Gandy Dancer and Trade River - October 11, 2020

88 miles done ~ 2192 miles to go.  

Gandy Dancer & Trade River. (8.9 miles)

Only got in 2 miles yesterday for the 40 mile challenge and they were miles I had done before in St. Croix Falls, so I needed to make up some mileage today. The drive north was beautiful and worth the trip.

 

It was a lovely fall day with perfect hiking temperatures. A day for the senses. The colors were still vibrant - yellows in particular, with reds and rust leaves for contrast. Also many birds flitting around. And enjoyed watching the leaves slowly drift to the ground. But the wind was strong so during one section there was a flurry of leaves and I thought about the Monty Python cartoon where one leaf falls from a tree then the rest all fall at once to leave it bare.

Wonder Marty joined me for my hike and wanted to stop and check out the sugar bush. The bright yellow leaves contrasted with the blue tubing woven between the trees. Quite an operation.

The sounds were also many. The wind rushing through the trees, plenty of birds and unfortunately traffic from Hwy 35.

And feeling the wind blowing against my skin and the crunching leaves underfoot made the hike quite enjoyable. This part of the hike was 5.7 miles.

When I got back to my car after the short road connect, I was still feeling pretty good. I changed into my hiking boots, grabbed a snack and my hiking stick and set out on the Trade River Ski trail segment. I had thought maybe I'd only do half of it, but finished the 2.6 miles easy peasy. The trail marking in the ski area was a bit confusing so pay close attention.

But once in the woods the trail was easy to follow despite all the leaves being yellow. Wonder Marty wanted to stop and enjoy the view of the lake.

After the short wooded area the trail skirts some farm fields where I harvested some milkweed seeds to try to plant in my yard. Then I turned around at 140th and headed back. It was a quick return journey.

I really enjoyed my day on the trail.

Stats for the trip: Roundtrip miles to get to trail: 162

Costs: $7.87 for gas

Dells of the Eau Claire - October 3, 2020

79 miles done ~ 2201 miles to go.  

Dells of the Eau Claire. (4.5 miles)

Yesterday I was able to enjoy a lovely hike with two wonderful people: Rob and Kieran. The weather was great and the fall colors spectacular. It was our first day of the 40 mile challenge in October. 

The trail runs along the river from the County Park to County Road Z. It is relatively flat however one must beware of rocks and roots. Thus looking around requires a stop so you don't trip along the way. As you cross the river on a lovely bridge make sure to stop for a photo and to enjoy the view in both directions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The trail was fairly busy on this fall Saturday. Kieran enjoyed asking if we were there yet and breaking sticks on trees. And we even stopped for a sword fight. My dad's walking stick would have won that battle if other hikers didn't interrupt us.

Rob stopped often on the way out to take photos for his hiking blog and books. I stopped often as well because I love water and the river was rushing and babbling and quite picturesque.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was a great segment to start our 40 mile challenge for the month of October. I have a feeling I may have to continue the rest of the journey on my own.

Happy Trails!

Wayward Beaver Section

47 miles done ~ 2233 miles to go. 

Wayward Beaver Trail. (3.5 miles)

I was helping register hikers for the Chippewa Moraine Chapters Parade of Fall Colors hike in the morning at the Ice Age Center. (10/6/18) It was a bit chilly and cloudy, but 35 folks went out on the trail.

When registration was done, my friend returned from her 5 mile walk and we headed west to the end of the trail and back.

Fall colors were beginning. We commented on how the lime greens in fall were quite different from the lime green of the new leaves in spring. As are the reds and oranges.

We sat near a lake to eat our lunches and admire the reflections. However, the chill sets in quickly.

I related a poem I heard the week before by Japanese Buddhist monk/poet Ryokan.

Maple leaf

Falling down

Showing front

Showing back

So simple, yet it depicts fall and that one moment quite beautifully.

There were beautiful red mushrooms all along the trail. Along with many others, hidden in holes and hanging on tree bark.

It was a lovely walk and as we left for home the sun finally peeked out from behind the clouds.