Wisconsin Bound There We Went... (video added 10/24/14)

Clif was finally able to take his much needed vacation.  We headed north to Wisconsin leaving early Saturday morning at 4am.  We were able to make it all the way to Massac State Park on the Ohio River in Illinois by 4:00pm, set up camp, and head to 5:00 Mass just down the street.  After dinner, we ventured down to the river to see what activities might be happening.  Well, to our surprise, the barges were being moved even in the dark.  Clif's camera was able to brighten the picture to make out the activity.







I can't imagine navigating the Ohio River in the dark, but they were!  When we got back to camp some local campers were concerned that we, being from Florida, weren't prepared for the cold evening temperatures expected...low 40's.  I assured them we were.  Little do they know that we've camped in 19 degree weather in January in Florida.  Now THAT is what I would call cold!

When we arrived at Devil's Lake, we were surprised that Michael, Valerie, and Chloe had driven up to meet us there.  Michael helped Clif set up camp while I cooked dinner.  Chloe and Valerie enjoyed Patty Cake with Curious George that I had bought for Chloe while shopping with Diane in August.

I forgot I had taken a video of Chloe walking around camp.  She was taking it all in.  This was a first for her.

Monday we woke up to rain.  Our plans changed slightly as to where we enjoyed a 17 mile driving tour around the Devil's Lake area.  When we got to Parfrey's Glen, it had stopped long enough for us to get out and enjoy the hike.  The rain started minutes after getting back under cover!





It was a nice leisurely walk that went to nowhere in particular.



This is where the trail ended.



We spent time exploring Baraboo.  We ate at a small quaint restaurant called The Birdie's Nest.  The food there was AMAZING!  The workers had a case of the giggles.  The locals had asked them if they had digested laughing gas.  It made a dreary day cheerful.

When the rain finally subsided, out popped the sun.  We spied The River Walk Trail, and realizing the bikes were on the back of the truck we decided to bike the trail.  It was a beautiful ride.



You can tell by the name of the trail that it follows the (Baraboo) river the entire way.







Then back to the campground we went. 
We have to be those typical tourists, you know, the kind that stand by the sign and pose for a picture!



How's this for an entrance to a park?  What a gorgeous drive!





We decided to go ahead and make the most of the day by hiking the West Bluff Trail.  It would be a 2 3/4 roundtrip hike by connecting it to the lakeside trail.  The views were breathtaking.

Looking at the north end of the East Bluff.  The beach area below, and railroad tracks along the base.


 
Now looking to the south end of the East Bluff.

I sure am glad to see some sunshine!



You can rent canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, john boats, etc.







Pinnacle Rock



The glacier that came here some 18,000 years ago deposited glacial debris to form a moraine which is visible in this picture.  It is the lowered flattened land linking the two bluffs.



Coming around onto the lower trail, the rocks were the most beautiful lavender color imaginable.  I wish the camera would have picked up the true color.





When we had shown Michael the pictures we took, he asked, "there was a hiking trail through all that rock?  Who knew?!"  The picture views of the West Bluff from the East Bluff will show the landslides of rocks.  Imagine a trail made through that mess.

Tuesday we ventured on the East Bluff Trail to view Balanced Rock, The Potholes, and Devil's Door.  This hike was strenuous.  I was glad I had my hiking sticks.  Not a trail you would want to do if it's wet.  It'd be way too slippery.  Don't let this first picture fool you!





No, the trail didn't go into that cave.  It went along side of it to the right.
It's only a matter of time before this boulder goes tumbling down.



Just as you think the whole hike is rock, you happen upon a pretty wooded area of green.



The view of the rocks along the water's edge we hiked through the evening before.







We are trying to find the trail for the Balanced Rock. 


If it weren't for locals who came along, we'd still be looking.  Who knew it would be between a rock and a tree.  It was a smaller opening than I was looking for.



And there it is, the Balanced Rock.  Now for the climb down before we ascend back up the other side to the Potholes.




The many rocky steps we climbed up and down.











A view of Balanced Rock from below, and the rock rubble we hiked through!



And now for the climb back up to see the Potholes and Devil's Door.







All that to see this?  These are the potholes.



At least Devil's Door was a bit more impressive. 



We enjoyed our 2 days romping around the 2 bluffs.  We have had many more adventures, but posting will have to wait for another time when I have internet access again!  Visit the blog Oct 1 to see all our adventures. :)