Have a nice day...

It's difficult NOT to have a nice day when you include your bicycle. Photos taken on Ziggy's Piggy Farm just South of Sun Prairie WI.

Greetings from...

As I trekked across Texas the Murphy's Steakhouse appeared in Winchester like a mirage. On my map, Winchester was a small dot signifying a footprint of civilization that usually translated to a simply crossroads or junction. Murphy's Steakhouse might as well have been a mirage because it was closed on this Sunday as I fought my way across the windy landscapes of Texas. I was crestfallen. Nothing says energy like grilled protein in the form of a juicy steak. I had to settle for a few granola bars. At least I got this cool photo.

Yellowstone National Park 2011

In August I traveled the East side of Yellowstone National Park. These are some of the photos I took over a 3 hour span. The above photo, The Yellowstone River. Below, Tower Falls.

Tower Falls

It's not exactly Montana's Big Sky Country, but Wyoming's long valleys provide some beautiful views of Yellowstone.

I've traveled extensively out West countless times. My 2011 trip will be remembered by the beautiful wild flowers on the hillsides. No matter where I traveled...Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and then Oregon...The wildflowers were bountiful and colorful.

Another valley

Buffalo

Two geysers along The Yellowstone River

Good Things Come in Small Packages

These guys say, "Nobody messes with Black Betty!"

Governor Dodge State Park, Wisconsin

There are two lakes in the park: Cox Hollow Lake and Twin Valley Lake. Both lakes have a boat launch. Only electric motors are allowed on the lake.

Stephen's Falls is the one names falls in the park. The trail leading to the falls is a little over a quarter mile long. Liz and I visited the park nearly a decade ago at the end of summer. On that day no water was flowing down the falls.

Governor Dodge State Park has 5270 acres and is located in Iowa County.

The state park is named after Henrey Dodge, the first governor of the Wisconsin Territory.

The last 3 photos were taken while hiking The Pine Bluff Trail. For Wisconsin standards, the trail is a good climb to the bluff that over looks both lakes. Unfortunately there is so much tree growth that you can't view the lakes very well.

Rolling With Hollywood's Elites

While visiting Powell, WY. Black Betty had no problem hob-knobbing with the Hollywood elite...It's how she rolls!

Technically Not Venomous?!?

The meanest looking snake I've ever seen...The hognose snake.

While riding bicycle near Iola, WI. I spotted the meanest looking snake I've ever seen. It was a hot day and I was pedaling up a long incline. Near the crest of the incline I stood on my pedals to finish the hill off when I looked down and spotted the snake raise its head off the ground and do a striking motion toward the front wheel of BIG RED. Although startled, I safely pedaled about 25 feet past the snake and preceded to take a few photos of the reptile.

After doing some research I concluded that the meanest looking snake I've ever seen was a hognose snake that is a type of colubrid snake characterized by an upturned snout. Hognose snakes are rear-fanged and "technically not venomous". What does that mean?

Wild Horses...

Wild Horses...Couldn't drag me away from Black Betty