The Gifts of Governor Dodge

Posted by C.J.

The “guys-only” camping trip to Governor Dodge State Park could not have been better. It was a quick trip–just a day–but it was the perfect length for getting a four-year old interested in camping.

DAY 1

David and I arrived at the park around 12:30, set up camp, ate a quick lunch and then went down to the Lost Canyon Trail to find Stephens’ Falls and the spring house. We spent an hour at the base of the falls, wading in the creek and gabbing. 

When our feet got sore from the sharp little pebbles that line the creek bed, we took a walk further down the trail. I’d never explored that area of the park before. I had missed out. The trail runs at the bottom of a ravine and criss-crosses the creek with simple wooden foot-bridges. In some areas, the creek is split by huge boulders. In others, fallen trees lie across the stream bed, making perfect balance beams for little boys. It was ideal…at least until David slipped off one of the balance beams and took a bath. Back to camp we went.

Campground, hot dogs, and s’mores rounded out the day and aside from a minor burn on the inside of my mouth (note to self: metal marshmallow skewers get hot when they’re placed in the fire), we enjoyed every bit of it.

The only downside to the day was that the raccoons in Governor Dodge were a bit, um, friendly. As soon as the sun went below the horizon, the coons marched into our site. In some cases, they’d walk within six feet of me to get to our food. Ultimately, it wasn’t a big deal; I put our supplies in the car and the raccoons went to pester someone else. A fine day.

Day 2 

After David and I broke camp, N. and the girls came down to the park for a picnic lunch and hike; they even brought our dog, Ana. We ate by the lake and then returned to Stephens’ Falls and the Lost Canyon Trail to complete our explorations. Everyone loved it. The kids and dog waded and then we walked the length of the trail. It was amazing.

Tired kids. Tired dog. Relaxed parents. A perfect trip.

 

 

 

 

Change of Camping Plans

Posted by C.J.

Okay, plans have changed. N. received a call on Friday from Devil’s Lake State Park’s reservation service that the park is officially closed due to flooding.

David and I had to find another park for camping this week.

Initially, I looked at Lake Kegonsa State Park, but I want our trip to be full of activities and Kegonsa doesn’t offer many, especially since the trails are mucky from the rain.  

Governor Dodge State Park, on the other hand, has a lot to offer. Since it’s set up high on a hill, the excessive rainfall hasn’t had much of an effect on the park. The lakes are a bit high, but the trails are usable. There are a waterfall and spring house to explore, and canoe rental. It’s a nearly perfect alternative to Devil’s Lake. Fortunately, there were a few campsites available for tent camping and I was able to reserve a site close to restrooms and showers. (That’s important when camping with a four-year old.)

The camping trip is back on!  

Raining on Our Camping Parade

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:

1. David and I have been looking forward to this trip for a month. We almost never have time alone as daddy and son.
2. 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.
3. Our most important plans include climbing on boulders and sitting around the campfire; neither activity should be affected too much by rising waters.
4. I have my own fantasies about sitting around a campfire with a book, headlamp, and a beer.

 Potential challenges:

1. Mud
2. Mosquitoes
3. Rain

Potential solutions:

1. Rain gear.
2. Bug spray.
3. 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.