River Bed Exposed: Dells of Eau Claire River

Even though we had a somewhat wet start to the summer, the last two months have been unusually cool and dry. There was a warm snap last week and will be another one next week, but still no significant rain. The only upside to this lack of rain is that water levels in the rivers are low enough to expose new scenery. This is a really good time to explore area creeks, streams and rivers to see parts of the shore that are normally submerged and an opportunity to discover new treasures!

We ventured to Dells of the Eau Claire County Park yesterday to explore the shoreline and hike one of our favorite (and nearby) segments of the Ice Age Trail. Here's a little photo tour for you!

 

Charlie found LOTS of sticks along the shore.

Charlie found a snapping turtle - luckily no one got injured!

My favorite "walking tree"

 

I love the striations on these river rocks.

Someone left a mini-Stonehenge on this rock slab.

"Mom, can we PLEASE swim some more???"

Hike, Interrupted

I got my first bug-splat of the season on the Jeep windshield while on our way to Big Eau Pleine Park for our morning hike...  guess that means it's finally spring! I decided to bring along my mom's overweight chihuahua, Peanut... which ultimately turned out to be a bad idea.

Still working on learning camera settings!

Peanut was already tired out by the time we got there because she excitedly whined and paced during the entire 25-minute drive. Whatever energy she had left, she used up in the first 5 minutes of racing around the parking lot, and she basically dragged ass the rest of the hike. The trails were in great shape and I was really looking forward to a good, long hike. Migrating birds were in full song along the marshes, there was a warm breeze blowing, and the sun was shining through partly cloudy skies.

Charlie, as always, made the best of her time and gleefully raced through the woods, bounced along the path, chased geese, went swimming and played a game of fetch all by herself. I'm so grateful that all our hikes keep her in shape so she can enjoy the most of the outdoors!

I alternated carrying Peanut and letting her walk on her own and we took a couple breaks to get a drink of water, yet I knew we were not going to be able to go too far. About a half-mile into our hike, I turned around to see she had decided to head back to the parking lot! There she was wandering down the path all by herself. I guess she'd had enough; I should have known better.

Peanut heading back.

Late afternoon, Charlie and I decided to go explore Dells of the Eau Claire Park - this time, just the two of us. However, the trails were still covered in ice and snow despite the warm temps over the past few days. Wearing just tennis shoes and capri pants, I was up to my ankles in snow. Needless to say, we didn't get far - again.

Alas, with the warm weather returns tick season. I found one crawling on the couch where I had just napped an hour earlier. I took Charlie into the backyard, brushed her and then applied her tick medicine. Tomorrow's another day and hopefully we'll have better luck on the trails. In the meantime, I'm feeling "ghost itches" everywhere from tick paranoia! Ugh, I hate those buggers.

Dells of Eau Claire: Fall Flashback

The temperatures this week are way below zero with wind chills too cold to speak of. Charlie and I will not be doing any extensive outdoor activities this week. Since we're limited to indoor playtime for a bit, I thought I'd post up some pictures of our hikes at Dells of the Eau Claire River from earlier this fall. Enjoy the flashback and remember warmer weather will be here before you know it!

And a short video of the river:

Dells of the Eau Claire River County Park

This hidden gem located about 30 minutes East of Wausau is one of our favorite hiking places. A short (and scenic) drive provides miles of beautiful hiking trails, most of them completely deserted. I prefer hiking on quiet, secluded trails away from people and noise. And while this is a popular destination for both locals and visitors, there are still plenty of trails that are off the beaten path.

Hiking is a time for me to escape the hustle and bustle of the city life and let my mind wander without any distractions. Quiet is essential for my creative thinking and I look forward to these hikes all week long. Thoughts of the fresh crisp air and the snow crunching under my boots are what keep me sane during the long work-week. Saturday morning is the highlight of our week ~ and Charlie refuses to let me sleep in for long. She knows that when my automatic coffee pot doesn't go off, it must be Saturday, and the hiking is about to begin!

The falls were quiet today, although you could hear the water gurgling through the small openings here and there. Sound was so muted that I felt like I was transported to another world. You could almost imagine that you were hiking in a forest in the Pacific Northwest... just the smell of pine and clean air.

Here's a link to a great map showing the hiking trails:  Dells of Eau Claire Hiking Trails

*Another bonus about making the drive is that we can stop at the Owl Ridge General Store on the way home for some treats and baking supplies. Click here for directions and hours.