Taliesin-Celebrating the beauty of the Wisconsin Landscape

Balcony in the main residence at Taliesin

The rolling hills in the driftless region of southwestern Wisconsin are the home of Taliesin, an estate with several buildings on it created through the eyes of America's most celebrated and imitated architect.  He had a knack for creating in such a way as to bring the building and it's surroundings together.  Celebrating nature and also melding form and function.  Wood, Glass & Stone; some of the most important elements in his creations. He was raised in Spring Green, Wisconsin and even if you are not familiar with Taliesin, you can probably guess that I am talking about Frank Lloyd Wright.

Frank Lloyd Wright, circa 1926

A recent trip to Spring Green and Taliesin inspired me to pen this blog. I know sometimes dates are just numbers, but I found it interesting and ironic that Frank Lloyd Wright died in 1959...and I was born in 1959.  It makes me feel younger and/or older... I'm not sure which.  In any case for me that was a unique bit of trivia. 

Taliesin has a unique pronunciation: TAL-ee-ESS-in.  Once you have heard it correctly pronounced a few times it is easy, but it did take me a few times.  Wright decided on the name of his 800-acre estate to honor his Welsh heritage. Taliesin means "shining brow " in Welsh. His home was built on the "brow" of the hill to have a vantage point for viewing the rolling hills of the landscape. In true form of many of his architectural visions, he wanted the building to be treated as a n element of nature. He knew that if you build a structure on top of a hill, then you lose the hill.  As Wright himself explained: "It should be of the hill, belonging to it, so hill and house could live together each the happier for the other."

I am not a student of architecture, but nevertheless it is fascinating to tour this place and learn about some of the unconventional types of building styles that Wright introduced. For example, the concept of "open air" design and having rooms flow one into the other, i.e. living room into dining room, with no separation, was an idea that Wright really encouraged in his designs.  The Victorian style of design required separate rooms and many walls to divide them.  Wright insisted on a more open design. He also developed a concept  he called Compression and Release, creating a low, intimate space that suddenly opens up into something expansive and full of light.  When you step from a smaller space to a larger room full of light and height, the room seems more alive.   It makes the presentation of a high vaulted ceiling that much more grand. An interesting concept, but when touring Taliesin, my husband, who is 6'2" had to really watch his head in the contracting and expanding process. Wright was 5'7". 

Wright's private residence was at Taliesin, but several buildings on the estate were also dedicated to a boarding school: Hillside School. He had it built for his aunts, who were teachers with a desire to run one of the first co-educational boarding schools in the country. The school operated only from 1901 to 1915. The building remained idle until 1932, when it was remodeled and used to house the newly founded Taliesin Fellowship, a school for apprentice architects.   The foundation and general philosophy of the school was a hands on approach.  Several of the early students started by remodeling the Hillside School and adding a 5,000 square foot drafting studio.

Salvaged pieces: Blossoms of the Soul
 

Many of his design styles were also heavily influenced by his love for Japanese culture.  He made several trips to Japan, and spent a fortune as a collector of paintings and sculptures for his home in Spring Green. Some of his architectural styles were also influenced by his concept of a building's "spirit", which he felt was more important than it's geometry or physical form.  Following devastating fires at Taliesin, Wright was able to salvage several pieces of artwork and sculptures.  Frequently he incorporated them into the rebuilding of the structure with the believe that the spirit lives on and is incorporated into the new building. 

Wright and his apprentices called these features "Blossom of the Soul."  

Here is a photo of a salvaged sculpture that was literally embedded into the masonry at Taliesin. The sculptures were not meant to be just a historical footnote, but rather to become a new part of the buildings character.

Prior to visiting Taliesin, I just viewed Frank Lloyd Wright the way most of the general public does: he was a man of great talent who achieved and pioneered many techniques/styles in architecture.  Yet, like many accomplished geniuses he had an interesting and an often troubled life.  There was so much drama and tragic events in his life that sometimes it was amazing he had the strength and tenacity to deal with it all. Yet, the love of his work and passion for his art made him persevere. 

