For the longest time I drove past this area, daunted by the immense size of the marsh. Even with all of the nice road signs you still didn't know if you were going to have a nice dry hike. It is a marsh after all. If you were to have a staring contest with this marsh, the marsh would win. Back in the good ole days you didn't have a nature center with nice trail maps and bathrooms or a place to warm your bones.
Fast forwarding a decade or two and it seems that there is finally a proper visitors center; a warm place to share the history, buy trinkets, and to relax and regroup. And yes, a bathroom.
Showing posts with label Ice Age Trail. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ice Age Trail. Show all posts
Ridge Run Fawn
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| ©2016 Dawn Braun |
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.
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!
Point Beach Ice Age Trail - Two Rivers
Two Rivers (Manitowoc Cty)
Things I was smart about: wearing jeans and a sweater. Things that were not so smart: using sunscreen instead of bug spray.
Our trek started at Neshota Park in Two Rivers which is where we picked up the trail and followed it north for a long, long, long time. My companions were Leslie and Ron, Judy and Dan. They all were were in much better shape and I lagged behind for a good part as I stopped to take a few shots. Carrying a full bladder didn't help either.
The lunging garter snake was the best part of the trip. He/She was clearly protect
ing a nest (I don't know if male snakes even stay after the female lays her eggs, I doubt it).
Joining a hiking group presents a bit of a problem for me. My focus is no longer enjoying being outdoors, but to take photos - not just photos representative of where I've gone, but to improve my skill and to be creative with those pictures that will hopefully inspire others to visit. I don't think I can do both when hiking as a group.
This post is supposed to be about the Ice Age Trail, and not about my ramblings on photography. I will try to remain on task here on out.
Wheretofind: Heading east from Oshkosh, the drive was 1-1/2 hours, and there was constructions on Hwy 10 that sent us on backroads, which is nice for a Sunday drive, though not so fun when you are trying to meet a group of strangers at a place you've never seen before.
What to expect: Depending on how where you pickup the trail, you could easily hike 10 miles.
We started from Neshotah Park in Two Rivers and the distance to Point Beach State Park is just over 4 miles, then I believe we walked as far as Lake Dr, which is where Leslie's Prius was waiting for us to escape the mosquitoes. I tried getting a fix through Google maps. There are several places to hook up to the Ice Age Trail.
I joined the Fox Cities (Appleton) Backpackers Group, which is where I have leapt from the safety of my little day hikes to real hiking, with people even. Thankfully my first group hike was not an official group hike, but rather a day hike. An 8 or 9 mile hike (felt like 10 miles). Even while writing this the next day, my hips are on fire.
Things I was smart about: wearing jeans and a sweater. Things that were not so smart: using sunscreen instead of bug spray.
Our trek started at Neshota Park in Two Rivers which is where we picked up the trail and followed it north for a long, long, long time. My companions were Leslie and Ron, Judy and Dan. They all were were in much better shape and I lagged behind for a good part as I stopped to take a few shots. Carrying a full bladder didn't help either.
The lunging garter snake was the best part of the trip. He/She was clearly protect
ing a nest (I don't know if male snakes even stay after the female lays her eggs, I doubt it).Joining a hiking group presents a bit of a problem for me. My focus is no longer enjoying being outdoors, but to take photos - not just photos representative of where I've gone, but to improve my skill and to be creative with those pictures that will hopefully inspire others to visit. I don't think I can do both when hiking as a group.
This post is supposed to be about the Ice Age Trail, and not about my ramblings on photography. I will try to remain on task here on out.
Wheretofind: Heading east from Oshkosh, the drive was 1-1/2 hours, and there was constructions on Hwy 10 that sent us on backroads, which is nice for a Sunday drive, though not so fun when you are trying to meet a group of strangers at a place you've never seen before.
What to expect: Depending on how where you pickup the trail, you could easily hike 10 miles.
We started from Neshotah Park in Two Rivers and the distance to Point Beach State Park is just over 4 miles, then I believe we walked as far as Lake Dr, which is where Leslie's Prius was waiting for us to escape the mosquitoes. I tried getting a fix through Google maps. There are several places to hook up to the Ice Age Trail.
Ridge Run County Park - West Bend
Ridge Run County Park
Originally uploaded by WheretogoWisconsin
for directions and what to see the original post.
