Close to Home

So often there are things to do and sights to see that are in our backyards but we don't take advantage of them. 

Holy Hill is practically in Rick's back yard (5 miles away) and we've only been there two times in 14 years. However, it's one of those places that I like to photograph often. 

Looking east on Holy Hill Road (State Highway 167)...

As seen from the side...

Our beautiful state capitol is in my backyard but yet it's been 40+ years since I've actually taken a tour of its interior. Now seems to be a good time to take advantage of the daily tours of a National Historic Landmark in my town, especially since it's been several years since the building was renovated.

Let me know, with your comments, what you've seen or done lately that was in your backyard. Perhaps we'll be wandering over there one of these days.

Heaven in Wisconsin

Yes, it’s been hotter than hell these past few days. (Of course, I’m only speculating on how hot it might be in hell.) However, let’s think heaven for a bit. For my money, heaven is mid-July on the south shore of the greatest of the Great Lakes, no matter the temperature.

Superior is not only its name but the lake's descriptor as well. 

An inlet somewhere in the Chequamegon Bay area.

Madeline Island, the largest of the Apostle Islands, is accessible by ferry. Always a cool ride.

The Madeline Island Museum is always a fun destination, just a hop, skip, and a jump from the dock. 

Superior sailing.

Saxon Harbor is to the east of Chequamegon Bay.

A Superior sunset to end the day.

July Car Shows

July is usually a big car show month for us. In fact, the week before we were in Iola for that show, we were in Allenton (“Allington” as the locals call it) for the Annual Lions’ Pancake Breakfast, Car Show, & Large Flea Market on July 3. It’s another great community event that I’ve attended for nearly a dozen years now.

These folks know what they’re doing. The breakfast line moves right along. Members of a local Boy Scout troop are there Johnny-on-the-spot to wipe up the sticky maple syrup that gathers on the plastic-covered tables. Seconds (and thirds) of pancakes are offered.

And I mustn’t forget to mention the polka band that provides entertainment throughout the morning.

One of my favorite parts of the event is the bucket raffle – tickets are $1 a piece or 6 for $5. The Lions put together some nifty prize packages. Of course, I’ve never won but that doesn’t stop me from buying $5 or $10 worth of tickets.

This year we had a purpose for browsing the flea market – to find décor for the vintage camping trailer. I scored a plastic pink flamingo! Maybe I finally got lucky.

Some of the cars I liked at the show included these.

Top down on a summer day - now that's what I call drivin'!

Seasonal Wisconsin

I've been organizing photos for the last couple of days. Here's a little inspiration to get out and see our beautiful state. It doesn't matter what time of the year it is.

This photo was taken in Sheldon, where I grew up, on New Year's Day. Thinking about snow just might help us get through the heat wave coming on Sunday!

The Ashippun River east of Watertown flooding over its banks in spring 2008.

Summer sunrise...over Lake Superior as seen from Memorial Park in Washburn.

Summer sunset...over the Horicon Marsh as seen from Ledge Park (atop the Niagara Escarpment) between Horicon and Mayville.

Fall colors near Spring Green.

Iola Old Car Show and More

The 39th annual Iola Old Car Show was this past weekend. I've been to at least 10 of the shows over the years I've been with Rick. After the first year I knew that it was best if we both went our separate ways and just met up every several hours. Rick could check out the swap meet (a.k.a. junk yard) and car corral (used car lot) and I could look at the "pretty" cars.

Here are a few of the pretty cars (and trucks) that were at the show:

I finally have the lingo down pat about his '64 Chevy Panel Truck that Rick showed and can talk like the boys about the dual carbs and the change from three on the tree to five on the floor.

Rick's '64 Chevy Panel Truck as part of the "folk art" section of the Car Show.

Check out Rick's truck and our vintage camping trailer together - a couple of cuties that turned quite a few heads in Central Wisconsin!

We're working on decorating the trailer with things that are vintage (like us). So far, a pink flamingo on the door's window seemed appropriate.

We camped at the Waupaca Camping Park - a very nice facility with pleasant owners and decent prices.