Thursday, July 9, 2009

Madeline Island Ghost Ride

Back from camping and biking Madeline Island, the biggest island of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Lake Superior. Couldn't get anyone to go on the morning ride with me, so I ghost rode it. Here's a photo essay of the ride. All in all I got 64 miles in over the long holiday weekend. My butt is kinda sore. I'll try to caption some of the photos, but check out these links to get a real feel for the place.













Island Sunrise










Yikes! How'd he get in the picture














The fun starts here














Gotta love a place with bike lanes














Tom's Burned Down Cafe - Good place for a beer, but I wouldn't get it in a glass










Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Happy Canada Day

Happy CanadaDay to all our friends north of the border! If it's Canada Day, that means it's the first of June, which means time for monthly picks.

Trail Dog’s Book Club – July ‘09

"Distant Fires" - by Scott Anderson

Got his book off of Northwoodsguy's Shelfari list. (Thanks NWG). Great story about two friends that leave their homes in Duluth and paddle till Hudson Bay. Filled with humor & commeraderie, even though I'm not a "hardcore" canoeist, I really enjoyed the misadventures of these guys. Scott's writing style and story telling capabilities really grow on you, and was excited to find another book that he may have written. Upon researching his work,I was saddened to find that he had passed away at 33 (same age as me) while test flying a concept aircraft. Shame to lose a talented young author like this. Give this book a read.

Tunes from the Trail - July '09

"New and Approved" - Monte Montgomery

Got to listen to this one folks! Monte is one of the most talented guitarists I've ever heard. Recorded in 2003 at the Cactus Cafe in Austin, TX, this is a very well done album. Monte kind of infuses folk, blues, country and rock together, for a completely unique sound. Monte is scheduled to play 20 miles from my house in September, and you can bet I'll be there. Here's a cover of Daryl Hall's "Sara Smile". Phenomonal. Check Monte out!




I'll be out for a bit camping with the fam and biking Madeline Island. Be back later next week. Everyone have a safe and blessed 4th of July!

Kippis,

Craigers