Yet another excursion to my little piece of heaven, my slice of serenity, my haven of happiness....*sigh*
It turned out that there was a special event happening this day at the Girl Scout Camp which meant no worries of trespassing and my flickr companion got a free lunch and my undying gratitude for coming with this crazy lady.
A 65 acre easement purchase made by the Ice Age Trail Foundation provided a protected pass through the Girl Scout Camp (ie, Camp Silverbrook) which traditionally was a No Trespassing Zone, which is also traditionally ignored. Reading a bit about the milestones of this hard fought project made this Oshkosh transplant proud
Today, our walk consisted of me trying to photograph the falling leaves, mossy rocks, light rays passing through leaves, and the various flora (alas, no fauna to be seen today) with some limited success. I wore out my hiking partner and returned to Oshkosh energized, and wanting more.
This trip reaffirmed my belief that I need to find those of my ilk who can return multiple times to a place and find different enchantments. My desire to guide is just as strong as the need to be guided and shown new places to explore.
Maybe they are out there, and maybe they are not. I will continue to journal my experiences and report my findings.
Ridge Run County Park - West Bend
West Bend (Washington Cty)
This has to be my most favorist park to go a-wondering (misspelling intentional). These days it is an hour drive, but it's worth every mile I traverse to get there. It is the first park that reawakened the explorer in me and every time I return it is a fond reunion.
There are a few warts; mainly the big ugly drainage tubes in one section. Some sections have pondscum and sludginess, traffic noises from the highway, but that really is the worst of it. The minute you hit the trail, all is forgiven. Trust me.
Wheretofind:
There are two entrances to this park, the most common is to take Hwy 45 to Hwy 33 west, then turn left onto University (Mobil Station on corner), park entrance is on the right before UW extension campus. Second entrance is on Scenic Dr. The Google map shows a connecting road through the park -- it is only for pedestrians and county park workers.
West Bend is also very near to Sunburst, which technically is in Kewaskum, which is really where you start when trekking the Kettle Moraine (note County Hwy S on your map). From here you can get to Parnell Tower, Long Lake, Mauthe Lake, Dundee, and some of the most beautiful scenic roadways in the area. Trying to find a map of scenic drives? Good Luck. DNR Page is utter crap. What I call crap is a 2-pg pdf scenic drive breakdown. For Pete's sake, someone had to write all that down. I feel sorry for that poor chap.
For you Gentle Reader, I have found a map from a Milw Journal (JSOnline) article written by Cliff Christl that shows a route from Milwaukee around the Northern Unit and also a route around the Southern unit.
What to expect: Popular for fishing, natural trails with rest benches, cross country ski trails and also for its sledding hill. West Bend actually has lots of sledding hills, being on the edge of the Kettle Moraine area. Nice shelters for large picnics, one with a fire pit, modern playgrounds, heated bathrooms. **Trail leads to Girl Scout Camp Ground and/or the Ice Age Trail, depending on which entrance you take. GS Camp is flagged with 'no trespassing signs' which is often ignored if you notice how worn the trail is.
This has to be my most favorist park to go a-wondering (misspelling intentional). These days it is an hour drive, but it's worth every mile I traverse to get there. It is the first park that reawakened the explorer in me and every time I return it is a fond reunion.There are a few warts; mainly the big ugly drainage tubes in one section. Some sections have pondscum and sludginess, traffic noises from the highway, but that really is the worst of it. The minute you hit the trail, all is forgiven. Trust me.
Wheretofind:
There are two entrances to this park, the most common is to take Hwy 45 to Hwy 33 west, then turn left onto University (Mobil Station on corner), park entrance is on the right before UW extension campus. Second entrance is on Scenic Dr. The Google map shows a connecting road through the park -- it is only for pedestrians and county park workers.
West Bend is also very near to Sunburst, which technically is in Kewaskum, which is really where you start when trekking the Kettle Moraine (note County Hwy S on your map). From here you can get to Parnell Tower, Long Lake, Mauthe Lake, Dundee, and some of the most beautiful scenic roadways in the area. Trying to find a map of scenic drives? Good Luck. DNR Page is utter crap. What I call crap is a 2-pg pdf scenic drive breakdown. For Pete's sake, someone had to write all that down. I feel sorry for that poor chap.
