iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 2h

Data center impacts Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. This is near where I grew up. We are talking to David Crowley about this issue and he sees the light. youtu.be/TDiApWbaKf0?...

youtu.be

Beaver Dam, Wisconsin | When a data center comes to town

YouTube video by Wisconsin Conservation Voters

010

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 9h

As I hiked in the rain yesterday I saw this flock of turkeys cross the trail in front of me. It took me a few seconds to get the phone out and get the camera on them. By then they were a ways back in the woods. #hiking

051

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 19h

Was cool and rainy this morning, but hiked 6 miles. You want to be a backpacker, you have to get comfortable hiking in the rain. Used poncho instead of rain jacket. Poncho fits over my backpack. And with the rain jacket I do the 'old man can't get his arms in the sleeves routine.' Comedy gold. ;-)

111

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

I met David Crowley at a community meet-and-greet last night. Seems like a real nice guy. I met people who know him personally, friends of my sister, who say he is just a good man. If you live in Wisconsin, vote for him for Governor. Let's end the insanity! #voteblue

163

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Don't like talking to computers? Don't do it. Today I wanted to cancel my wireless internet. The guy at the store told me I had to call customer service first. Called and got a computer. I just repeated 'agent, agent, agent' several times. I got an agent. AI computer BS? Just refuse to use it!

020

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Sarah Godlewski discussing Crowley/Godlewski proposals for strict state wide regulation of data centers in Wisconsin. In this clip she explains why NDA's between big tech companies and local officials should be outlawed. Vote David Crowley for Wisconsin Governor and Godlewski Lt Governor, Nov 3rd!

041

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

I hiked 6.5 miles in 2.5 hours today without a break. Good workout. Also got in some good practice with the Avenza hiking app, which I am evaluating for future backpacking trips. #hiking #backpacking

040

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

A pair of swans enjoying the peace and quiet of the Black River State Forest in Western Wisconsin. I got out there for a couple of hours yesterday.

041

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Rumor is Cranfest draws almost 150,000 people over its 3 day run every September. That's a lot of cranberry fans. It draws people from as far away as Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois to Warrens, Wisconsin, population 544. #cranfest

031

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

A little cranberry jubilee at Cranfest. :-)

030

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Walking around Cranfest today in the heart of Wisconsin's cranberry country. There are thousands of people here. I was doing a bit of people watching when I suddenly realized that everybody my age is old! Like...when did that happen?!!

020

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Today is the annual trek to Cranfest with the better half. The entire town of Warren's Wisconsin turns into an open air market. Always the last full weekend in September, Friday thru Sunday. Cranberry coffee, cranberry fritters, cranberry jam, cranberry wine, cranberry brats... :-)

030

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

My son and his friends embracing the great outdoors, as we packed up to leave the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, last week. A good time was had by all!

141

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Our home sweet home last week in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Upper Peninsula of Michigan. No electricity, wood stove, no water (we filtered water from the lake), and 2.5 miles from the trailhead, with no wheels of any kind allowed. But for us, better than any luxury resort.

040

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

This is my favorite video from our trip to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park last week. You have to look closely at first, but there was a beaver swimming across the lake. When he saw us he gave us the annoyed beaver tail splash dive. Video taken from a canoe that comes with the cabin.

171

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Just sitting around enjoying the evening at Mirror Lake, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, last week.

040

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

The back country cabin was a welcome sight after my 12.5 mile day hike last Wednesday, in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Upper Michigan. My son and his friends were almost ready to launch a search party. :-) #hiking

071

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

The Porcupine Mountains in Upper Michigan are mostly woods and hills. But you do come across some pretty little clearings like this one, about 2 miles from the end of my 12.5 mile day hike last Wednesday. #hiking

040

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

A half mile north of Lake of The Clouds, I descended to the Big Carp River where it leaves the lake. I then followed the North Mirror Lake Trail up and over a REALLY steep ridgeline. No switchbacks. Just up. Toughest part of my 12.5 mile day hike. Porcupine Mountains, Michigan. #hiking

070

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

My first view of Lake of The Clouds as I hiked up the escarpment from the south on the Big Carp River Trail, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Upper Peninsula of Michigan. #hiking

3121

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

My first view from the top of the escarpment after hiking up from the south on the Big Carp River Trail, Porcupine Mountains, in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. You can see a corner of Lake Superior in the distance. #hiking

041

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

As I hiked along the Big Carp River I came across a campsite with a metal bear-hang pole. It was bent down, with no sign a tree might have fallen on it. A quarter mile up the trail I found another campsite with a bent pole. I'm thinking a bear bent them, trying to get food bags. #hiking

230

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

I had one river crossing during my back country day hike on Wednesday, but the water level was very low and the crossing was easy. It was the Big Carp River in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Upper Peninsula of Michigan. #hiking

060

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

About 2 miles into my back country day hike Wednesday I came across this black bear winter den. Doesn't it look comfy? Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Upper Peninsula of Michigan. #hiking

041

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Swans moving to the other end of Mirror Lake, Porcupine Mountains, Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Wednesday morning of this week.

