"Driftless Sanctuary" by John Pahlas

It was another fun hour-long photo shoot with John Pahlas. We took his metal hawk, that's part of his "Driftless Sanctuary" piece to nearby Cave of the Mounds. We quickly hoisted into a tree just at the ever gray skies began to actually open up. It's not often we've seen blue skies these past few weeks. I am really enjoying this collaborative effort. I wonder where else we'll find this hawk over the next few months?

#centergroundstudios​ ​#driftlessregion​ ​#driftless #wisconsin #wisconsinar​​t​ #wisconsinlife #discoverwisconsin​ ​#fineart #sculpture​ ​#finaeartphotography #contemporaryart​ ​#art #modernart #ig_mood #featuredpalette #artlovers #artlover #installationart #steelsculpture #caveofthemounds #nationalnaturallandmark #usdepartmentoftheinterior #nationalparkservice #usinterior #NationalPark #travelwi #travelwisconsin #hawk #redtailedhawk #buteojamaicensis

Ice Macro

I was getting ready to jump into the shower when I noticed the ice covering the outside storm window. That's when I recalled my MP-E 65mm macro-lens. I've very rarely used it. In fact, I actually bought it for my wife to use as she'd once enjoyed taking macro shots. Anyway, I had a little fun trying to capture some crystals.

#mpe65mm #macro #macrophotography #canonphotography #macrophoto #macro_freaks #canon_official #mta_macro #canonusa #ice #frost #natureart #canonfotografia #midwestisbest #midwestliving #wi #travelwi #discoverwisconsin #wisconsin #wisco #onwisconsin #madisonwi #madisonwisconsin #wisconsinphotographer #travelwisconsin #driftlessarea

Odocoileus virginianus

White-tailed Deer

#forest #naturalwisconsin #wildernessculture #throughthepines #hikiginadventures #walkingtrail #bestshotz_tree #tree_magic #outdoorlife #getoutside #liveoutdoors #getoutstayout #getoutthere #naturelover #lifeoutdoors #optoutside #loveoutdoors #outdoorsy #outdoors #nature_perfection #midwestisbest #travelwisconsin #explorewisconsin #theoutbound #ventureout #in2nature #thegreatoutdoors #naturewalk #getoutdoors

Shea Prairie Preserve

I had a free hour today so I jumped in the Jeep and meandered to the SW of our home. As I wound around through the little valleys I happened upon a large flock of turkeys. There had to have been at least 40 all together. I rolled down my window and was able to snap a couple of shots, though not perfectly sharp I liked this photo. It was at this time I also discovered I was at another isolated pocket of prairie land. This time it was Shea Prairie I'm adding to my list of places to explore in more detail.

The 62 acre Shea Prairie Preserve is located within the dissected, un-glaciated landscape of southwest WI. It lies within what was once a large prairie that extended north to the Military Ridge, covering many thousands of acres. The prerserve is within the 50,000-acre Military Ridge Prairie Heritage Area (MRPHA). The MRPHA has been identified as one of the best opportunities in Wisconsin for prairie/grassland conservation on a landscape scale. In addition to grassland bird use of the area, there are three state-listed plant species at the site: prairie turnip, Richardson’s sedge, and Hill's thistle.

#wisconsin #wisconsinlife #midwest #travelwi #travelwisconsin #midwestliving #midwestmoment #themidwestival #discoverwisconsin #madisonwi #midwestisbest #goplayoutside #greatnorthcollective #wildernessculture #letsgosomewhere #keepitwild #turkey #wildturkey #meleagrisgallopavo #wildlife #wildlifelover #naturelover #wildturkeyreport #prairie #prairieland #driftlessarea #naturalarea #natural #oaksavannah #grassland

Cave of the Mounds

Cave of the Mounds, a natural limestone cave located near Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, United States, is named for two nearby hills called the Blue Mounds. It is located in the southern slope of the east hill. The cave's beauty comes from its many varieties of mineral formations called speleothems. The Chicago Academy of Sciences considers the Cave of the Mounds to be "the significant cave of the upper Midwest" because of its beauty, and it is promoted as the "jewel box" of major American caves. In 1987, the United States Department of the Interior and the National Park Service designated the cave as a National Natural Landmark.

