sweet home Minnesota

We took our first long motorcycle ride of the season this weekend thanks to a break in the rain. Heading north by northwest as far as Detroit Lakes through the Chippewa Natl. Forest we rode for over 500 miles under bright blue skies and puffy clouds across newborn farmland. 

Many small farming communities dotted the map, with populations ranging from 50 to 500 residents. In the town of Wadena, in Wadena County, we drove past this deserted drive in theatre. All that remained was this sign for the Wadena Drive In,  the projection/snack building and weeds. 

 The sun was setting behind us and I could catch the rosy red reflections on the back of Dave's helmet. I took this on the move but you get the idea. Also, you can see more reds here @ Ruby Tuesday.

Noni

In our California travels I stopped at a wayside farm stand in Carmel Valley which belonged to the organic gardening company Earthbound Farms. [the posters above are from their nifty site] These two gorgeous varieties of Passion Flower were growing around the place and since I had just come from November in Minnesota, they seemed to call even louder to me.

So, since I find myself inhabiting that strange place between home and where one has traveled, I offer these beauties for both memes, Today's Flowers and Ruby Tuesday.

little black beauty

On one of our last evening motorcycle rides we were on our way to Stillwater along the St. Croix River when I saw this little beauty in a pen next to this old weathered building. The rest of the small farm with barns and gardens was across the street. The little horse was shy around the camera but I was able to get this shot when I caught her watching Dave on the bike behind me.

See more four legged delights at Misty Dawn's meme, Camera Critters.

SkyWatch Friday...Minnesota backroads

We joined a motorcycle group on a fund-raiser ride last Sunday. It started out raining,cleared but the clouds followed us all afternoon. We rode for over 150 miles on back roads through farm land and into small towns with names like St. Bonafacius, Clearwater, Hanover, Elk River and St. Michael. Enlarging this photo shows the precise rows of golden corn on this farm.

See many more sky views at SkyWatch Friday here. Happy Friday!

SkyWatch Minnesota

I took this photo from the car window on a trip to southwestern Minnesota farmland. This is near Walnut Grove--of Little House on the Prairie fame--and very typical of the large sky and flat landscape where farmers grow feed corn, soy beans and alfalfa. Storms followed us all day and sent menacing clouds like these to tempt us to turn back.
For my views of the wide blue yonder for Skywatch, or to join in the fun, go to Wigger's World and ask for Tom.