271

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Swans trumpeting Wednesday morning...Mirror Lake, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. What a great way to start the day. #hiking #backpacking

041

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

It was a windy but beautiful day as we hiked to Mirror Lake in the Porcupine Mountains in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Tuesday of this week. #hiking #backpacking

060

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Before our hike into the Porcupine Mountains for a couple days of fun and relaxation we stopped at the observation tower atop Summit Peak. It was windy up there, overlooking Lake Superior! #hiking #backpacking

061

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

We're driving home from 3 days at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It was a great time! Videos to follow.

160

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

I am happy to see the hiker gone missing on Isle Royale (in Lake Superior) for over a week has been found alive and rescued. No details yet. I will be interested in learning exactly where he was on the island and what happened, especially since I was there exactly one year ago. #hiking

010

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Been trying Avenza as my new hiking app. Like it so far. I've used AllTrails up until now, but I think the user interface on Avenza is much better and it seems easier to create a custom route. I'm just finding it more intuitive to use. May not have all the lesser know trails though. #hiking

041

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Even though I didn't post them all, I've been hiking! Today I did 5 miles in 2 hours. Saw a flock of ducks playing and splashing in a kettle pond. Got them on video just as they moved further back on the pond, flapping and quacking. #hiking

051

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Goldenrod along the trail today. Hiked 6 miles in 2 hours 12 minutes. It was hot and humid again. I've hiked 3 of last 4 days, total 16.5 miles, all in the same unwashed hiking clothes. Had to stop at a store on the way home, and people were looking at me funny. Can't imagine why. ;-) #hiking

140

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Saw this bald eagle surveying his kingdom a half mile out of my small city in southeast Wisconsin yesterday. When I was a kid, this was unheard of. There were only a few rare eagles on remote lakes up north. Banning DDT aided their comeback. Government can do good things...if they want to.

041

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Today I hiked 5.5 miles in 2 hours, mostly in the rain. Came across this giant widowmaker. It wasn't there yesterday. No doubt came down in the wild thunderstorms this morning. I have seen and heard trees like this fall in the woods. Loud! If you were close, it would be terrifying. #hiking

1111

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Back home from the Upper Peninsula, I hiked 5.1 miles in 1 hour and 49 minutes today. When I was younger I would jog most of this route. Those days are gone. It was hot (85 F, 29 C) and very humid. #hiking

060

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

A few days ago I hiked a section of trail not well traveled and, well, its definitely sticktight season here in southeast Wisconsin. Anybody know an easy way to get these things off? :-) #hiking

5131

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

I want to express my appreciation to the city of Munising, Michigan, which provides two EV chargers at its City Hall parking lot. This made my recent visit to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore with my Chevy Bolt EV possible. BTW, I now have over 95,000 trouble free miles on it. #ev

171

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

My last day in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, I walked 5.5 miles from Trappers Lake Campground to my car at the Little Beaver Lake Road Trailhead. I hiked 35 miles over 4 beautiful days. Trails were mostly easy and relaxing. #backpacking #hiking #picturedrocks

1131

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

My last evening at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. I was at Trappers Lake Campground, and it was amazing. #backpacking #hiking #picturedrocks #lakesuperior

0131

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

One of the things I like about hammock camping is it gives me a comfy 'porch swing' to sit in and relax. Here was the view as I swung in my hammock after my 11.5 mike hike to Trappers Lake Campground, in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. #backpacking #hiking #picturedrocks

1112

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

My 4th and final campsite while backpacking last week was on Trappers Lake, a pretty little inland lake in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. It was a great campsite! #backpacking #hiking #picturedrocks

2252

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Wednesday of last week, after walking 11 miles, I went down to the beach to collect water from Lake Superior to filter. Then I just relaxed in a shady spot for a half hour before walking the last half mile inland to my campsite. #picturedrocks #backpacking #hiking

091

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Last week Wednesday I hiked 11.5 miles from Au Sable East Campground to Trappers Lake Campground in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Most of this was on the North Country Trail alongside Lake Superior. #backpacking #hiking #picturedrocks #lakesuperior

081

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Apologies to indigenous peoples of the Great Lakes region of North America, and to Canadians in general, but especially those who live near Lake Ontario. Our American president has clearly lost his mind.

051

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Almost forgot to mention that before I turned in at Au Sable East Campground at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore last week, I took a bath and did some laundry. My spa room was beneath a bluff overhang on Lake Superior, with Grand Sable Dunes in background. #backpacking #hiking #lakesuperior

0110

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Last Wednesday morning I packed up and began walking back west. I stopped and had breakfast at the Au Sable Lighthouse. The bluffs in the background are the Grand Sable Dunes. Huge! I had no idea they existed until I rounded that point the night before. #backpacking #hiking #picturedrocks

050

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

After setting up camp at Au Sable East Campground last week, I took the short walk back to Lake Superior to marvel at the Grand Sable Dunes. I had no idea they even existed until I walked around that point the evening before. Amazing! #backpacking #hiking #picturedrocks #grandsabledunes

041

Raymond Schrab @raymondschrab.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Of my 4 night trip to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Au Sable East Campground was the most challenging. Sites were small and close. Mine featured the path to the group privy passing directly through it. So I pitched my hammock down the hill a bit to give me some privacy. #backpacking #hiking

070