Ridge Run Fawn

Taken May 2016

©2016 Dawn Braun

Last weekend  I went hiking with my brother in law at Ridge Run Park and the Kettle Moraine Ice Age Trail that runs along the west side of the park.

Of course we trespassed through the Girl Scout Camp  In all honesty it's the only way to make the trip worthwhile.

Twenty years ago it was a well maintained county park with a ranger and his tastefully painted log cabin style home. Well groomed paths lead to private picnic areas with a fire ring. I recall one of the main shelters had a pay phone of all things.

Over the course of time the landscape has been drastically changed and in January 2016 Ridge Run was made into a city park, the only to accept dogs. Leashed of course.

In earlier days this was where I attempted to teach self reliance to my kids, from how to find the car, to peeing in the woods and avoiding poison ivy.   We leapt after frogs, caught tadpoles, skipped stones, and whistled through a grass reed.

You know, the stuff that country folk do to while the time.

Also at Ridge Run there is a good chance that you will see a deer and it's even more rare to come across a fawn.  This little guy was just off the ice age trail, very well tucked in between fallen tree limbs.  My brother in law, who was in front, completely missed him. It just so happens that vision between women and men are completely different and I'm sure I spotted the fawn by sheer biology.

Speaking of the Ice Age Trail, would you like to see the online map?  There is an effort to have a continuous trail throughout Wisconsin and so far they have done pretty good at keeping their promise as best as they can.

Wheretofind:

There are 2 entrances to Ridge Run (map): 

Back of Ridge Run:   Travel Hwy 41 to Hwy 33 East and turn right at the first set of lights which is N.Scenic Drive W until you get to a severe curve where Wheat Ridge Lane is and turn left down the single lane road (Wheat Ridge Road) and follow it to the parking lot.   Ahead of you is a newly constructed subdivision with retirement condos.  Just note that Wheat Ridge Lane Road ends at the parking lot - the connecting road through the park is a walking trail only.

Front of Ridge Run:     Travel Hwy 41 to Hwy 33 East through 2 lighted intersections.  Turn right onto University Drive where the Mobil Gas station is and the entrance to Ridge Run is just before UW-Washington County entrance is.  Driving ahead there is a playground - continue and the road will wind down to the main parking lot.

Ice Age Trail Parking:  From Hwy 45, exit on Paradise and head West through a pretty busy shopping district, even through the 4 way stop at 18th Avenue which is the corner of Aurora Clinic,
West Bend Mutual Insurance and the West Bend Cemetery.  Continue heading west on Paradise and just after you pass the cemetery grounds the parking lot is on your right

What to expect: A pretty busy park and lots of great trails.  This park is large enough where you can find a quiet trail.  There are modern bathrooms now on both sides of the park. LETTERBOXING LOCATION!