#speleothems #caveofthemounds #cave #limestonecave #jewelbox #nationalnaturallandmark #usdepartmentoftheinterior #nationalparkservice #nps #usdi #nnl #galenadolomite #usinterior #findyourpark #NationalPark #wisconsin #wisconsinlife #midwest #travelwi #travelwisconsin #discoverwisconsin #conquer_wi #midwestisbest

Anunnaki

'Anunnaki' by local artist John Pahlas that I took the other day. Today we met, scouted out locations and talked about projects, being an artist, and parenthood. It was truly a tonic for my soul.

#midwestisbest #midwestliving #discoverwisconsin #wisconsin #wisco #madisonwi #madisonwisconsin #travelwisconsin #driftlessarea #centergroundstudios​ #wisconsinar​​t​ #wisconsinlife #fineart #sculpture​ ​#finaeartphotography ​#art #featuredpalette #artlovers #artlover #steel #steelsculpture #mounthoreb #Anunaki #Anunna #Anunnaku #Ananaki #Anunnaki #ancient #Mesopotamian#midwestisbest #midwestliving #discoverwisconsin #wisconsin #wisco #madisonwi #madisonwisconsin #travelwisconsin #driftlessarea #centergroundstudios​ #wisconsinar​​t​ #wisconsinlife #fineart #sculpture​ ​#finaeartphotography ​#art #featuredpalette #artlovers #artlover #steel #steelsculpture #mounthoreb #Anunaki #Anunna #Anunnaku #Ananaki #Anunnaki #ancient #Mesopotamian

Tyrol Basin

After a quick dinner we drove all of 10 minutes to the nearby Tyrol Basin ski resort. We'd not been as I'm not much of a skier and Teri is more into cross country. Freja has done that with her mother for a few years but now she's interested in snowboarding. So we looked around and she's now signed up for lessons starting next week. I have this feeling that living so close to this place is going to be very interesting for her. Especially once she's old enough to ditch her parents and come with friends.

#midwest #madison #ski #skiing #snowboarding #snowboard #tyrolbasin #wisconsin #wisconsinlife #midwest #travelwi #travelwisconsin #midwestliving #midwestmoment #themidwestival #discoverwisconsin #conquer_wi #mounthoreb #madisonwi #midwestisbest #danecounty #goplayoutside #driftlessarea #winterfun #playinthesnow

Art by John Pahlas

"I like stainless razor
Sharpen appetite
I can swallow laser
If I'm eating light"
~ #petetownshend

I had a bit of time today to run over to Center Ground Studios to take a shot of one piece. We talked and made plans for a few projects as we readied ourselves for a hike out into the snow. I seem to recall talk of going all the way to the park about a mile away. As we set off down the street both of us noticed the transformer station literally right next door to the studio! It was fun and I am looking forward to our continuing to set up photo shoots of his art.

#hogarth #ieatheavymetal #theirongiant #ironman #theironman #midwestisbest #midwestliving #wi #travelwi #discoverwisconsin #wisconsin #wisco #madisonwi #madisonwisconsin #travelwisconsin #driftlessarea #johnleehooker #centergroundstudios​ #wisconsinar​​t​ #wisconsinlife #fineart #sculpture​ ​#finaeartphotography ​#art #featuredpalette #artlovers #artlover #steel #steelsculpture #mounthoreb

HOME

Grumpy Troll Brew Pub

Ah, the good old Grumpy Troll. I've grown fond of his wooden mug of a face. I must have passed by him at least 4 times today. It's been a very, very active day for me. As I write this my pedometer is showing I've taken 17, 166 steps so far, almost 9 miles! Lots of chores, restocked on fireplace wood. We've now two months worth in the garage sitting in my Jeep trailer. The new gym routine I kicked off yesterday is really giving it to me but good. I've also really bashed up my right elbow through a combination of activities... It's SO tempting to just head over to the Troll and order an amazing beer. But I won't...

