A Bloy and his Blog

If I had to pick a favorite scenic spot in Wisconsin, it would be this one. The Black Lagoon on the Star Lake Nature Trail.

I’ve mentioned that trail before — it’s my favorite hiking trail in the state. While hiking there, you’ll walk through a thick boreal forest, a bog, a plantation of century-old pine trees, and along the lake shore. You’ll see (and hear) loons and other birds, and if you’re lucky you might get a glimpse of a bald eagle. Beautiful views can be seen all along the trail, but there is none better than the Black Lagoon.

The Star Lake Nature trail is located off of Hwy K, about a mile west of the intersection with Hwy N in Vilas County. Map

I just returned from camping at Wisconsin’s Northern Highland State Forest.

read the rest of: Camping “up north”

While I was camping last week, I took a day trip across the Mississippi River to Great River Bluffs State Park in Minnesota.

The above view of Queen’s Buff is your reward after about a mile hike through the woods. My jaw just dropped as I emerged from the forest and saw the spectacular scene.

read the rest of: Great River Bluffs

It was a great day for a hike yesterday, so I did a little exploring and headed to New Glarus Woods State Park.

read the rest of: November hike

Despite the threat of rain, I decided to do some exploring today and visit a park I’ve never been to before, Yellowstone Lake State Park.

read the rest of: Yellowstone Lake State Park

Today (where I live) the sun was shining and the temperature was in the low 60’s. I was lucky enough to have the day off and I got to thinking… this could be the last gasp of Indian Summer. I did have chores to do around the house, but they could wait. I decided to take a drive out to Governor Dodge State Park, which is about 40 miles west of my house.

read the rest of: Indian Summer or The road to Winter

It was such a beautiful day today, I decided to head out with my camera and find some signs of Autumn.

read the rest of: Looking for Autumn