Hyde's Mill in Autumn

Hyde's Mill in Iowa County, Wisconsin.
10/10/2020 dwm photo

One of our pandemic traditions is a weekend drive.  We travel the backroads and by-ways within 100 miles of home usually with no destination in mind.

That's how we happened upon Hyde's Mill this summer.  It was such a beautiful spot, we decided to return and see what it in autumn.

Mr. Hyde opened the mill in 1856.  A town formed around it and took his name.  The mill remains.  So does a family owned tavern on County Highway H 5 miles north of Ridgeway.

On this visit, the mill's owner was present, sitting outside his camper on the west side of the stream.  I think he enjoyed seeing a steady stream of cars and motorcycles stopping to admire and photograph his mill. 

Water turned the wheel and perhaps the 
grindstone inside. 10/10/20 (dwm)

For his enjoyment, and ours, he opened the gate that dropped water into the wheel so it made slow circles around its axle.

Our visit happened on a vintage Autumn day in the Badger State - blue skies, seasonably warm, and a bright sun that ignite the changing leaves on the hillside.

The mill is a favorite of photographers, including me. Now that I have two seasons of pictures I hope to return for shots in the winter and spring.

Hyde's Mill.  10/10/2020 dwm photo

High water at Hyde's Mill.  6/14/2020 dwm photto