#troll #mounthoreb #wisconsin #travelwisconsin #discoverwisconsin #driftlessarea #madisonwi #hilltroll #towntroll #dovregubben #grumpytroll #grumpy #beer #lager #ale #brewery #brewpub #tavern #craftbrew #craftbeer #wibrewing #wicraftbeer #beerporn #beerstagram #beergram #instabeer #craftbeerporn #craftbeergeek

Jormungand

They've sailed their Dragonships here to the upper-midwest and have settled. Occasionally as I travel the back roads that twist along ridges like the long back of a great serpent and suddenly I'll stumble upon a symbol of the ancient past.

"His dragon with her sails of blue,
All bright and brilliant to the view,
High hoisted on the yard arms wide,
Carries great Canute o’er the tide.
Brave is the royal progress — fast
The proud ship’s keel obeys the mast,
Dashes through foam, and gains the land,
Raising a surge on Limfjord’s strand."
(The Song of Canute, Saga of St. Olaf)

#wisconsin #wisconsinlife #midwest #travelwi #travelwisconsin #midwestliving #midwestmoment #themidwestival #discoverwisconsin #conquer_wi #mounthoreb #madisonwi #midwestisbest #danecounty #onwisconsin #norse #norwegian #nordic #viking #vikings #north #northmen #draken #dragon #dragons #Jörmungandr #Jormungand #MidgardSerpent #Miðgarðsormr #worldserpent

Taking the Back!

Freja is becoming very adept at taking and keeping the back position. I watched her really cling to a number of other kids tonight. They couldn't escape! Now all she needs to to learn how to attack from there and she may have something.

#bjj #bjj4life #brazilianjiujitsu #jiujitsulifestyle #jiujitsu #madisonwi #madisonwisconsin #martialarts #wisconsin #infusionmma #bjjgirls #jiujitsugirls #bjjgirl #bjjlife #jiujitsulife #veronawisconsin #veronawi #martialartslife #martialartsforkids #girlswhofight #girlswhoroll #bjjkid #jiujitsuforgirls #training #grappling #kidsmma #kidsmartialarts

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

I had a few hours to explore my local area. I randomly picked traveling to the Yellowstone Wildlife Area. Along the way I meandered along ridge lines of the Driftless Area. I saw a number of interesting locations but the best was when suddenly a juvenile Bald Eagle appeared in my windshield view. It was about 15' in front of me, and just above the top of the Jeep. I had been driving along the ridge slowly so we ended up keeping pace with each other for a while. Every so often it would glance back at me and I swear we made eye contact.

It wasn't the only eagle I spotted either. In all I must have seen at least five in all. The last was this beauty settling onto an oak.

#BaldEagle #raptor #birdofprey #Haliaeetusleucocephalus #eagle #wisconsin #wisconsinlife #midwest #travelwi #travelwisconsin #midwestliving #midwestmoment #themidwestival #discoverwisconsin #conquer_wi #haugelogchurch #madisonwi #midwestisbest #Eagles #Birds #ExploreOrg #Birding #BirdWatching #America #BirdsofInstagram #Audubon #igbirdwatchers #your_best_birds #igbirds #birdingwi

Hauge Log Church

Built in 1852, the Hauge Log Church was the first Norwegian Lutheran Church constructed in western Wisconsin. Adjacent to the church is a small cemetery where members of the first congregation are buried, including Arne Ruste who cut the first log used in building the church.

#wisconsin #wisconsinlife #midwest #travelwi #travelwisconsin #midwestliving #midwestmoment #themidwestival #discoverwisconsin #conquer_wi #haugelogchurch #madisonwi #midwestisbest #danecounty #onwisconsin #norse #norwegian #nordic #hauge #Lutheran #Church

Memmories of Light

On gray, dreary, periods of extended fog and dampness it's always good to remember that this too shall pass.