Both the joys in his life and tragic events are beautifully crafted in this book: The Women by T.C. Boyle. The book is not a true biography of Wright, but rather historical fiction.  The events that  took place really happened but the conversations and inner most thoughts of Wright were embellished to tell the story. He had three wives and a mistress.  (maybe more than one mistress, depending on how you define mistress) His first wife gave him six children and there were also several illegitimate children. Fires  struck twice at Taliesin, and Wright rebuilt each time. One of the fires was arson, started by an employee on the property.  After starting the fire, he killed people with an ax if they were seeking to escape. Gruesome story. Seven people were killed in that fire, including  Wright's true love and mistress: Mamah Borthwick Cheney. He had originally built Taliesin as a place they could be together: shielded from aggressive reporters and the public sentiment regarding their non-married status.

The book is fascinating with insights about the personal life of these famous architect, yet the narrative can be quite confusing because it is not in chronological order.  The events actually occurred, but bounces back in forth in time. For example, the two fires are Taliesin are discussed in the book, but the second fire was documented first.   Perhaps the author formatted it this way to force the reader to gain a better understanding of what happened when.  When I first started reading this, to keep everyone straight, I had to write down out the names of his wives, and when he was married to whom. Nevertheless, it provides some insights into the life of this architectural genius.

So, have I piqued your curiosity? After visiting Taliesin, it confirmed my thinking that when one travels  to visit a specific place it’s always good to do your “homework” before AND  after the trip.  You can learn so much more and it opens up new windows on the given topic. What is more exciting than to make new discoveries?

If you are interesting in visiting Taliesin and finding more about Frank Lloyd Wright--here is the link to the website: https://www.taliesinpreservation.org/tours/

                                                                                                    Julie Etta Smith

The Road Less Traveled

It is funny how simple changes in our routine and going outside our "comfort zone" can really open one's eyes to new things and new experiences.  Something as simple as a road detour can bring an interesting twist to your day.  Some of my inspiration for this blog post is reminiscent of Robert Frost's poem: The Road Not Taken.  It has always been one of my favorites:

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

That particular poem has been interpreted in so many ways. It also probably is different for everyone in different life circumstances. For me and at this time, it really says to me that it's rewarding to find new pathways...both literally and figuratively speaking. Here's a perfect example from my recent travels in my own town.  We found out that work would be done on a bridge close to our neighborhood on a county road that happens to be our main pathway to town (we live on the far east side of town and basically have to go this way to get anywhere else.) There are two detours that definitely take the long way around, but frankly they are very pretty drives. Our initial reaction included groans of exasperation followed by an acceptance and appreciation that at least the bridge is being improved before something bad happened. So we keep taking the long way and have learned to be more effective about planning our trips.  It truly is nice that I am seeing part of this area that under normal circumstances I would never see. 

Simplistic beauty of a country road

This particular corner on our detour takes us by this big beautiful barn.  The whole scene with the curvy road, stately maple trees and the big red barn is just picture perfect; makes the drive that much nicer. If it were winter, this curvy road could be icy and a bit treacherous....but it's not. It is summer: the fields of corn are abundant, the trees and wildflowers are diverse and it makes for a lovely drive....even if it is a bit longer.

So admiring the Grant Wood beauty of this scene and barn, I started wondering about some of the unique round barns that I know can be found in Wisconsin.  Inquiring minds need to know ...so I did my research and found out that at one time there were over 215 round barns in Wisconsin. Since the round barn style was more common from 1880 to the 1930s it was a very common way to build a barn and made more sense both economically and the feasibility of  building usage.  With the advent of electricity and newer methods of milking, it was easier to electrify a rectangular shaped barn. So the round style  became a thing of the past, but when you happen to come upon one, if it is still standing... it is a unique reflection of historical agriculture. 

 I also discovered that the state of Wisconsin has more round barn structures than any state in the U.S.  The state of Indiana runs a close second on that probably by virtue of the large Amish population in the state.  The Amish were known to prefer building round barns and were able to perfect the building techniques for them.  They also utilized the unique shape for milking and also grain storage without the use of electrification. 

