Monday, September 27, 2021

(Not As) Brilliant - 2021/09/26

It was not too bad though...compared to last year's September ride.  That one WAS Truly Brilliant!

We all had checked out the state Leaf Color by County maps, showing the percentage of leaf 'turn' supposedly all up to date and from home, prospects were not very good for any color other than green but we saw more than expected.

The cabin was a repeat and there were some other things that remained the same.  Different however, the roads, some meals and a dinner in Ashland with family and friends.  I doubt there would be a single complaint if we in some way could manage to do a complete repeat of this one...it was that great.


Eric arrived with gifts from home, thank you Mrs. Eric!!  Both good, the pecan my favorite.  We riders survived the weekend, these pies far from it.

Friday morning's sunrise over the lake...

I volunteered to serve breakfast for a lovely Friday morning before we suited up.

A fine memento from last summer's Lutsen bicycle race.

Our first stop Friday morning ....









Lake Owen Boat Launch, we ready to assist (and cheer on) an Illinois boater but he did just fine without any real help, a loud cheer and meeting of hands ensued. 


Greg inspecting the Lake Owen dam....












A couple of pizza pies in Mellen....

From Mellen we looped back to Delta....the rain started soon after we left town.




A coffee stop in Drummond, the rain letting up but we were wetter and cooler.  Luckily our Intrepid Leader was keeping spirits up.

Friday evening back at the cabin, the rain easing off, the skies trying to clear.


Time to get going with Greg's delicious chili!!

 
Friday's loop to Mellen...


 Saturday morning we breakfasted in Iron River and then started our northern, to-the-Lake ride.


 After Friday's rain, the roads were a bit greasy...


Eric noticed where we were....and stopped.

I was glad that he noticed!

 


 This year.....

Last year, same spot near the small lake...wish that I'd remembered to stand by the stump.  You'd think the watercolor that I did would have still been in my mind.










Often it's not just the more settled areas.....joggers, dog-walkers, hikers pop up everywhere....Have a care!

Herbster.....a block away from our favorite campground.



Greg did a Sand Angel....


 

Then it was off to Cornucopia....


Both Steve and Greg took photos of the Fishing Tug's powerplant, still in place.  Later at the cabin we spent a good half hour sleuthing the manufacturer of the engine....and nailed it. Chrysler Marine the source.

USACE dredge along the breakwater....


Eric was kind enough to REALLY document my obligatory photo with Peg's Grandfather's Twin Sisters.

Then back up to downtown Corny with a stop at Halvorson's new Fish Market....


I had the chowder....and purchased 2# of Smoked Sugared Whitefish to bring home.

Back on the trail...







Friday's rain had made the sand more forgiving....


A good thing....some standing required.


It doesn't take long to stir up dust.

 Saturday's north loop to the Lake....

Our ride didn't last as long as it normally would have due to our dinner plans.  Part of my immediate family was in the area for a get-a-way...Kevin's daughter lives/works in the area so an arranged meal in Ashland was organized.  Eric kindly drove we riders the ~25 miles to Ashland where we met for a total of 9 diners at the Deepwater Grill.  Consensus was, the meal great, the company even better.  Now there are more faces to names.

Kevin's KLR and KTM were already over by his trailer...




Sunday morning's load-out...
 





I was heading out by 8am to meet my family in Bayfield at their rented condo and then a breakfast down the street at Gruenke's.  The rest of the riding crew were off to Iron River for another breakfast at the Rustic Roost before their routes home.

The condo in Bayfield, the lower level where Peg and family stayed...

At Gruenke's...... the placemats

A few of hundreds on the wall....

A few drone shots back at the cabin.....







We always have fun together but this weekend was an exceptional balance of The Best... eating, drinking (coffee), story telling, laughing, family, wet cold-weather testing of gear....

And riding.

Thanks guys for your contributions, time and most of all, your friendship.

So who's credit card for next year??