#wisconsin #wisconsinlife #midwest #travelwi #travelwisconsin #stewartlake #stewartcountypark #hiking #hikingtrail #midwestliving #oakforest #danecountyparks #naturalarea #natural #oaksavannah #grassland #midwestmoment #themidwestival #discoverwisconsin #conquer_wi #IceAgeTrail #Iceage #midwestisbest #veronawi #onwisconsin #goplayoutside #greatnorthcollective #wildernessculture #letsgosomewhere #keepitwild

Taur-e-Ndaedelos

It's another foggy day, especial up on Brigham County Park, a small hill just east of Blue Mounds State Park. My wife & I had planned to attend a company party in La Crosse but some unfortunate family events curtailed that plan. After dropping off the kid on her overnight excursion at a friends house we quickly drove to the park with only an hour left on the clock. Don't ask me how, but we found the entrance to The Mirkwood Forest!
" 'Stick to the forest-track, keep your spirits up, hope for the best, and with a tremendous slice of luck you may come out one day and see the Long Marshes lying below you, and beyond them, high in the East, the Lonely Mountain where dear old Smaug lives, though I hope he is not expecting you.' " (Gandalf)

#mirkwood #Rhovanion #Wilderland #Middleearth #wisconsin #wisconsinlife #midwest #travelwi #travelwisconsin #midwestliving #midwestmoment #themidwestival #discoverwisconsin #conquer_wi #mounthoreb #madisonwi #midwestisbest #danecounty #onwisconsin #goplayoutside #greatnorthcollective #wildernessculture #letsgosomewhere #keepitwild #oak #hiking #hike #neverstopexploring #naturelovers

Stewart Count Park - White Pines

It's another unseasonably warm day here in Mount Horeb. The tops of the ridge where we live is thick with fog. I had exactly 20 minutes of time before the kid was released from school early. I ran down to the park, threw on my cleats and wander up a trail I'd not seen before. Casting about for a second I realized I was standing in exactly the right place for a photo. I love this little thicket of white pines.

#wisconsin #wisconsinlife #midwest #travelwi #travelwisconsin #prairiemoraine #prairiemorainepark #hiking #hikingtrail #midwestliving #prairie #prairieland #naturalarea #natural #oaksavannah #grassland #midwestmoment #themidwestival #discoverwisconsin #conquer_wi #IceAgeTrail #Iceage #midwestisbest #veronawi #onwisconsin #goplayoutside #greatnorthcollective #wildernessculture #letsgosomewhere #keepitwild

The Kill

A Great Blue Heron captures a nice sized trout along the shore of the Tionesta River in Forest County, Pennsylvania.

#hikePA #adventure #pennsylvania #tionesta #greatblueheron #trout #canoepa #pa #birds #birdsofinstagram #birdwatching #birding #birdstagram #exploringpa #nature #panature #naturalpennsylvania #exploringpennsylvania #paiswild #pawildlife #pennswoods #pawilds #teampawild #pennsylvaniaisbeautiful #uncoveringpa

Foggy Winter's Thaw

It's a foggy winter thaw here in Mount Horeb.

#wisconsin #wisconsinlife #midwest #travelwi #travelwisconsin #dairy #dairyland #barn #rustic #midwestliving #farm #farmland #agriculture #dairyusa #gotmilk #wisconsindairy #midwestmoment #themidwestival #discoverwisconsin #conquer_wi #mounthoreb #madisonwi #midwestisbest #danecounty #onwisconsin #goplayoutside #fog #foggy #foggyday #thaw #winterthaw

Deer Park Buddhist Center & Monastery - Wild Turkey

Wild Turkey

#wisconsin #wisconsinlife #midwest #travelwi #travelwisconsin #midwestliving #midwestmoment #themidwestival #discoverwisconsin #conquer_wi #mounthoreb #madisonwi #midwestisbest #danecounty #onwisconsin #goplayoutside #greatnorthcollective #wildernessculture #letsgosomewhere #keepitwild #turkey #wildturkey #tom #meleagrisgallopavo #wildlife #wildlifelover #naturelover #wildturkeyreport

Stewart County Park

It's a wet, sudden thaw here in Mount Horeb after a day of icy rain. On my way to the store I swung by the lake to have a quick look around. The trails are very icy, and there are streams of water flowing all over the place. I hear it may stay warm for a few weeks. These icy conditions should disappear. Hopefully soon.

