Posted by C.J.
[Note: This post was written on June 12, but not published until June 15, two days after we received word that Devil's Lake State Park is closed due to flooding.]
I’ve been looking forward to camping with my son, David, for weeks. I made reservations at Devil’s Lake State Park last week and then started mapping out our activities in my mind: set up camp, take a short hike, climb on boulders, walk through Parfrey’s Glen, return to camp site and start a fire, eat hot dogs, roast marshmallows, and so on. As it turns out, though, Wisconsin has been slammed with rain. Lake Delton in Wisconsin Dells (about 20 minutes from the park) broke its banks and drained into the Wisconsin River; flooding is rampant; and parts of Devil’s Lake State Park are under water.
And on top of it all, the rain just keeps on coming down. We’re expected to get more storms today and tomorrow. None of this bodes well for a positive camping experience. Nevertheless, we’re going. Here’s why:
- David and I have been looking forward to this trip for a month. We almost never have time alone as daddy and son.
- Our camp site is far enough away from the lake that it should be dry, even if it’s mucky in other parts of the park.
- Our most important plans include climbing on boulders and sitting around the campfire; neither activity should be affected too much by rising waters.
- I have my own fantasies about sitting around a campfire with a book, headlamp, and a beer.
Potential challenges:
- Mud
- Mosquitoes
- Rain
Potential solutions:
- Rain gear.
- Bug spray.
- Rain gear.
If it gets really messy out there, we can go into town to eat and carouse.
Our trip is still going to be a winner.