New Richmond (Erin Prairie Township, built 1914)

So I did a little poking around on the internet and I found an amazing list of all the historical round barns in the state of Wisconsin.  If you are curious to find one in your area you can find the list at:www.dalejtravis.com/rblist/rbwi.htm 

So I was amazed to find there was one VERY close to my house.  I grabbed my camera and hopped in the car to go snap some photos.  It was easy to find with the help of Dale Travis's detailed list. It also made me realize I may want to go on a scavenger hunt of sorts to photograph more of these unique and historical structures. I took many photos of this unique barn and wish I could have taken more of the interior structure. However, no one was at home at the time to get permission.  Sometimes the interiors show how solidly they were built and also the unique grain and feed storage areas. In any case, I took several shots of this unique barn.

New Richmond (Erin Prairie Township, built 1914)

So I did discover that the highest concentration of round barns in the WORLD is right here in Wisconsin in Vernon County. There are 17 left in that county at last count, but previously the numbers of round barns were much higher in that area. Vernon County borders the Mississippi and encompasses a "driftless" glacial area and the terrain has gently rolling hills   There is also a very large population of Amish in the area so it is no small wonder that so many of the traditional round barns had been constructed in this area. Some of the barns are of newer construction, but the majority of them were built between 1890 and 1930.  Most of the barns were used for dairy farming.

Round barn in Vernon County Wisconsin

 Another round barn in Wisconsin that is worthy of note is found in northern region of Iron County near Hurley. It is located directly across from the Montreal River from Ironwood, Michigan. The round barn was built in 1917 and is an impressive structure made entirely from field stones.  Can you imagine the labor involved in constructing it? It is listed on Wisconsin's National Register of Historic Places.

Annala Round Barn in Hurley, WI. (Built 1917)

So remember next time you come upon a detour, both literally and figuratively speaking, a journey on that detour can sometimes bring new and thought provoking sights and experiences.  Happy Travels along the way on the Road less traveled.   Julie E. Smith

Midwest Travel Adventures: The SS Badger

 I have a wonderful longtime friend, Amy, who invited me to come for a visit to their family cottage in northern Michigan. From where I live in Wisconsin, it would be a loooong drive and of course that lovely loop around the bottom of Lake Michigan and Chicago traffic...ugh. However, Amy made the comment that there is a ferry that cuts across Lake Michigan, that might be an idea. Oh , my gosh and what a fun idea it was!  I got busy with the idea with several internet searches and then I got hooked on the idea. I formulated a game plan, and I booked my tickets!

I wasn't saving anything on travel time, but it sure made the travel more enjoyable and broke up the tedious time behind the wheel. If I had driven entirely by car, it would have been approximately 9 1/2 to a 10-hour drive. That time doesn't include meal stops, potty breaks and the evitable: "Oh, my Gosh I have to stop for a minute and get a picture of that...Wow!" People who travel with me know I am a real shutter bug; I can hardly wait to document the trip in photos. So, on the boat I could take as my photos as I wanted and did not have to worry about keeping my eyes on the road. The SS badger leaves from Manitowoc, Wisconsin and takes a scenic, leisurely ride across Lake Michigan and arrives in Ludington, Michigan about 4 hours later.

First and foremost, I love the name SS Badger! What a great tribute to the Wisconsin Badgers.  Upon my arrival in Manitowoc, I decided to go to the port and check out where I would be checking in for the ferry ride the next day. Originally, I was going to make the 4 1/2 jaunt across the state of Wisconsin and try to make it by 1 pm boarding time.  This was supposed to be a fun trip to eliminate stress, not create it. So with encouragement from friends, and my husband, I booked a hotel and would board the next day. Nevertheless, when checking out the waterfront I came across this fellow: a 14 ft. high Badger statue named: "Shipbuilder". The sculptor, Carl Vanderheyden, choose the name to pay homage to the long shipbuilding history in the city of Manitowoc. The fact that it is a Badger in the state of Wisconsin and right by the SS Badger dock...well that is an easy connection to make. It is an interesting statue, although a bit creepy if you look up into his eyes.   It's almost as if he is getting into attack mode.  Although makes for some great photo opps on the waterfront.

