Weekend Recap: Finding Balance

Charlie and I stayed home this weekend. After too many weeks in a row of traveling and hiking, we were both worn out and ready to rest and relax at home. Of course this doesn't mean we layed around on the couch watching t.v. and eating ice cream all weekend! Well, I guess there was some laying on the couch and t.v. watching, but we did venture out to our favorite park and even walked downtown to catch some of the live music happenings! Charlie loves a crowd and eats up the attention like a starved dog.

The weather, though unusually cold and drizzly, was ideal for lazy afternoon naps and baking comfort food.

I visited the Woodson Art Museum to check out the new additions in the sculpture garden and luckily the rain held off until I was safely back in the car on the way home!

We had a long, relaxing hike around the trails at Big Eau Pleine County Park early Sunday morning where Charlie stretched her legs, running full speed down the trail. She's been such an angel on our leashed hikes lately and I wanted to reward her good behavior on this one trail that I feel comfortable having her off-leash since we typically have it all to ourselves. Even though it was cloudy and threatening rain, the woods were beautiful. We even saw a "dragon"... see if you can spot it in the photos below!

Hope you all had a great weekend with your fur-kid too!

Wausau's BIG Weekend

View of Wausau's Rib Mountain from across Lake Wausau

This upcoming weekend is known as Wausau's Big Weekend because there are just so many events going on! I really should have posted something about all the events sooner, but somehow time has just been getting away from me lately! Anyway here's a list to recap the BIG events:

• Balloon and Rib Fest
• Chalkfest
• Canoe Slalom Nationals & North American Championships @ Whitewater Park

The Raptor Education Group, Inc. of Antigo is bringing some of their rehabilitated birds (owls, hawks) to Rib Mountain State Park for an up close look on Saturday. Also, there's a Kids' Fishing Derby taking place at Bluegill Bay Park on Saturday. And I'm sure there are a ton of other small events and happenings going on in the area this weekend. I noticed quite a few of the downtown shops already having little sidewalk sales to take advantage of visitors at the Chalkfest on the 400 Block. And if you happen to stop in to Downtown Grocery while you're checking out the chalk art downtown, make sure to pick up a bag of Kanine Kitchen dog treats (shameless self-promotion!). The Farmer's Market on River Drive will be in full-swing and the Gateway Market is sure to have a bunch of food vendors and booths set up too.

It's going to be a visitor's paradise this weekend with so much to see and do. I'm still not sure where Charlie and I will be though... we may just head out to some trail or campground to escape the crowds instead.

Whatever your pleasure is, summer is in full swing here in the Northwoods and there is definitely something to do for everyone! Enjoy your weekend people!

Charlie in the sprinkler

Conditioning Hikes: Rib Mountain State Park & Sylvan Hill Park

As Charlie mentioned in her last letter to Dudley, we've been doing a bunch of conditioning lately, working up our endurance for longer trail hikes to come. Since I think I've mentioned a few times previously that I work a regular day-job Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm, this leaves us with little time to hike during the week. Our long hikes that require travel time are reserved for weekends only. So we've "resorted" to training on the trails available within the Wausau area... and I say "resorted" as a kind of joke since Wausau is full of some pretty awesome trails!

Currently we've been alternating between Sylvan Hill Park and Rib Mountain State Park. Both have their own particular challenges and pack a great workout in very little time. Rib Mountain offers a total aerobic workout as we traverse the rock-strewn terrain up and down the top of the mountain - and the view isn't bad either. Honestly I just love the rocky trails! This park has so much to offer that I'll have to reserve an entire blog post to cover it all.

Sylvan is very wooded with little spring-fed streams running down the hillside, giving us some wet/muddy terrain. The cross-country ski trails switch back and forth across the hillside providing a good aerobic workout. And although the trail is pretty wide and flat, there are still rocks and roots to add a little challenge. Charlie is constantly on alert watching for deer and squirrels in the woods and her hiking efforts are often rewarded with a quick swim in Jim Moore Creek at the bottom of the hill.

We've adjusted to dealing with the mosquitoes but have noticed the biting flies are starting to emerge; just another challenge to conquer. I met a man wearing a "Bug Shirt" at a park last weekend and immediately got online to order one for myself - I can't wait to try it out! (Watch for a product review once it arrives!). We have some pretty exciting trail trips coming up that I just can't wait to share with you.