#wisconsin #wisconsinlife #midwest #travelwi #travelwisconsin #prairiemoraine #prairiemorainepark #hiking #hikingtrail #midwestliving #prairie #prairieland #naturalarea #natural #oaksavannah #grassland #midwestmoment #themidwestival #discoverwisconsin #conquer_wi #IceAgeTrail #Iceage #midwestisbest #veronawi #onwisconsin #goplayoutside #greatnorthcollective #wildernessculture #letsgosomewhere #keepitwild

Trout Waters

Blue River is a class 2 trout stream in Grant and Iowa Counties near the Snow Bottoms Natural Area. The Blue River is a specifically named and codified as an Exceptional Resource Waters (ERW).

#wisconsin #wisconsinlife #midwest #travelwi #travelwisconsin #hiking #hikingtrail #midwestliving #naturalarea #natural #midwestmoment #themidwestival #discoverwisconsin #conquer_wi #Iceage #midwestisbest #goplayoutside #greatnorthcollective #wildernessculture #letsgosomewhere #keepitwild #pine #pines #pinerelicts #biom #dnr #snowbottom

Steil Road Sunset

#wisconsin #wisconsinlife #midwest #travelwi #travelwisconsin #dairy #dairyland #barn #rustic #midwestliving #farm #farmland #agriculture #dairyusa #gotmilk #wisconsindairy #midwestmoment #themidwestival #discoverwisconsin #conquer_wi #mounthoreb #madisonwi #midwestisbest #danecounty #onwisconsin #goplayoutside #greatnorthcollective

Tom Tracks

Yesterday I spent some time following the tracks of a huge, heavy turkey. When I'd circle around the low lying obstacles it was very easy to pick them back up. While I didn't see the bird it's tracks alone occupied my breathing as I made my way through the Sugar Bottom State Natural Area.

#wisconsin #wisconsinlife #midwest #travelwi #travelwisconsin #hiking #hikingtrail #midwestliving #naturalarea #natural #midwestmoment #themidwestival #discoverwisconsin #conquer_wi #Iceage #midwestisbest #goplayoutside #greatnorthcollective #wildernessculture #letsgosomewhere #keepitwild #pine #pines #pinerelicts #biom #dnr #snowbottom

Snow Bottom State Natural Area

I found myself with some truly alone time today and with no real direction. My wife & daughter are off with a small group of girls and one of the other mothers. I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted to do but I knew I wanted to be outside. Somewhere new to me. Randomly opening the map to the Driftless Area just west of my home I noticed a tiny little, lite green square. A leisurely trip down the winding "back way" took me to my new, favorite place! Snow Bottom State Natural Area is a "pine relicts forest" that dates back to the ice age when mammoths and giant sloths made their way through their evergreen boughs. The only sound was my footsteps, an occasional woodpecker, a slight murmuring of the stream, and the silent brooding of the stone overlooking the valley. It was exactly what I needed today.

#wisconsin #wisconsinlife #midwest #travelwi #travelwisconsin #hiking #hikingtrail #midwestliving #naturalarea #natural #midwestmoment #themidwestival #discoverwisconsin #conquer_wi #Iceage #midwestisbest #goplayoutside #greatnorthcollective #wildernessculture #letsgosomewhere #keepitwild #pine #pines #pinerelicts #biom #dnr #snowbottom

De la Riva

Learning some De la Riva techniques today.

#bjj #bjj4life #brazilianjiujitsu #jiujitsulifestyle #jiujitsu #graciejiujitsu #martialarts #grappling #bjjlife #jiujitsulife #fitness #bluebeltproblems #bluebelt #gym #fighttraining #Selfdefense #bjjtraining #martialartslife #fitnessjourney #artesuave #oss #mma #graciejj #bjjmadison #bjjwisconsin #riseup #riseupmartialarts

The Girl Of My Dreams

It seems to me that a part of being an artist is seeking validation of some sort. I find mine in the many ways I interact with my wife. Instead of gallery shows that only make me want to be elsewhere, I get to be with her. She loves and believes in my dreams and that is enough for me.