 

The SS Badger was originally built in 1952 for transporting railroad cars across Lake Michigan.  She is the largest Great Lakes car ferry ever constructed and is the only coal fired passenger steam ship currently operating in the United States.  After she began operating as a car ferry and cargo ship, car ferry traffic dramatically decreased, and profits declined. The Badger was sold to Michigan Wisconsin Transportation (MWT) company who in 1990 faced bankruptcy.  The ship's fate was rescued by entrepreneur/philanthropist Charles Conrad who purchased MWT and revised that mission for the Badger.  She was revamped to become a passenger focused ferry in 1992.   After transporting millions of passengers across the Lake, she was granted National Historic Landmark status in 2016.  Another tid-bit of information about the water route taken by the Badger, is that the route from Manitowoc to Ludington is officially designated as part of US Highway 10, so the ship completes a 565 stretch of highway spanning across fours states in the Midwest from Fargo, North Dakota to Bay City, Michigan. Not as impressive as Route 66, but nevertheless quite a long pathway.

 The system they have for loading the ship is truly amazing and streamlined. You check in, pull your vehicle up to a designated spot and leave your keys in the car.  This in itself felt weird, but they have a terrific system. Then they have a team of individuals on the "SS Badger Crew" that load all the vehicles on to the ship. That is quite an amazing feat, because this ship can hold up to 180 vehicles and also 600 passengers!  Frankly, the ship is so large and intimidating I was happy to have my vehicle loaded by experienced professionals. I have enough trouble lining my tires up properly in the carwash, much less going up the ramp and not into Lake Michigan! They looked to me like college students who had snagged a really good summer job. Young drivers, but when I was watching them...they did a great job and took great care with every vehicle. And with their bright orange vests it was easy to see that your car was not being taken by just "anybody."

Another bonus on this trip for me, in addition to seeing the beautiful scenery of Lake Michigan, I also got my "lighthouse fix" with great views of three lighthouse: one in Manitowoc, one in Ludington and one in Charlevoix. I enjoyed looking up the histories of these structures and once again marveling at the fact that there is a higher concentration of lighthouses surrounding the Great Lakes than any other place in the world. Which is not a surprise with over 10,000 miles of shoreline. As long as we are discussing lighthouses, it's also interesting that there are more lighthouses in the state of Michigan than any other state: 121 to be exact.

Manitowoc Breakwater Lighthouse
Manitowoc, WI.   

The first lighthouse I saw on this journey, was right in the harbor where the SS Badger resides on the Wisconsin side. Congress had appropriated $5,000 for the construction of a lighthouse at Manitowoc in 1837.  The original operated until 1877.  Construction of a large pier began when it was determined that a light on a breakwater was deemed more suitable. The Manitowoc lighthouse was re-built in 1918 and rises 50' high. It has an interesting design that wraps the lighthouse keeper's quarters around the tower. The previous structure had the tower and the lighthouse keeper residence separate.

Ludington North Breakwater Light
Ludington, MI.

After crossing the Lake on the Badger, drifting into the Ludington harbor I saw another iconic lighthouse: Ludington North Breakwater Light. When reading about the history of this Light, I found out why many structures are just called "lights" and not lighthouses.  Pretty logical explanation: no lighthouse keepers' quarters were attached. Simple enough, but I still have a tendency to call all such structures "lighthouses." At least now I know the distinction. 

The first Ludington light was constructed and lit in 1871. In 1924 the present tower was built with steel plates over a steel skeleton.  The unusual shape was designed to deflect the strong waves of Lake Michigan. With the SS Badger going in and out of the harbor, a summer tradition for folks is walking out on the pier to wave at the passengers passing on that gigantic boat passing by the breakwater. Conversely, as passengers we waved back to those on the breakwater by the lighthouse.  It just felt like mutual admiration and enjoyment of a tranquil, summer day.

