Canadian National runs the Intermodal rail that passes through Chippewa Falls. It is rare to spot a train crossing the Soo Line Bridge, which was built in 1917. This one headed South across the river and turned East, perhaps towards Sault Ste Marie at the Michigan and Ontario border.

The full route map is on cn.ca. Photos Copyright 2020, Chris Spaeth. Creative Commons, BY-NC-SA.

Chippewa residents experienced heavy rain early morning, then lighter conditions until after two when another cloudburst and thunder began.

Update: Wednesday morning, the rain gauge had totaled 1 1/2″ for Tuesday.

Photos Copyright 2020, Chris Spaeth. Creative Commons BY-NC-SA.

While motor vehicles are still blocked from using Park Avenue, pedestrians are beginning to enjoy the new paved trail. A trail has connected Eau Claire to Hallie for years, but it stopped at Spickler’s Auto Salvage. Recent work has extended that trail all the way through Park Avenue, creating a connection all the way to Lake Wissota area trails and beyond.

Workers laid down cones this morning on Main Street. Expect detours if you travel in Frenchtown as roadwork proceeds.

Without the agriculture, rides, and live entertainment, this year’s festivities are focused on food vendors. It looks like cheese steak, deep fried grilled cheese, tropical drinks, and ice cream are on the menu.

Roxy’s Texas Outpost was serving food from 11 this morning at River Bend Winery off Business 29 in Wheaton and is scheduled to continue until 7PM. Following the road further will take you down a scenic route to a boat landing on the Chippewa.

Craigslist is listing a healthy number of thrift sales this weekend, especially on the West Hill. This is the year for fresh air events, it seems.

Arrow Precision resurfaced the parking lot near Aldi in Lake Hallie today. The process involved spraying a thin layer of blacktop on. The petroleum smell was inescapable.

Here is a post I shared in my local history blog. Check that one out too. https://chippewaphotos.wordpress.com/2020/06/25/enjoying-local-history-books/

Some dark clouds formed last night then cleared again bringing stifling heat and humidity overnight. Around 11AM, the clouds broke and the rain was released. By 11:30, it had mostly cleared, leaving comfortable conditions in its wake.

About 1/4 inch of rain fell.