“Crow's Theology” - Ted Hughes

Crow realized God loved him-
Otherwise, he would have dropped dead.
So that was proved.
Crow reclined, marvelling, on his heart-beat.

And he realized that God spoke Crow-
Just existing was His revelation.


But what Loved the stones and spoke stone?
They seemed to exist too.
And what spoke that strange silence
After his clamour of caws faded?


And what loved the shot-pellets
That dribbled from those strung-up mummifying crows?
What spoke the silence of lead?


Crow realized there were two Gods-


One of them much bigger than the other
Loving his enemies
And having all the weapons.

As Real Men Fought

I thought I'd revisit a photo I took in the summer of 2006. It was a hot day at Pennsic War, and annual event in Western PA. Two heavy knights are sparring using as authentic of armour kits as can be made these days. Their weapons are made from rattan and thick, heavy rubber like you'd find on the bumper of cars. It's full contact martial arts, so this hilt to the face hit had to have rung the guy on the left's bell. Pardon the pun... #pennsic #pennsicwar #knight #knights #armour #armoured #armor #plate #mail #tourney #tournament #combat #armoredcombat #sca #scadians #societyofcreativeanachronism #arms #platearmour #middleages #medieval #Æthelmearc #aethelmearc #history #livinghistory

Fancy Footwork

It was a totally "footwork" training sort of day. After getting the family off to their own days I found myself in an almost perpetual state of motion. After busting through my morning chores and setting things up for my day I hit Infusion MMA. There we worked on Muay Thai "walking." It felt good to slow down and learn how to connect to something so basic. Transition home, more chores, business stuff and then hit the gym. I'm keeping my routine as trim as possible, but I did get chatty with the staff at the end. Then more chores. Last night's weather really left a lot of THICK patches of ice on our sidewalk. I took this spear-like, heavy scraper thing, put on my gym music, cleats and got to chopping. I'd go in an ark, one arm at a time, going back and forth. I used my chore to drive the spear down, over & over & over... I bet I drove my neighbors nuts! Sorry! The good thing is that I paced myself all day long. With the kid coming home soon I even managed to make my way into the nearby Stewart Lake. I'm really lucky to live so close to it. While I didn't spot wildlife, I did notice this nice little, natural "pattern" of sorts. #wisconsin #wisconsinlife #midwest #travelwi #travelwisconsin #midwestliving #midwestmoment #themidwestival #discoverwisconsin #conquer_wi #mounthoreb #madisonwi #midwestisbest #danecounty #onwisconsin #norse #norwegian #nordic #viking #vikings #north #northmen #stewartlake #stewartcountypark #danecountyparks #danecountyparks&rec

Enthusiasm

Due to particularly icy road conditions school was cancelled today. The kid was beside herself with joy! I have to admit I've been enjoying having just to myself today. We watched a decent "monster movie" and while taking a break from it she asked me to "escort her" around the house. As she animatedly spoke to me I was able to casually configure my camera without her really noticing. It's not all that unusual for me to have camera stuff in hand. I was able to grab this candid moment of my daughter being very enthusiastic in her description of how much the movie is getting her all excited.

Working from Home

Teri's been feeling a sore throat coming on since this past weekend. She worked from home today and really kept at it too. Every time I passed by she was very focused on her tasks. Sitting at a regular table or desk wears her out physically so she'd rather stand, or in this case kneel to work. I was very happy to hear she ordered a new stand up desk for here at home. Even though we both go about our regular week day routines with very little interaction it's nice to "bump into her near the cooler" now and then.

In Cahoots

I managed to capture a totally candid moment between Freja & her very best buddy. I've been watching these two since they bonded two years ago. It's so rewarding to see how well they compliment each others' personalities. I took this as they reviewed the comic strip series they're designing and producing here at home. Naturally the main characters are ones that were intended to bait ME into protesting their very nature. I mean, "Flying Fart Girl" as a hero? Really? *I just tell myself, "Ron, you did a LOT worse to irritate your parents, just ride it out...*

Playing in the Mississippi

It's a cold winter day and after a brisk walk around the block I was very happy to sit down next to my warm computer. As I opened my browser I happened upon a photo I'd taken in June of 2014. It was a warm spring afternoon. Freja had just finished 1st grade and summer vacation had begun. We went for a camping trip to Wyalusing State Park. We were able to play in the Mississippi River at Glenn Lake boat landing. The kid chased minnows through the shallow waters and eventually ended up soaked. Of course, that was not surprising. On frigid days like this it's nice to recall that it's not always going to be this way. We will be able to play freely outdoors in the water once more!

