The last from up north

Some worked, some didn't, but it was good to take pictures.  I am still looking for the ultimate birch tree photo--they are more indicative of what it looks like up there than high art.  It was the 4th, so I needed some patriotic photos.  These are from Madeline Island and their eclectic parade.

Most of the rest are pretty easy to figure out.  There are a few sunsets, sailboats, and a self-portrait.  I think I look pretty good, though the jeans I was wearing make my butt look fat, don't they?

More "Up North" stuff

I am still up in God's country--which god is open at this point.  I'm waiting for a fish boil, which is actually better than it sounds.  I worked and wandered about my land today, clearing a small glade and collecting ticks for my tick resettlement program.

People have asked what the "land" looks like.  While these photos capture only a small slice, they are indicative of what it is like.  Scrub trees, with some older birch trees and a few spruce.  A lot of trees.  A bit of grass.  Bear poop.  Really.

It was fun to play woodsman today, probably because it is still beautiful weather.  An astounding string of nice days by all accounts.

These are all from my little point and shoot--I brought a grown up camera, too--those pictures will have to wait.  I hope to visit my woods one more time tomorrow morning, hang out at the Red Cliff pow-wow after that, and then head back tomorrow.

Bayfield

I am, as they say in most places in the South, "Up North."  Right now, I am in Bayfield, but I have been most places up north these last few days.  Yep, me and the wood ticks.  And about a zillion flat landers, and a few locals.

Truly the ticks are fierce and numerous.  I wandered about Birch Tree Farms, my little piece of paradise, and before I left I basically undressed and de-ticked.  (hey, it's not like anyone drives on that road anyways...)  I stopped counting at 30 ticks, and that was with Eau de DEET still wafting from my clothes/self.  I went to a small diner in Port Wing and I was a bit disconcerted to watch the table full of road construction people just sit there and basically pick ticks off themselves and each other.  Looked like a family of chimps grooming each other.  I only found three on me while I was eating, or trying to. It does bring up interesting etiquette  questions...what does one do when one sees a tick on the table?

I have more photos and I will share soon.  I am staying a bit longer in "town" to see the fire works.  Should be a blast!