We did a little shopping at the Gitche Gumee Landing Giftshop and the Nonesuch Gallery (aka Brad’s Guitars) and then we packed up and started heading south on US 45. We could have followed this highway from Ontonagon all the way to Mobile, Alabama, but our goals were much more modest; we were only heading to Three Lakes, Wisconsin, for the night and then back to Madison.
(Click on any photo to enlarge, then use arrows to scroll through the images.)
We had just passed through Rockland (pop. 185), about twelve miles south of Ontonagon, when Highway 45 made a sharp turn to the left. I had to quickly pull off the road … and photograph the scene! I couldn’t believe that the Michigan Department of Transportation would place a stunning stand of brilliantly colored trees on such a dangerous curve. From the tread marks in the gravel it was clear that other drivers had also been forced to swerve off the road. If you’re ever there, please drive carefully and keep your eyes on the road.
We hadn’t planned to make any stops as we headed south since, of course, we had just driven north on this road three days before. However, as we reached the town of Watersmeet (pop. 1337) we pulled over to get a better look at a sign. It said “Home of the Nimrods.” Was that the name of their high school team? If so, it seems to be at least self-deprecating if not a bit demeaning.
After being briefly distracted by an interesting cloud, we continued on our drive. When we drove through the town we passed the school, which was indeed “Home of the Nimrods.” That term can’t mean what I think.
With the Nimrod quandary rattling around in my brain, I needed a dictionary to resolve the issue. So, I turned to Merriam-Webster and discovered that Nimrod is (1) a mighty hunter or (2) slang for an idiot or jerk. I suspect the Watersmeet Nimrods are mighty hunters and not, what I first thought, idiots or jerks.
Back in America’s Dairyland we made only one stop before reaching Three Lakes, and that was at the Northwoods Assembly of God Church in Eagle River. Next to the church parking lot was an old barn which had been adorned with three large crosses. Having been raised on a farm, I always seem to be attracted to old barns. I’ve never seen one with crosses on the side. Maybe this should be called The Saint Isidore Church of the Penitent Farmer.
When we rolled into Three Lakes we were welcomed by some of my in-laws and treated to a wonderful outdoor meal of grilled cranberry brats, cherry pie and beer. Hmmm … I think cranberry brats and beer and, later, cherry pie would be a more appetizing way to describe our evening repast. The weather was again warm and sunny — perfect for a cookout!
After three days of photographing fall colors in the UP, I hadn’t planned to finish this short vacation with more, but, in just that short of a time the colors in this part of Wisconsin seemed to have peaked as well. So, when a boat ride was offered, I grabbed my camera, sat in the bow, and tried to capture the colorful world going by.
The conifers were trying desperately to retain their dominance, but this time of year they take second place to the annual transformation of the deciduous trees.
I apologize for falling all over myself about autumn colors, but we were quite lucky to have caught the trees at their peak.
When we returned to Madison we were surprised to see that most of the trees were still garbed for summer. Maybe the arrival of fall temperatures will trigger the arrival of fall colors.