The Red Cedar Trail

I think I can honestly say that I have returned to my college town more than anyone else in history.  Except for those who might actually live in their college town.   At the top of this photo you can see the U.W. Stout bell tower in Menomonie peeking over the tree line.  But it is the Red Cedar River and all of the other natural resources that keep bringing me back.  Thank goodness it is not the bars! 

 But happy memories of the drinking establishments the Log Jam and the Buck remain.  Sigh.  And they are still up and running after all of these years.  Not telling how many! The Spot where my Rugby playing college boyfriend liked to hang is now called Ba Da Bings.  My now husband and I laugh at that name change every time we drive by.  The Flame where I danced to Meatloaf and drank Mind Express is a new and smoldering Sport's Bar.  And the dance club Off Broadway where Vanilla Ice would blast from the rafters is now called The Pickle.  But most importantly Ted's Pizza is still cranking them out.

Now we enjoy life's simple pleasures.  Like a nice hike on the Red Cedar Trail.  Instead of sleeping till noon and awaking with an all day hangover, we rise out of bed by 7:00am.  The morning Sun warms our backs as we walk quietly.  We spot frogs sitting silently. We hear birds singing a million songs.  And after all that one sense remains.  The scent of humidity and wild flowers fills the air.  

Dean's feet.  

My feet.  

The Red Cedar Trail is like a lot of River trails that are actually an old Rail line.  Flat, scenic and great for biking. You'll regularly see eagles in the trees.  But not today.  And there is an area of Limestone rock formations where water drips down all Summer long.  But the best thing is that we've left one stone unturned.  We haven't canoed along this river yet.  Thankgoodness.  Another weekend getaway is in order.

P.S.  For more great blogs and beautiful photos visit the blog hop Sunday Best!