#mississippieriver #wyalusingstatepark #wyalusing #spring #thinkspring #wisconsin #wisconsinlife #midwest #travelwi #travelwisconsin #hiking #hikingtrail #midwestliving #midwestmoment #themidwestival #discoverwisconsin #conquer_wi #midwestisbest #onwisconsin #goplayoutside #greatnorthcollective #wildernessculture #letsgosomewhere #keepitwild #confluence #river

America's Dairyland

After a very hectic day of both training in BJJ & running errands to two "big box stores" (on a SATURDAY! UGHHH!) I thought I'd opt for an easy photo practice shot. I've a number of locations ear marked for certain times of the day/season for easy to catch shots. While they're not all stunning, as this typical "barn shot" demonstrates, they offer a chance to at least help me keep my photographic wheels greased...

#wisconsin #wisconsinlife #midwest #travelwi #travelwisconsin #dairy #dairyland #barn #rustic #midwestliving #farm #farmland #agriculture #dairyusa #gotmilk #wisconsindairy #midwestmoment #themidwestival #discoverwisconsin #conquer_wi #mounthoreb #madisonwi #midwestisbest #danecounty #onwisconsin #goplayoutside #greatnorthcollective #wildernessculture #letsgosomewhere #keepitwild

Earned My Blue Belt!

Last night I was awarded my Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu by Thales Blaso, a 2nd Degree Black Belt under Luiz Claudio. While I am very proud to have earned this and left the White Belt behind, I truly feel I am just beginning this process. There is so much I still don't KNOW how to do. So many techniques elude me, and I am not reacting to opponents quickly enough to always take the lead in sparring. During the drills last night I left myself open to attack a number of times. I was taken down over and over by upper-belts, and I mismanaged my energy levels. My situational awareness was really spotty, especially as I began to fatigue. I have to keep in mind that it's just the BEGINNING. By earning this Blue Belt I've been able to prove to myself that I can indeed remember techniques. That I can survive sparring. That I do have the willingness to step out onto the mats. First, I was lucky to have Infusion MMA prepare me for almost two years. Master Instructor Brandon Tracy really "knocked the burs off" me as I transformed from an overweight, untrained ape. Now he and Thales are helping me "file off the edges." How fortunate I am to be able to train in as pure, old school Gracie BJJ as can be found up here in the icy North? Rickson Gracie>Luiz Claudio>Thales Blaso> and then there's me learning as a 4th generation of this lineage! My goal is to be a sharp Black Belt.

#bjj #bjj4life #brazilianjiujitsu #jiujitsulifestyle #jiujitsu #graciejiujitsu #martialarts #grappling #bjjlife #jiujitsulife #fitness #bluebeltproblems #bluebelt #gym #fighttraining #Selfdefense #bjjtraining #martialartslife #fitnessjourney #artesuave #oss #mma #graciejj #bjjmadison #bjjwisconsin #riseup #riseupmartialarts #infusionmma

Emptying the Tank

As I write this having just come home from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under @thalesblaso I'm having a difficult time summing up my experience. It wasn't a large class tonight, only seven of us, but it had a great range of skilled martial artists. From a beginner all the way to experienced, well trained fighters. I think the drills tonight were the most unique I've experienced. We worked on transitions from a "stand up" fight, with one person being the striker and the other attempting to take it to the ground. Each drill built on the other, adding a new element. By the end we'd transitioned from one person trying to touch the other's head while that person attempted to block and close in for a take-down, to things like the "dominate" person could only use one hand, or had to keep their eyes closed. By the end of the night I was completely, 100% spent. The last drill I kept my eyes closed the whole time so I wouldn't have to think about whether or not I was supposed to and just tried to stay in a safe position and not get tapped out. It looks like it's going to be an interesting training rotation for the next three months. Hopefully my body won't break down. I think I will start looking into how to train my endurance so I can keep up with all these tough, young dudes... I'm too old for this stuff...

