Tuesday, June 14, 2016

The Chippewa River State Trail


It was a beautiful day to bike the Chippewa River State Trail in Wisconsin. Willowy wildflowers, unfolding ferns and bountiful dandelions hugged the cliffs along the trail. And the Chippewa river teased us as it meandered in and out of view. We've been biking on The Red Cedar Trail for years. It turns out, that the Chippewa Trail is just as scenic and inviting. Who knew? Both of these trails merge together at a soaring railroad bridge. The bridge is a favorite picnic spot for us. These days, only bikes cruise by on the paved tracks.





This time, instead of the aforementioned bridge, we picnicked here. On an out cropping over the river and the former site of a now defunct town. An old gentleman with a camera wandered by as we ate. He was a real story teller. First, he told us about the old ghost  town and eventually, he got around to actual ghost stories. Turns out, we were just a few secluded miles away from one of the most haunted place in Wisconsin. Caryville. The town has numerous ghost stories floating around. But the most intriguing one to us, was the story of mysterious happenings at the Sand Hill Cemetery. Do you know what we did after finishing up our ride? We went to the cemetery. Gulp. I'm waiting until next October for more details on what happened next... 

Google Caryville ghost stories if you dare.



But back on the beautiful trail...



We saw Ethereal puffs rising from the ground.


Barn Swallow

It turns out, we really were being watched. The birds and bees were roaming the skies with abandon. In fact, I don't think I've ever heard so much bird chatter as along this particular trail. 



This is where the wild things are.








Blue birds were busy delivering creepy crawly worms.



Creeks zig zagged along the trail.



And powerful forces loomed above. 

And since we're on the subject of being high...

Got nip? Hana does. Over at The Chorus of the Crows


The Links:

24 comments:

eileeninmd said...

Pretty shots of the trail and birds. The bluebirds have always been a favorite of mine. Wonderful photos.
Enjoy your day!

Marleen said...

What a lovely day! Great series.

DJan said...

Fabulous ghost stories galore! I would have hightailed it over to the cemetery, too. Love all the great pictures, Sharon. :-)

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

I would love the walk along the trail and the birds you saw were great

Unknown said...

What a beautiful location and I love the photo of the swallow - stunning. #MyFavouriteTrip

DUTA said...

Your post made me want to do the same - a bike ride along a river with plenty of dandelions (favorite plants) around.
Cemeteries and ghost stories go well together. You just haven't told us what happened at the cemetery; you left us in suspense.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

What a beautiful spot for a walk or a run.

Jeanna said...

Good to know, Sharon. I;m a big fan of the Sugar River Trail, but always looking for new places.

Lois said...

What a wonderful adventure. The bluebirds are adorable and seem to almost be posing for your camera!

Anonymous said...

Enjoyed the ride along this lovely Wisconsin trail - so much to see. I'd have to stop to take pictures every few minutes!

Latane Barton said...

Hi Sharon, I enjoyed my walk along the trail with you this morning.

tiptoethruphylsgarden.blogspot.com said...

Such beautiful shots! What a peaceful place to go,my fav is of the bluebirds,it is great how you got both mom & dad,thanks for sharing your walk with us,phyllis

Natasha said...

Beautiful shots here, this trail looks lovely! Love the shot of the barn swallow too. - Tasha

Adam Jones said...

Looks like a wonderful place. Great looking Barn Swallow.

eileeninmd said...

Hello Sharon, I just wanted to stop back and say thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend!

Anni said...

Wow....the trail...beautiful during the summer months...I bet it can be a little spooky during the Fall when daylight is so different early in the evening.

Fantastic array of images.

And, thanks again, so much, for adding your post link at I'd Rather B Birdin'.

Linda Hensley said...

Beautiful! Just goes to show we have pretty places to visit when you aren't on vacation too :)

Anonymous said...

out and about exploring your area... i love it. You know I am all about finding new things to explore right where you live. well done.

Lisa @ Life Thru the Lens

Anonymous said...

My goodness, you're going from one great trip into another! This trail in Wisconsin is beautiful , and the shot you shared with SEASONS is gorgeous! Envious about your trip to Sedona - a paradise for painters! Just take lots of photos (when you're you going?) Have a happy week and look forward to your next week's contribution!

NCSue said...

Lovely shots!
Thank you for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2016/06/drip-drip-drip.html

ifthethunderdontgetya™³²®© said...

Great story, Sharon.

Love those bluebirds! I've been hoping to get a shot of one here in Ashburn, the last place I saw one. No luck yet though...
~

FANCY the Red Standard Poodle said...

Hi Y'all!

What a beautiful place to visit.

Y'all come on by,
Hawk aka BrownDog

Unknown said...

Beautiful! The view of the river is gorgeous and I love the birds and the flowers.

A Colorful World said...

This trail is just beautiful! You know how much I love history, too...we have ancestors who ran a stage coach stop in N Alabama, the Copeland Inn. We have visited the building a couple of times. It is now in ruins, and it always made me so sad that some Historical Society wouldn't restore it! I love cemeteries too...post that some time as well.