For you Gentle Reader, I have found a map from a Milw Journal (JSOnline) article written by Cliff Christl that shows a route from Milwaukee around the Northern Unit and also a route around the Southern unit.
What to expect: Popular for fishing, natural trails with rest benches, cross country ski trails and also for its sledding hill. West Bend actually has lots of sledding hills, being on the edge of the Kettle Moraine area. Nice shelters for large picnics, one with a fire pit, modern playgrounds, heated bathrooms. **Trail leads to Girl Scout Camp Ground and/or the Ice Age Trail, depending on which entrance you take. GS Camp is flagged with 'no trespassing signs' which is often ignored if you notice how worn the trail is.
Holy Hill - Hubertus
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| Photo credit: scillagrace.com |
A LOT of people come here as part of their Religious Pilgrimage. See how many different state plates are crammed into this area. A LOT of tourists are there as well, just to see what the hubub is all about. If visiting, please respect the services that take place.
This is also part of the Ice Age Trail,though finding a decent trail map was IMPOSSIBLE until interactive maps became available but the map to Holy Hill's access to the Ice Age Trail is easier.
On the bright side, one of the main attractions to Holy Hill is the enclosed tower. I have gone there a few times, and the view is quite majestic on the right days, the stairway is quite narrow and normally it is packed with people who are on the verge of passing out from either the heights or from claustrophobia. NOTE: The Scenic Tower is open daily May 1 to October 31
Hours: Sunday: 1:30 pm -- 6:30 pm Monday - Saturday: 9am - 6:30 pm
This area is nearby RUSTIC ROAD 33. While in this area, take a moment to check out:
Glacier Hills County Park (Washington Cty). This map is a brochure, but it seems to be the only place that shows a decent view of the park itself and the available trails. HERE IS A TRAIL MAP
Hogsback Road (Washington Cty). This is not a place to travel in winter, and as a passenger you will see cars at the bottom of ravines on both sides of the road. All 3 locations (Glacier Hills, Hogsback Road, Holy Hill are pretty close to each other and the link should show the path to each location).
Wheretofind: 1525 Carmel Rd, Hubertus, WI 53033
What to expect: Grottos, twisty roads shrouded in trees. One ginormous Church.
Ice Age Trail
(Washington Cty)
There used to be a map (black & white) that showed where the Ice Age Trail meanders through West Bend. Perhaps it was in the phone book. In searching for map links I was dismayed at what I found: the Washington County Parks board managed to completely avoid the other county park that has the Ice Age Trail on it: Glacier Blue Hills in West Bend. They don't even mention it on their County Parks Site. Maybe it's because there's no shelters to rent,no bathrooms, just a wild expanse of woods and prarie with a spring fed pond to boot. It's where everyone takes their dogs (and kids).
As a matter of fact, you can actually pickup the trail behind Pick-n-Save, corner of Hwy 33 and B and hike north, crossing roads Park Ave and Beaver Dam Rd (Jefferson turns into Beaver Dam Rd), which is where the parking lot for Glacier Blue Hills Park is.
** UPDATE **
After some serious hunting, I found the West Bend Chamber's site, which had THE best map of the park system.
This all illustrates why I created this site. I want others to actually find that places that I enjoy going to and to learn from others as well.
There used to be a map (black & white) that showed where the Ice Age Trail meanders through West Bend. Perhaps it was in the phone book. In searching for map links I was dismayed at what I found: the Washington County Parks board managed to completely avoid the other county park that has the Ice Age Trail on it: Glacier Blue Hills in West Bend. They don't even mention it on their County Parks Site. Maybe it's because there's no shelters to rent,no bathrooms, just a wild expanse of woods and prarie with a spring fed pond to boot. It's where everyone takes their dogs (and kids).
As a matter of fact, you can actually pickup the trail behind Pick-n-Save, corner of Hwy 33 and B and hike north, crossing roads Park Ave and Beaver Dam Rd (Jefferson turns into Beaver Dam Rd), which is where the parking lot for Glacier Blue Hills Park is.
** UPDATE **
After some serious hunting, I found the West Bend Chamber's site, which had THE best map of the park system.
This all illustrates why I created this site. I want others to actually find that places that I enjoy going to and to learn from others as well.
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