The last lighthouse viewing, on this journey anyway, was not from the decks of the Badger, but worth an honorable mention: the Charlevoix South Pier Lighthouse.  My friend Amy and I travelled a little bit north to the city of Charlevoix. Charming little city with great shopping, cuisine and since the city is on Lake Michigan: a lighthouse! It is quite small, by lighthouse standards, but I think has a special charm.  It is owned by the city of Charlevoix, and it maintained and preserved by the Charlevoix Historical Society.  Originally it was built as a simple frame with a lantern on top.  In 1914 it was replaced with a sturdy steel structure and for years it was painted white.  In 1968, in addition to other refurbishing and restoration efforts, it was painted bright red as it remains today.

So many intriguing sights and adventures here in the Midwest!  I have always been a Midwestern gal; there is so much joy to be found right here in the Heartland.

Living on the 45th Parallel

It's funny how a simple activity, like trying a new restaurant for lunch, can spur a whole new level of conversation and pique my need to look into a topic further. Sometimes, it goes beyond: "Oh, this pizza is really yummy." Recently, my husband and I went to a local restaurant called the 45th Parallel. As you can imagine, the conversation turned to where we are living, on the 45th parallel, and why is that significant? More about this unique restaurant and distillery later...

 So at the forefront of our discussion was the fact that Yes...we are roughly, geographically living on the 45th parallel in this area of Wisconsin.  It is significant for several reasons. First of all, C'mon...it just sounds cool: I live on the 45th Parallel. Sounds like the making of a great Sci-Fi drama, in conjunction with Area 51. But more seriously, it is significant because it is generally the half way point between the Equator and the North pole.   The 45th parallel latitude circumvents the globe and passes through the northern part of the United States, Europe, Asia and both the Pacific and Atlantic. In the U.S., only 4 states lie entirely north of the 45th parallel: Alaska, Washington, Montana (almost) and North Dakota.

In my state of Wisconsin, and many parts of Michigan, the proximity to the 45th parallel has become somewhat of a novelty and to some extent...a tourist attraction. Perhaps not in and of itself, but when combined with a really great restaurant and/or bar you've got yourself an attraction.  In Cadott, Wisconsin (located northeast of Eau Claire in Chippewa County) the sign welcoming visitors proclaims their status on the 45th, and also is the town's official slogan: "Half-Way Between the Equator and North Pole". 

Those of us that live on the 45th parallel, in the Midwest anyway...know that there is more to the attraction then just a line on a map. The climate and the beauty of the terrain here makes even the winters not so terrible. There is nothing quite like seeing the snow blanketing the branches of incredibly tall majestic pines. I remember when we moved up here, our cousin Al said: "Welcome to God's Country" and I am sure he said something at the time about living North of the 45th.

45th Parallel marker,Wisconsin Historical Society

 

So markers informing travelers of their locations on the 45th parallel can be found from Maine to Washington. The oldest known 45th parallel marker is in Maine. Many of the markers in Wisconsin were placed originally in the 1930's by a newspaper editor by the name of Frank E. Noyes. Several of the plaques bear his name and date.  So interesting to see a part of history and know that your footsteps are becoming a part of that history. Here is a photo of one of those markers placed on Hwy 141, 3 miles north of Lena, Wisconsin. 

When I looked up information on the topic, I found that it is not just cartographers who are interested in this phenomena, but historians and even vintners. It is probably not a coincidence that some of the best vineyards in the world, both in the US and Italy, are along the 45th parallel. Apparently the climate along that part of the globe is conducive for establishing vineyards and other crops.  Not just grapes for wine, but also hops and grains for other fermented beverages.  That brings me back to how the thoughts on this topic got started: a terrific lunch at The 45th Parallel.

