Distant Rain

Rain in the Distance, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Natural Bridge State Park

Natural Bridge State Park, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Natural Bridge and Rockshelter contains the largest natural bridge known in Wisconsin, created by wind erosion and weathering of the sandstone. The arch measures 25 feet in width and 15 feet in height on its inside dimensions. The top is 35 feet above ground level. At the base of the sandstone bridge is a rockshelter 60 feet wide and 30 feet deep. A partial excavation at the site revealed Woodfordian and Archaic inhabitant artifacts with earliest estimates of human occupation between 9000 and 8000 B.C. Animal remains identified include 15 mollusk species and 50 vertebrate species. Of special interest are the remains of passenger pigeon, turkey, elk, wolf, bobcat, fisher, marten, and mountain lion. The surrounding uplands are wooded with oak and other hardwoods. Small prairie remnants with Indian grass, little blue-stem, grama grasses, and cactus occur on the ridge tops. The shaded cliff community contains many unusual plant species including walking fern, slender lip fern, and two rare species - cliff goldenrod (Solidago sciaphila), and purple cliffbrake (Pellaea atropurpurea). Natural Bridge and Rockshelter is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 1973.

Purple Quartzite

Purple Quartzite, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

The quartz grains that formed the original sandstone appear to have come largely from erosion of the Penokean Mountains to the north. These mountains formed about 1.85 billion years ago in the Early Proterozoic Eon, and the sandstone seems to have been laid down in the subsequent 200 million years. This was then subducted into the earth where pressure and heat transformed before after millions of years it rose to the surface as the colorful quartzite we see today.

The Colors of Nature

The Colors of Nature, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

From the East bluff trail at Devil's Lake, Lake Wisconsin is clearly visible to the east. You can view the full-size original by adding me a contact on Flickr, and then by clicking the 'All Sizes' button.

Skeleton Hauntings

Skeleton Hauntings, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

The skeleton-like limbs of leafless trees hung eerily over this moody wooded path.