2013 – Northern Loon Travelogue

Devil’s Lake Campout

Devil’s Lake, WI – October. Tim and Eileen in their new RV camper, the Trail Cruiser. Rich and Lori in their new camper, the Sun Ray.

Devil’s Lake was interesting this time of year. The trees were at the start of full fall color, the weather was cool – cold at night. Our campers were both purchased this summer and were little used, so we’re still trying to figure them out.

This park has four major campground areas, three of them were closed for the season. When we arrived on a Thursday, our area was sparsely populated. It was quite a surprise to see how it totally filled up by Friday night. Several boy scout troops helped in that regard. Lots and lots of tents. Lots and lots of very large RV trailers. A few vintage campers, one from the 30’s. A very old Airstream. It’s fascinating to see what people show up in.

We hung out in our camper both nights, cooked up great meals, laughed it up and played cards. The Trail Cruiser hi-fi system made its debut to great fanfare.

On Thursday we hiked the western trail that took us high over the lake. The sun was out, the weather great.

The second day was much colder and cloudy. We drove to Parfrey’s Glen and hiked back in about as far as we could comfortably go. It’s spectacular in there. The hike starts out on the flat, along a small stream. The trail wanders along on both sides of the stream, which required multiple crossings. Apparently there used to be more bridges and wooden structures to make things easier, but a major flood washed them away and they weren’t replaced. Now it’s every hiker for himself. The trail enters a slot canyon and it’s hand over hand for a bit before it ends abruptly.

Memorial High Homecoming 2013

Photos in the Holmes living room and backyard:

Pier Natural Bridge Park – Richland County

A friend told me about this small county park, located 5 miles north of Richland Center. Said you could camp there. So on the way up to LaCrosse with my nephew Jeremy, we detoured away from Highway 14 to look at it. It’s a small’ish park, with a few larger grassy fields, an outhouse, a covered picnic table structure. The salient feature of this park is a narrow (< 100 yard) rocky ridge that runs north and south, for a mile or so. It’s like the Great Wall of China. The Pine River, barely a stream here, cuts under it at one point, causing this stone wall to form a “bridge” of sorts over the water.

There’s a general store at the entrance, and it’s old. We checked into the particulars of camping. $5.29/night, it goes without saying that there’s no electricity. When I asked where the designated camping spots were, the gal brightly informed that “anywhere you can stick your camper or tent” is just fine. The official Richland County web site says “six camping spots”, but if everyone cooperated and crammed in, you could probably put several dozen RV’s in there.

Aside from the price, the appeal of this site is that it’s situated in what is hoped to be hundreds of miles of new territory that’s good for bicycling. Then of course, there’s the tremendous nightlife potential of Richland Center itself.

Here’s the pictures:

Farmers Market – Madison WI

The Walls, the Goodes, and associated hangers on made their dramatic appearance at Farmer’s Market on the Square, on a beautiful fall day.

Click picture for complete photo gallery.

Spildie visit Sep2013

The Hippy came for the better part of a week. He had “time on his hands”, what with his recent and total retirement from the Federal service. These shots were at the Capitol Beer Garten, and the one that moved into Ale Asylum’s old location – can’t remember their name.

(click thumbnail)