Some mountains are too big....some are too small.....

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Rib Mountain is just right - for us.  We're walking 6 to 7 miles each day round trip and getting enough exercise to justify eating ice cream!  We went to the Windmill Ice Cream Shop in Tomahawk, WI for a 2-scooper.  We got way more than that - and for only $3.50 each.  Now that's a deal!

We love the view from the top of Rib Mountain.  We sit up here every morning for awhile taking in the sights and silence.

A fallen birch tree picture is below.  Did you know that birch bark was used in place of writing paper before the advent of mass paper production?  Its use goes back centuries.  The winter bark of birch trees is used to make baskets, containers and hair clips.  The bark is made up of several thin layers that are held together by betulin (a powdery white substance which can be used as a painkiller.) Also, the bark is highly rot resistant.  That's why you often see a felled birch tree rotted from the inside.  
We found this baneberry plant on our hikes up Rib Mountain.  The fruit, called “doll's eyes” (white with a dark center), is the most poisonous part, known to cause respiratory paralysis and cardiac arrest in humans.
For several mornings running there was fog and mist on our hikes up the mountain.  



Raspberries are done on the mountain and blackberries are now in season.  Small but tasty.
 This tree grew up around a tree stump that has since rotted away.  Doesn't it look cool?
Wildlife has been fun to see.  Thankfully we haven't seen any snakes in Wisconsin.  Donna's heart couldn't take it.

Interesting tidbit.  We noticed our hiking boots were getting stinky from all of our warm weather sweating.  After searching the web, we happened upon the ideal fix.  Spray with Lysol, set in the sun for several hours, and then place in the freezer over night (inside a bag).  This regimen did the trick to kill the odor causing bacteria.  We plan to repeat regularly as the need arises.

Our excitement today after our hike was cut short due to thunderstorms was to sign a three month contract beginning the third week of November to stay at a hotel less than two blocks from the White House in DC.  We can't wait!  We're hoping to catch a glimpse of Joe and Jill.

Still more to come about our stay in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.


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