Empty Docks

Minocqua, WI

Empty docks mean the winter is on its way. The day after this photo was taken, the snows started. While the lake is no longer busy, the fall colors in Wisconsin’s Northwoods are stunning and this resort will be crowded for the next few weeks.

When staying in Minocqua, WI, I usually get up early in the morning to catch a sunrise or see the lake looking like a mirror. On this day the mist was  added to the atmosphere of the lake.

This is three photographs taken at different exposures on order to get a nice image of the docks regardless of the mist.

Misty Morning on the Lake

Minocqua, WI

Winter is moving in on Like Minocqua in Minocqua, Wisconsin. Cold air on the summer warmed lake creates this foggy scene were Highway 51 crosses into downtown.

This was taken from the Highway 51 Bridge where it crosses the lake. I got up early one morning to capture the sunrise at this same location but found the overcast. However, it could not have been more dramatic.

This is a three shot HDR photo that corrects the lighting and brings out the subjects and reflections.

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Fishing on Fishtrap Lake

Loon Waters

Boating on remote Fishtrap Lake outside of Boulder Junction. This is a favorite place for pleasure boating, skiing and fishing. Even these old Rock & Roller’s enjoy some quiet fishing the and escape from fans.

Downtown Boulder Junction Doe

Downtown Boulder Junction

Driving north from Minocqua, WI, we finally get to downtown Boulder Junction. This town is famous for its deer, particularly rare white deer. Here we have an average doe strolling down the sidewalk.

Boulder Junction is a scenic little town with some very nice art galleries and restaurants.

Little Star Lake

Minocqua, WI

This is the view from the Blue Bayou restaurant in Manitowish Waters, WI. The Blue Bayou offers Cajun Cooking in the Northwoods. It is on Little Star Lake down the road from Little Bohemia, the hideout of John Dillinger. Both the food and the view are something to experience.

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Northwoods Fall

Minocqua, WI

Fall in Wisconsin’s Northwoods is truly spectacular. I stopped at a roadside park to get this photo. This cove provided calm water provided, a nice reflection and stormy weather provided an interesting sky.

Lost Canoe Lake

Minocqua, WI

As you drive out of Star Lake towards Boulder Junction on Highway K, you drive by the endless number of lakes in the Northwoods. Since this his heavily forested area it is difficult to see the lakes but from time to time you will find small roadside parks. If you stop at one of these, you will find a trail leading to a scenic part of a lake. A favorite of mine is Lost Canoe Lake. This is a relatively small lake for the area but a short walk will not disappoint. You may even find a canoe there for you to take a ride.

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Fall Trip to Frederickson’s Bait Shop

Minocqua, WI

This is one of my favorite places to photograph in Wisconsin’s Northwoods. The little shack was a little bait shop where the Frederickson sisters sold minnows and other bait to fishermen. Now it is a commerative museum remembering them.  This is in the town of Star Lake just north of Sayner. Take Highway N north to Highway K and turn left. You will pass through the little village of Star Lake. To find this spot turn left on State House Road and take an immediate left on Frederickson Lane. Your there!

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Road to Star Lake

Minocqua, WI

Fall is setting in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. This is Highway N winding its way to Star Lake. The colors were so brilliant that I had to stop to get this photo. If you head Northwest you will pass Lost Canoe Lake and head up to Boulder Junction.

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Best place to view Bald Eagles

Bald Eagle

One of the best places in the United States to view Bald Eagles is Oneida and Vilas counties in Wisconsin and they continue to lead the way as the eagle numbers continue to grow.

Surveys done last year found a total of 1,695 bald eagle nests occupied by breeding adults, an increase of 105 nests from 2017. That’s a 6.6 percent increase and more than 16 times as many nests found in the first detailed surveys in 1974.

Bald eagles were listed then as state and federally endangered species and only 108 nests were documented.