2011: Misc

My favorite photos from 2011 that didn't fit into a post category.

Santa's Bicycle

Many people think Santa uses a sleigh and 8 tiny reindeer to traverse the globe to delivery joy and Christmas spirit to the world. I know better...He uses a bicycle! Merry Christmas!

Copper Falls State Park, Wisconsin

Copper Falls State Park is located 2 miles Northwest of Mellen, WI on State Highway 169. The above photo was taken on a walking bridge that crosses the Bad River.

Water falls 29 feet at Copper Falls


The second falls is Brownstone Falls



The State Park consists of 3068 acres most of which is covered by ferns

I was disappointed with the park in that there were no trails that lead to the bottom of the falls. At one time it looked like there were several. I assume this was for safety reasons at the climbs would have been very steep.

Copper Falls State Park was created in 1929

LOU SHATTUCK 1892-1978

Born to parents who arrived in the valley by covered wagon Lou Shattuck grew up in Toppenish. He loved horses and at age 15 was driving a stage coach. Famous for his six horse hitch, he won many gold medals, blue ribbons, and cash prizes. Lou helped organized the Toppenish Pow Wow and Junior Livestock Show. His brand, the "horseshoe" is still famous in the Northwest. This mural was painted by Don Grey from Flagstaff, AZ. This is the second for the Toppenish Mural Society, October 1994.

CRATERS OF THE MOON NATIONAL MONUMENT

"The surface of the moon as seen through a telescope...the dark craters and the cold lava were nearly destitute of vegetation" ~ Harold T. Stearns
President Calvin Coolidge established Craters of the Moon National Monument in 1924 calling it "a weird and scenic landscape, peculiar to itself."



Climbing Inferno Cone



Half-way up Inferno Cone

On top of Inferno Cone. You can see forever.

This portion of the park reminded me of a fresh forest burn area. However, the black landscape is simply dark lava rock. On the actual moon, its craters were created by meteorites. In this national monument the craters were formed by flowing and erupting lava nearly 2000 years ago.

The trail above was my favorite in the park. It didn't have a name but it covered lots of area across the frozen lava field. The trail also lead to the parks caves.

The caves are vacant lava tubes. It was a nice surprise that the park allowed its patrons to explore the caves by themselves. As long you had a strong flashlight and good shoes...You could venture as deep into the caves as you wished. If you decide to visit Craters of the Moon and want to explore the caves make sure to have your legs covered because the lava rock is sharp and very big. At times I was on my hands and knees attempting to fit through the slightest of cracks in the lava tubes. I had a great time!

Craters of the Moon National Monument is located 18 miles southwest of Arco, ID

Tackle Adventure

Black Betty...Always ready to tackle adventure

Dells of the Eau Claire, Marathon County Park, Wisconsin

Dells of the Eau Claire State Park is located in Marathon County, Wisconsin. The park can be accessed just southwest of Hogarty using Hwys 52 and Y. The main attraction to the park are the dells or "potholes" created by the grinding water and sand of the Eau Claire River. The dells are made of rhyolite schist, one of the hardest rocks found in the Midwest. During my visit there were countless swimmers jumping into the potholes and then sliding down to the next pool of cold water. They were having a blast.



The park was designated in 1973

There is a nice path along the river where hemlock, sugar maple, yellow birch, and mountain maple trees shade from the summer heat.

Further downstream the river becomes more tranquil

Rodeo

This rodeo mural was on a side of a chiropractic clinic in Toppenish, WA.

Washington Pass

In July 2006 I pedaled my bicycle up and down Washington Pass. At that time I thought it was the most beautiful pass I've ever crossed. I vowed to return. In August of this year I did just that, although my means of transportation was of the 4 wheel varity. Although my transporatation method was different I stand by my opening statement. Washington Pass is the most beautiful pass I've expereinced.

Washington Pass rises 5477 feet above sea-level. By vehicle it's accessed by Hwy 20, also known as North Cascades Highway. Typically, the pass is closed November-April due to heavy snowfall.

The West side of the pass is dominated by Diablo Lake.