The skies of November turn gloomy

[stromgal]

The forecast called for sunny and 50s on Sunday, so I planned to ride until time for the Green Bay game. The day dawned with overcast skies instead, but it was *relatively* warm albeit windy, so I headed out on Hi-Ho Silver with heated jacket liner plugged in.

Rode east to the Big Pond, then south and west for a while, eventually stopping for breakfast in East Troy (The Grist Mill on ES just west of Hwy 20, highly recommended.)  From there I went to the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, in search of the nearest twisties.  Amazingly for a weekend day, I saw no LEOs and few cars or bikes, only the parked cars of hunters. Fun ensued! Strafed all the winding roads 4x each (my 'strafed' = .5 Breadman speed) and then, with hands getting cold, stopped at the La Grange General Store for coffee.  Saw an interesting bottle of Porto, which somehow found its way into the tail case.  


On the southern side of Hwy 20 there is more of the Kettle Moraine, and I wandered aimlessly, stopping whenever something caught my eye. Found some lonely little roads:


In hidden places, autumn was still intact:


This tree was very old and large; I wish I would have used the delayed shutter to stand next to it for scale. My outstretched arms could not reach the sides:


There are many kettle lakes in the area; this one contained Thanksgiving dinner for 100s:


November skies and another sheltered spot of color:


Enjoyed watching this willow dance in the strong breeze:


Continuing to wander whatever roads came along, I found myself with a strange sense of deja vu.... then realized I was passing the cottage where I spent my 2-night honeymoon a century ago. I was pleased to find the current owner is a Saints/NOLA fan.  


Had to use the radar in order to maintain 57 mph and get home in time for the start of the game.... Packers are now 8 and 0, and the Porto turned out to be complex and heady.     A wonderful day!  

To paraphrase Pablo Picasso: (Motorcycling) washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.

[Mr.Black]

My dear girl,
Are you using a strange setting on your camera or was the color just that amazing?

Phenomenal!

I am going for a ride today and will see nothing but grey and blah.



*Irrelevant interjection*

To quote the band THE MODERN LOVERS
"Pablo Picasso was never called an asshole".

[naustin]

Wish I had gotten out this weekend !

Your honeymoon was a century ago?  I hope I'm in as good a shape as you when I'm ~120 years old!!!

[Gary B.]

Was that you turning into the Grist Mill at about 11AM? I was riding home from church with the missus and followed (I think) 2 Wee-Stroms pulling in there. It was a decent day for a ride (great pics BTW), but we had too many other things to do...

[bomber]

well done, ma'am . . ..  

just exactly the area I plan on seeing this Friday (Veteran's Day off -- who knew?)

[Jetpilot5]

Your pictures this fall have been nothing short of outstanding.  Nice job!

I've been trying to get some decent pictures of the FJR on the road but down here it went from green corn to brown corn to dirt.  Not exactly picture worthy.

[CLAY]

GREAT shots.  Looks like an awesome day for riding.  

[County Tar]

Nice pics.    

I had my Strom out on Saturday, mostly along the Minnesota River due to the wind up top.  Still got pushed around quite a bit.  Gusty days are the only time I envy the folks on the heavies  (cruisers, etc.).  And even then not too much.  

Made it home in time to watch This Old House.  

[06_wi_vfr]

Well done.  Your reports have inspired me to pack a camera and take time for those great shots.  

[bucktownbilly]

Plan on doing the same thing this weekend if forecast holds.  Hope the colors are still there.  Leaving Chi-town for SW WI Saturday, come home Sunday.  Drop a line if interested or what to meet up somewhere.  Baumgartners anyone?  

Did I just call my first meet up

[jadziadax8]

My dear girl,
Are you using a strange setting on your camera or was the color just that amazing?

Phenomenal!

Something about the weather this year in this locale has made it the most amazing year for fall colors that I ever remember.

[cougar8000]

those pics are simply amazing. I was in that area couple of weeks back and it didn't look as good as in your pics.

[2xcelr8]

So you were exploring my neighborhood. If I am not mistaken, it looks like you found Esterly Road.   Fairly short but worth it. I connect across P to Hi-Lo as part of one of my favorite routes around the forest.

[Grnarrowe]

well done, ma'am . . ..  

just exactly the area I plan on seeing this Friday (Veteran's Day off -- who knew?)

Odd, I'm no veteran but I do have the day off.  

If you need a tail gunner let me know. If the weather is decent I may go-a-ridin.

[stromgal]

Thanks for the kind compliments.    
Gary, I had arranged to meet a friend (the Wee Strom, mine's a V) at the gas station and go to the Grist Mill for brekkie, so yes, I'd guess that's me you saw.

Herr Black, I use the 'program' setting on my camera, so I can tailor it to the scene I'm attempting to capture. There's not much color left, but I was deliberately searching it out.

Yep, Easterly road was one of the beauties.

Looks like we might get near 50 degrees again on Friday, lucky us! Think I'll head west in search of some more hidden treasures.

[bomber]

Pete/Beej

I've no plans at all, figuring the Kettle and, perhaps, Holy Hill would be within reasonable range on a weekday -- either or both of you would be welcome company . . . .

Pete -- we're all veterans of something . . . .

[buls4evr]

 The gloomy skies turned snowy today. I think I hear New Mexico calling again. It was 67 in Deming today.

[Grnarrowe]

BJ your pictures inspired me to ride and shoot today.

Left about 10AM and thought about turning around as it was a brisk 37 when I got into Richmond. I figured as long as I'm this far north may as well keep going.


So, I did.


County H.
I was feeling a bit rebellious, so THERE!

I continued up CR-H to ZZ. Followed ZZ to some side road and turned North.
Which lead me to CR-C then to CR-D over to WI-67 Where I turned south to head home.

About this time the sun made an appearance and warmed things up to about 42. But with the sun out it all seemed better.

At this point I'm feeling a might peckish. So I stop in Elkhorn at the Well Bean.
After a Fall Latte and a Roast Beast & Guacamole Panini samich I was able to continue.


I then meandered about till I saw this.




Leaves on one half the tree are gone the rest are hanging on.
This was on County-H near Lake Geneva.

I then went through LG. Nothing like riding through a tourist trap in the fall on a weekday.







Then it was time to head on home.


County B outside of Lake Geneva


I wonder how many times I've ridden past this sign and never stopped, until today.


The last of the crops being harvested. Tryon Grove Road
Then it was a short hop home.

Not too bad for a 6 hour day.

THANKS for the inspiration BJ

[mxvet57]

Dam Pete, I was going to do the same thing today but dealing with the HELOC on the house i didn't get out of the house till 1:00. So i just stayed local.

[stromgal]

Pete-- way to go dude! Confess the overcast and cold kept me home doing chores today. Tomorrow will be my riding day, and no doubt I'll pay for it with increased traffic/LEO presence... but a small price to pay for relative comfort riding in November.

Thanks for taking us along on your friday jaunt!