October 4th, 2022
With Fall weather changing quickly and sunny, warm motorcycle riding days winding down, I try to get out on rides whenever I can. The weather forecast for today was supposed to be cloudy and warm. Luckily, the clouds didn’t really roll in until mid afternoon, so I was able to enjoy some spectacular color in and around some of my favorite riding spots in Wisconsin. I explored areas near Ellsworth, Durand, Mondovi, Urne, Nelson, Arkansaw, and many others. I hope you enjoy the photos!
Hillside School on Hwy 10 just West of Ellsworth. I shared a photo of this in a photo blog many years ago, back when the name plate was still attached to the siding. Today, it’s slowly weathering away.
Near Plum City on Highway 10.
An interesting “road” but I was definitely on the wrong bike for this one.
Some rolling hills South of Durand that were less-than-peak.
Near Maxville WI between Durand and Nelson.
The sun was shining brightly on the trees in this curve, bringing spectacular brilliance to the colors.
Near Nelson WI. This is the first time I’ve ever actually taken notice of this type of grass. I found it in a couple different areas during my ride, growing on the roadside.
An abandoned farm near Nelson.
Near Modena
Down in this valley located near Nelson WI is the Chapel of Guardian Angels. I visited here once before, a few years ago, and the owner came by and gave me a tour. It is essentially a privately owned chapel used for weddings, or at least it used to be. I don’t know if it’s being used anymore. The building with the green roof to the left is the reception hall. The inside of the chapel is lined with hundreds of ceramic figurines of guardian angels. It’s pretty cool!
Shortly after taking this picture in front of the Chapel of Guardian Angels, I noticed a dust cloud rapidly approaching me down the dirt driveway about 400 yards away. It turned out to be a chocolate lab running towards me at 100 miles an hour, ears flapping in the wind and tongue streaming out of his mouth. Initially, I thought, Oh oh, I’m gonna get chewed on! But as he got closer, I could see he had only one thing on his mind: tackle the guy in the leather jacket and get petted! He was successful! I could see his owner way off in the distance trying to call him back, but the pooch was too busy jumping on me and rolling onto his back for a belly rub to pay any attention to the owner. Finally, he must have figured he was about to get in trouble, so he ran off back home.
Cascade Cemetery Chapel in the Cascade Valley near Misha Mokwa, north of Nelson. There’s a small cemetery on the other side of the road with graves dating back to the 1800’s.
A very simple sandstone grave marker, probably for a child.
I stopped at Arkansaw Creek Park in Arkansaw WI to eat my bag lunch.
Mark your calendars!
A sturdy lilac-looking bush still blooming in the park.
On Hwy 10 near Plum City WI
On Co. A north of Maiden Rock WI.
On Rush River Rd near Maiden Rock WI. Hazy clouds had moved in.
Thanks for looking!