I had a brief talk with Paul Werni, the founder of The 45th Parallel in New Richmond, Wisconsin. I led with the question that is perhaps on many customer's minds: are we really exactly on the 45th Parallel right here?  Pretty darn close: about 7 miles from the exact latitude. Yet, Paul said that the only farm that they get their grain from, Rusmar Farm, for the distillery is only about 8 miles from here and the 45th Parallel runs right through their land. Cool. Paul also explained that when they opened, in 2007, there were only 50 distilleries in the U.S. Now there are over 1,600.

45th Parallel Distillery: New Richmond, Wi.

I'm hoping to go back again someday soon for perhaps a tour and hope to sample some of that "Richmond Rye" whiskey. Sounds great! When we were there, we just sampled the lunch menu, and did not have time for further sampling. Hope to go back when we have time to savor the flavor of a smooth bourbon by the fire. For more information on The 45th Parallel Distillery, check out their website at: http://www.45thparalleldistillery.com  In the mean time, I find the simple joy in knowing that I am one of the 4% of the population that live on (or above) the 45th parallel. CHEERS!

Julie E. Smith

 

 

 

 

 

Capturing a Memory of Warmth

Apple River Quilt Guild (from their Facebook page)

When the wind and snow are blowing, what a perfect time to be indoors with an indoor hobby.  Also a hobby that creates a practical item to use to keep that winter chill at bay: Quilting. I "dabble" in the wonderful craft of quilting, but my end products pale in comparison to some of the quilts I have seen at shows and also from friends & family that also quilt. Like just about any project or passion one decides to pursue....practice makes perfect. I am now starting work on my 5th quilt, and with each quilt I make; they do get better.  Five quilts is not many, as I said I only "dabble" but it is something fun that I enjoy.

After moving to Wisconsin, I became familiar with a quilting group in my area; the Apple River Quilt Guild.  I went to a show last fall and was blown away by the talent there. But instead of getting intimidated and discouraged by my lack of talent, it was truly an inspiration. The ladies there are so helpful to fellow quilters, and also folks just admiring the artwork; they are more than happy to discuss techniques and pointers. This is a quilt that is displayed on their Facebook page....so beautiful! I have had the opportunity to attend a few of their shows and they always are an inspiration! It's interesting to note that according to the Wall Street Journal, there are an estimated 21 million quilters in the U.S. So I have plenty of company in this "little hobby".

Quilts have a proud and honored heritage starting in Colonial America and earlier. Even before the Civil War, quilts were made by abolitionists to help raise funds and also raise awareness to abolish slavery. During war time, quilts were made to give warmth and comfort to soldiers.  In conjunction to assist the Underground Railroad, some believe that abolitionists hung quilts on the clothesline designating a safe house or directions for runaway slaves for passage to the north. An Iowa rest-stop has a building dedicated to explaining this use of quilts and there are ceramic tiles in the building that resemble quilt squares of that era. Check out my blog on this topic that includes the information about the Underground Railroad: Click on this link:   Iowa Roadways: Uncommon sight on a Common journey.

T-shirt Quilt pattern

So that 5th quilt that I spoke of is a "t-shirt" quilt for my son. He provided several of his old favorite t-shirts that he wanted to have "memorialized" in quilt form. I did learn, luckily before I got started, that t-shirts have to be stabilized with interfacing to they won't stretch and you can more easily work with the fabric. 

My husband, always the Engineer.... formulated a layout on the computer for the quilt. He used Microsoft Excel and graphed it  creating a handy-dandy chart to help us figure out "what goes where." Here's a picture of the final layout.  Its a very cool design, albeit kind of intimidating, but we have a good start on it.  As you can see it's a joint endeavor, so it will be a gift to our son from both Mom & Dad. My husband said he may even assist with sewing and assembly work. Truly a family heirloom. Wish us luck and when it's done, I will post a photo here. (but not until after my son sees it, don't want to spoil the surprise of how the end result looks...hoping it will be awesome!)

So we have all the fabric and other materials purchased for constructing the quilt, but every time I go to a quilt (and or craft) store I just can't help but Oooo and Ahhh at all the pretty colors, patterns and wonderful possibilities floating inside my head. Made me really laugh when I saw this meme...I bet every quilter in the world can relate to this! Happy stitching! JES

Oh Deer, Oh My!

