Bridge Not Bogged Down

After miles and miles of miles and miles - it was a welcome sight to come upon Norrie Lake in east Marathon County.

Nearly 100 acres and with a depth of 19 feet, it's one of more than 15,000 (take that, Minnesota!) lakes in Wisconsin.

Norrie is home to a variety of panfish, Walleye, and Northern Pike.  It's also home to a number of people lucky enough to live next to it, and the smart ones who visit.

Public access next to the Mountain Bay Trail offered a wonderful view of the lake.  I wish the sun was out when I stopped, but even under gray skies, it's a beautiful view.

Further west was a bridge.

A long bridge nearly a quarter of a mile long across a bog.

Most of a bog might like sturdy enough to cover by foot, but it's not.

A collection of living and dead plant material in lots of water; it's a big challenge to travel.

Six bridges on this former railroad line crossed Marathon County in and out of Wausau.

In the early days of the last century, using less technology, workers sometimes needed to sink supports 80 feet deep (8 stories below ground level) to reach solid footing!

Back in 1960, a boxcar full of Barley (no doubt intended for Wisconsin's most popular product) is said to have toppled over the side of this bridge.

A historic sign indicates a sharp-eyed visitor might notice the spot.  I didn't.

What I enjoyed was the sound of crossing the bridge and crossing on a surface easier to ride than crushed limestone.  It was a solid bridge.  On some trails, individual boards get loose from the weather and snowmobile traffic in winter.

This boardwalk was a treat.

Since we're now in October, there aren't many more days for long rides, although I'm hopeful of getting a few more treks around Greater Madison.

Ask any biker and they will probably tell you they wished they rode more than they did and they look forward to more miles next year.

I agree.  

Ride On!