Fox Hounds

Bridlespur Hunt

Last weekend I was able to join a group of fox hunters in Pike County, Missouri. The hunters are dressed in full regalia and ride well groomed horses. The riders with their hounds are really something to see. Here we have a rider with 12 couples or 24 hounds. Twenty riders and the hounds will go through woods, fields and stream looking trying to pick up the scent of a fox.

Lots of excitement this day for the hounds horses and riders. Also, the fox were off doing something else, none to be found.

Boathouse

The Beacons

Early morning on Lake Minocqua. The fog has settled in and boats have not ventured out onto the lake. It is cold this morning but soon the fishermen will be out on the lake heading to their favorite spot.

This misty morning is very calm allowing for wonderful reflections on the lake.

Foggy Morning

Minocqua, WI

Fall weather sets in on Lake Minocqua. This northern community usually sees it first snow in October and lazy summer days are at an end. In a short time, snowmobiles will be racing on the lake and traversing groomed trails through the woods.

On this day I got up early to photograph a sunrise and found this beautiful scene on the lake.

Click on the photo to see a larger version and more options.

The Hare and Hounds

TCB Kennel Hunt

You know it is fall when you experience opening day of Basseting. During the fall season through winter, about a dozen Basset Hounds are tested to see if they can find and follow the scent of a rabbit. Once the scent is found the Hounds go on full alert and try to find their elusive prey. Unfortunately the hounds are on the hare’s territory so eluding the Bassets is not a problem but everyone enjoys the chase!

Kawaguesaga Boathouse

Minocqua, WI

The Minocqua – Kawaguesaga Lakes are dotted with these scenic boathouses. You can take a short walk to see this one. From downtown Minocqua follow the bearskin Trail across the the first two trestles. After the second trestle, continue another one hundred feet and look to your right. Continue walking to enjoy the scenic marshes and their resident beavers, chipmunks and eagles.

Fall on 51

https://greatrivers.smugmug.com/Galleries/Northwoods/i-jFMSV9C/A

Highway 51 intermittently runs though the central United States from New Orleans to Lake Superior. An old highway that has been mostly replaced by the interstate highway system. That is, until it becomes the main thoroughfare after it passes through Wausau, Wisconsin. Then it passes through the cranberry bogs and then through northern Wisconsin forests. The forests become intermittent lakes and rivers creating the scenery of the great Northwoods. In fall you are treated to scenes like this between Minocqua and Manitowish Waters.

Fall at The Beacons

The Beacons

Across Lake Minocqua from the Thirsty Whale lies the Beacons, a resort and timeshare property that was once the summer home of Fred. B. Snite, Jr. The Beacons’ distinctive lighthouse-style boathouse was built in 1908.

This is one of many classic boathouses in the area. Many can be seen from the Highway 51 bridge or a walk along the bearskin trail will give a nice view. However, a boat is by far the best way to experience this scenic lake.

You can click on the photo above to get into my gallery with photos of many of the boathouses in the area or click here: https://greatrivers.smugmug.com/Galleries/Boathouses/ to go directly into gallery.

Lost Canoe Lake

Minocqua, WI

Driving on the back roads of Northern Wisconsin I found a place to pull over. Following a trail to the water there was this small beach with these canoes.

This is an interesting area to explore with hidden areas like this, scenic structures and wonderful small towns.

Road to Star Lake

Minocqua, WI

Fall is setting in on the Northwoods, the road to Star Lake in the the Sayner-Star Lake area shows bright colors. This road stretched from Sayner to Boulder Junction and winds through scenic lakes and woods. Boulder Junction is full of art galleries and is famous for its white deer.

This is a great area to see fall colors, scenic roads secluded lakes.