Belleville Spillway

Belleville Spillway - Common Water Snake on rocks near falls

Final stop from Memorial Weekend day trip was the spillway at Belleville Community Park. I thought it had an actual waterfall for my checklist but I read incorrectly – this is an all man-made spillway.  Oh well, still kinda neat. Best part was the extraordinarily friendly & social snakes (northern water snake, Nerodia sipedon).  These little … Read more

Big Spring Creek Cascades

Big Spring Creek Cascades - View from above

Big Spring Creek in the small town of Highland, Wisconsin contains a fantastic cascades/waterfall just a short hike from the parking area.  Also goes by the name of Big Spring Branch waterfall and other variations.  This creek is well known for class I/II trout fishing, and the spring itself is fed from an underground river. … Read more

Nelson Dewey State Park

Nelson Dewey State Park - Mississippi River in the distance

The plan for today was just a quick daytrip with short hikes.  After Belmont Mount was a bust, I tried my luck next at Nelson Dewey State Park.  Just picked up a new Forester so any good excuse for a drive will do. Much like Belmont Mound, this site only has about 2 miles of … Read more

Belmont Mound State Park

Belmont Mound State Park - Observation tower views

Had some free time on Memorial Day weekend for a short day trip.  Decided to head southwest and start at Belmont Mound State Park.  This is a small park & State Natural Area operated by the local Lions Club. Main feature is an observation tower that still stands but has been permanently closed by the DNR … Read more

Wade House Historic Site

Old Wade House - Kingsbury Breweries Co carriage

Winter is taking forever to wrap up in Wisconsin.  I was getting a little stir crazy and decided to check off another stop on my Wisconsin State Park list by visiting the Wade House Historic Site. (technically this is a former state park but much like Pokemon I gotta catch ’em all). During summertime there are … Read more

Mount Charleston

Mount Charleston - Snow flurries intermittently falling at top of Mary Jane Falls hike

One final full day in Nevada.  Decided to check out the Mount Charleston area if for no other reason it will be a good primer for future visits.  Honestly though I don’t need any logic to pick a place like this: mountains, waterfalls, and within a national forest.  It checks all the boxes. Vegas area was … Read more

Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon - Panorama Views

Headed back towards Vegas to get cell reception for funeral arrangements & ended up not needing to cut the trip short.  Was already past Pahrump so decided to stay close to Vegas.  Camping was done for now but booked my best AirBnB to date (seriously if you’re solo check for a listing called “Vital Vegas”, … Read more

Death Valley – Golden Canyon

Death Valley - View down Golden Canyon near base of Manly Beacon

After leaving Devils Golf Course, I had time for one last hike before having to make my way back towards Vegas (in case the funeral calls for an early flight).  Took a quick look at the map and continued my sampling of the Badwater Road destinations by checking out the Golden Canyon hike.  Temperatures were … Read more

Death Valley – Devils Golf Course

Death Valley - Devils Golf Course

Heading north away from Natural Bridge, the next stop at Devils Golf Course offers no hiking but does offer some spectacular views. Why is it called the Devils Golf Course?  The jagged surface made of halite salt crystals are so rough, a historical NPS guide book stated “Only the devil could play golf” on its surface.  … Read more