"OUCH!!"

So one week ago, deer hunting season opened in my state of Wisconsin, and not only is it deer hunting season...it's mating season for those young "Bucks" and sometimes in their haste to find a mate, the results aren't so pretty.  About a week ago, our van was struck by a rather large buck as we were traveling about 60 mph on a Wisconsin county road. It was pitch black out and it happened so fast we hardly had time to react. He (about an 8 point buck) had almost cleared our van, to the other side of the road, but clipped our front quarter panel on the passenger side and knocked out one of the front head lights. Luckily, my husband and I were not injured and we could surmise that the deer was not killed (instantly anyway), he was not on the road and apparently had gone off into the woods. Now of course we count our blessings, it could have been much worse. Yet, it was enough to rattle anyone.

So with a little research, I found out Wisconsin ranks 4th as the state with the highest deer/car collisions. (Odd...seems to me like it should be #1, based on my recent experience) The top 5 states for deer/car collisions are as follows: 

1. West Virginia
2. Montana
3. Pennsylvania
4. Wisconsin
5. Iowa 

Of course these rankings vary from year to year, but these states usually make the top rankings.  A few years back, Wisconsin was ranked #7 and we have moved up to the #4 slot...Oh, Boy, lucky us.

According to State Farm Insurance,  while the number of miles driven by U.S. motorists over the past five years has increased just 2 percent, the number of deer-vehicle collisions in this country during that time has grown by ten times that amount.  Deer populations are growing and their habitats are being displaced by urban sprawl. Sometimes when their populations increase, the environment can't support the population and they subsequently starve or various diseases runs rampant. I am not a hunter, but I certainly can see how hunters can help to find a balance for this particular species. They are most definitely not endangered. Depending on where you live, this is a real problem with no easy solutions.  With respect to the collision problem, the most important thing is to be even more vigilant this time of year, especially at dusk and dawn. Yet, even being vigilant.....sometimes collisions can't be avoided.  Here are some important reminders and pointers that could maybe even save your life: (Published by GEICO insurance, Nathan Erb:)

When driving this fall, you should:

1. Watch for the rest of the gang. Deer are pack animals, and rarely travel alone. If a deer crosses in front of you, chances are there are more nearby. Slow down and keep an eye out for more deer darting across the road.
2. Timing is everything. Deer are most active at dusk and dawn: periods when your vision is most compromised. To add to their terrible timing, deer are on the move during mating season (between October and January) when you’re more likely to travel after the sun sets. Slow down and stay alert, especially after dark.
3. Wear your seat belt. It may not prevent a collision, but if the inevitable happens a seat belt can reduce injuries. This is especially true if you lose control and collide with something bigger, and more stationary than a deer.
4. Take a moment to reflect. First, look for the road signs. The yellow diamonds with the deer on it are placed in high-traffic areas for deer. You may also spot a deer because their eyes will brightly reflect a car’s headlights, making them easier to spot.
5. Stay Center. On a multi-lane road, the center lane is your safest bet for avoiding a deer collision, as long as your local traffic laws permit it. This gives deer plenty of space; and in case your vehicle does startle them, it gives you more time to react if one darts onto the road.
6. Stay the course. If you see a deer, brake firmly and calmly, and stay in your lane. Swerving could make you lose control of your vehicle and turn a bad situation much worse. Not to mention, deer are unpredictable, and you could swerve directly into their changed path.
7. Honk! Some experts recommend that one long blast of the horn will scare deer out of the road. Do not rely on hood whistles or other devices designed to scare off deer—studies have shown them to be largely ineffective at minimizing accidents.

So in light of what happened with our collision, sometimes circumstances like these are a perfect place for a little humor to minimize the sting. I came across this meme that really gave me a chuckle, you can almost hear the deer talking to you...Is that a threat buddy?!

               So drive carefully out there folks. Be Safe.             JES