Freedom is what this Holiday is all about, I could live without the firecrackers and the crowds.
    ~k

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    1. Keith,
      Besides the Adventure Rider folks doing the Rustic Roads, there's another subset taking off after every Historical Marker that they can find; all excuses to go and explore.

      I'm in as well, dressed even more casually if that's possible and rode the Helix today, one of only a handful of times I'll commute on two wheels.

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  7. You are certainly in some lovely rural WI here. I can't say I've ever even been to that county. So much WI, so little time...

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  8. Martha,
    So true. Pierce County is right across the river from us and is often neglected by my hill/corner seeking riding friends from the Twin Cities since it is really the front line transition of where those roads begin. Pepin, Buffalo, Trempealeau, LaCrosse, typically have more wild and dramatic riding.

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  9. As always my friend ,I enjoy your posts.Gotta get up your way one of these days.

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    1. Hey Scott, great to hear from you! We'll be in Elkader next weekend, will you?? :)

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    2. What day(s)? I've been meaning to visit my dad up that way too.

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    3. Perfect. Iowa Guzzi Rally, 12-14. I've got Friday off, will be in Elkader by noon. Depending on who comes, the bikes they bring, etc. I figured lunch Saturday at Balltown. You've got my email, still have my cell number?

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    4. Pretty sure I still have your number.I'll see what the next weekend brings.Life sure gets in the way of riding.Sheri says hi!

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  10. A perfect way to spend the day. Those yellow blooms on the side of the road accent the bike nicely in photos too.

    We try and stay on the roads around here on the 4th. There have been at least 4 accidents involving motorcycles in the last 10 days or so and there are just too many drunks on the road on July 4th. Sad, but true.

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    1. Trobairitz,
      It was just so lovely poking along there yesterday morning. Shadows were still long, air was fresh enough and the valley was quiet.

      Sorry to hear about your too-many accidents. I hope that our region fares better and that you can get back to safer riding.

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  11. Coop, Happy 4th! The Honda Helix is your fave? Is that because it makes you feel like George Jetson? Or is there a more practical explanation far from the metaphysics?

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    1. Thank you David! With the kids gone, our old traditional 4th's didn't apply this year. We DID do fireworks though and overall, a very nice day.

      Maybe the Helix does give me a bit of ol' George's boundless energy and enthusiasm but as you've guessed, I'm thinking that more of it has to do with practicality. Imagine a vehicle manufacturer making something for 21 years and changing nothing but the color. It takes a precious few to not consider the long, low scooter an ugly duckling. Reliable, great storage space, easy to drive = riding is more about the trip than the machine, comfortable with multiple riding/feet positions, excellent weather protection for its small profile......have I sold you yet??

      Those Vespa's are works of art, who wouldn't want one? I still do but for the time being, will limp along with my yellow one.

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  13. Thanks for taking us on this journey. The photos and the write up are great! Appreciate the views of lightly traveled back roads. What a delight for riders of all bikes.

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    1. Much appreciated Back Road. I won't be posting Saturday's all-day ride but I'm pretty sure that you'd approve.....it was a nice, warm almost Florida weekend up here.

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