Photo Blog with Waterfalls, Hiking, Outdoors, and other Adventures
It’s been a busy past few months and I was becoming irritated with my lack of adventure. Friday at work was slow, thunderstorms were giving way to clear skies, and I could sit still no longer. A last minute plan was hatched because that seems to be my modus operandi – and to be honest, trips … Read more
A short drive from the main Devil’s Lake State Park area (but still within the park) is Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area. Dedicated as the first state natural area in 1952, this is a popular family attraction thanks to easy access and a waterfall at the trail terminus. Traffic is very busy during weekends/holidays – … Read more
I woke early and left Mirror Lake State Park so I could get one last day of hiking in. After striking out at Devil’s Lake State Park due to huge crowds, I was hopeful that most families were heading home so I tried again – and was right. Although I didn’t have much time … Read more
After leaving Iowa, I headed back towards central Wisconsin. My initial thought was to hit up Devils Lake, but after finding swarms of people & lack of camping I decided this was a bad idea for my spontaneous agenda. Drove around for a while searching for smaller lesser-known areas but my cell service cut out … Read more
After making a mistake with campsite reservations at Wyalusing (and a less than restful stay at the last motel available), I woke early and headed to the Effigy Mounds National Monument in Harpers Ferry, Iowa. I didn’t know much about this park, but it was on my list simply to check off another nationally-managed area. … Read more
Next stop on my freestyle adventure was Wyalusing State Park in Bagley, WI. Located in the far southwestern corner of the state, this location is unique as it overlooks the confluence of the Wisconsin River into the Mississippi River. The state of Iowa is also visible from the bluffs. Weather was still very grey and … Read more
For the long Memorial Weekend, I set out to explore some local state parks, natural areas, and monuments. I originally intended to leave Friday after work, but heavy rains changed my plans. Instead, I woke early and started driving with no idea on the first destination other than a general direction of southwest Wisconsin. I checked … Read more
This past weekend, the weather finally graced us with temps around 70, sunny skies, and dry grounds. Took a day trip up to Kettle Moraine State Forest—Southern Unit for some much needed hiking. On the suggestion of a park ranger, decided to try the Nordic trails because they are less busy with mountain bikers today. I did … Read more
An hour away from Las Cruces on the way back to Wisconsin is White Sands National Monument. Known for its very rare almost pure white sand dunes, it seems almost out of place compared to the other local landscape. Interesting fact: at 275 square miles, it is the largest gypsum dune field in the world. … Read more
After several weeks of travel and about 5,000 miles driven, I arrived in Las Cruces, NM and reunited with my family. Took one day off to rest and prepare for the elk hunt season. My Dad drew a bull tag for NM unit 34 which is located in the Lincoln National Forest. Based on intel … Read more