#bjj #bjj4life #brazilianjiujitsu #jiujitsulifestyle #jiujitsu #graciejiujitsu #martialarts #grappling #bjjlife #jiujitsulife #fitness #bluebeltproblems #bluebelt #gym #fighttraining #Selfdefense #bjjtraining #martialartslife #fitnessjourney #artesuave #oss #mma #graciejj #bjjmadison #bjjwisconsin #riseup #riseupmartialarts

Prairie Moraine County Park

On my way to train @mmawisconsin I dropped into Prairie Moraine Park and took a short hike along the Ice Age National Scenic trail. It wasn't a long hike as I only had about 15 minutes. Plus, the subzero arctic air was kind of rough on the hands...

#wisconsin #wisconsinlife #midwest #travelwi #travelwisconsin #prairiemoraine #prairiemorainepark #hiking #hikingtrail #midwestliving #prairie #prairieland #naturalarea #natural #oaksavannah #grassland #midwestmoment #themidwestival #discoverwisconsin #conquer_wi #IceAgeTrail #Iceage #midwestisbest #veronawi #onwisconsin #goplayoutside #greatnorthcollective #wildernessculture #letsgosomewhere #keepitwild

Here There Be Dragons

Norwegian styled dragons adorn the Military Ridge Bike Trail Depot in Mount Horeb.

From the DNR website, "The 40-mile Military Ridge State Trail, in Iowa and Dane counties, connects Dodgeville and Madison by way of an 1855 military route between Verona and Dodgeville. The trail runs along the southern borders of Governor Dodge and Blue Mound state parks passing by agricultural lands, woods, wetlands and prairies. There are several observation platforms adjacent to the trail for viewing wildlife and other natural features. In Ridgeway, the trail passes by a historic railroad depot."

#midwestisbest #midwestliving #wi #travelwi #discoverwisconsin #wisconsin #wisco #onwisconsin #madisonwi #madisonwisconsin #wisconsinphotographer #travelwisconsin #driftlessarea #mounthoreb #moho #militaryridgetrail #mrt #biketrail #rails2trails #norwegian #norwegiandragon #dragon #nordicdragon #nordic #traindepot #danecounty #viking #vikingdragon #bikepath #bikingadventures #bicycling

Pine Relic Portrait

Today was the last day of my family's "stay-cation." While the kid spent time at her Oma's, who recently moved to town, my wife & I went for a "ramble" up & down nearby valleys on the edge of the Driftless Area. After taking about an hour to cover the distance it normally only takes twenty minutes to cover we found ourselves at Love Creek Fishery/Hunting Area. There we found a fun place to explore, we'll just have to pay attention to the hunting seasons. We'd not want to catch any errant buckshot...

#canon #life_portraits #wisconsin #wildernessculture #folkvibe #folkcreative #areyouawake #wisconsinlife #discoverwisconsin #madisonwisconsin #madsionwi #Love #LoveCreek #driftless #driftlessarea #travelwisconsin #DNR #Fisheries #fishery #trout #troutstream #huntinggrounds #Ridgeway #ridgewaywi #iowacounty #ef14mmf28L #ef14mm #5dmrkIII #hike #hiking

Moen Creek - Beaver Dam

I took a stroll along Moen Creek in Stewart Lake. There appears to be a partial beaver dam on the little stream. It was an ideal location for an awesome beaver pond but it would have totally flooded over the only road. You can see where it was taken down along the waterway before it became too deep. What's still there is impressive. The engineered it with a really big tree with an extensive root system to be the dam's keystone. I also found some areas of the park I've not seen yet.

Skogtroll Lair Perhaps?

As I explore part of Stewart Lake I'd only driven past I spotted what appears to be a possible lair. A forest troll's perhaps? I can just feel those moss rimmed eyes peeking at me from behind fingers textured like old roots...