*All photos were taken at Sylvan Hill Park.

 

 

Got any good tips on "conditioning" hiking spots in Wisconsin? Where do you go to get fit in the outdoors?

 



Sociable Charlie

Charlie and I headed down to the 400 Block in Wausau last night to enjoy some live music. (Note: the 400 Block is our city's name for the grassy square with entertainment stage and tables located downtown - a real gem for our small city). Throughout the summer months, Wednesday night Concerts on the Square are hosted by Wausau Area Events. The turnout for these concerts is HUGE. And also, dogs are not allowed on the square during those events.

But sometimes live music is provided during the 400 Block's Market Place Thursdays during the noon hour and continue again at 6pm. Those are the nights we choose to go listen to the music since the crowds are considerably smaller, and dogs are allowed.

I hooked Charlie up to her Ruffwear Roamer leash and found an open table where we had a good spot to people-watch and listen to the band. I set up Charlie's portable canvas water dish and played some food games with the baggie of dog-kibble I brought to keep her occupied, running through her repertoire of tricks and voice commands and then just letting her chase the kibble as it bounced across the sidewalk.

We had gotten rain earlier in the day but this night there were only distant clouds rolling around in pretty shapes and shades of grays and whites. Even though the temperature readout on the Grand Theater's rolling graphic display said it was 83 degrees, the northerly wind on the shady side of the block felt much cooler; simply divine after the heat and humidity we'd dealt with throughout the past week. It was a beautiful evening.

And Charlie behaved like the sweet little lady she is. She greeted every person that passed by with tail-wags and kisses, if they let her. She played with children in the grass, although I think her true motive was to try and steal their ice cream, and she brought smiles to everyone she met. She wasn't afraid of the people in wheelchairs that approached her for some love, instead she climbed right up into their laps so as to reach them better for kisses. You have no idea how proud I was of her. Absolutely glowing.

Ice Age Trail: Dells of Eau Claire Segment

So Charlie and I hiked this section on June 1st for National Trails Day... but I forgot to write a post about it! Life gets crazy sometimes... but then you get caught up! June 1st was also my birthday so even though I've hiked parts of the Eau Claire Dells Segment several times, I wanted to finally finish hiking this section all the way to the end. The weather was a combination of intermittent sun with ominous dark clouds and we were supposed to have isolated thunderstorms. I wasn't going to let a little rain keep me away from hiking for the whole day so we headed out anyway. The good thing about bad weather is that the trails were pretty deserted and we only ran across a few people - surprising for this popular park!

About 1/4 of the way down the trail, it started sprinkling a little bit. It was a very peaceful, light rain and I barely noticed it under the canopy of trees. The leaves were dancing with each rain drop and I felt like I was in a tropical forest. The mosquitoes flew away to their hiding spots to avoid the rain and the rest of the hikers disappeared. Charlie and I continued on.

There has been quite a bit of rainfall lately and the forest was getting lush. There were tiny rainwater pools on rocks and along the trail - perfect breeding ground for more mosquitoes, and the Eau Claire River was roaring. I think a lot of people turn back to Dells of the Eau Claire Park when they reach the "actual" beginning of the Ice Age Trail segment. The terrain gets a little steep along the riverbank here, but the views are really pretty. At this point, the rain was getting a little heavier and I could hear distant thunder. Charlie and I continued on.

The rain was really coming down now and I was wishing I had a hat and rain jacket. I realized I was not properly prepared for this weather, but we were already all the way out there and now had to hike back. Thank goodness the mosquitoes were hiding because all my bug spray got rained off. The thunder got closer (and louder) and I was glad that I had Charlie on her Roamer leash because every time she heard a loud crack she tucked her butt and rain forward like she was about to bolt into the woods. Even though we were getting soaked, the woods were still magical and I absolutely love the uneven terrain filled with moss-covered boulders and intertwined tree roots.

We hiked back as fast as we could; I knew Charlie was getting miserable - she hates to be wet, unless she's swimming. My hair and clothes were soaked and my boots were covered in mud, leaf debris and pine needles. We crossed over some cool little rock bridges with rain water washing down the hillsides.

Charlie paused long enough for me to snap a picture of her next to a giant tree sitting on top of ancient rocks overlooking Sandberg Island before I had to put my camera away to prevent water damage.

We emerged from the woods looking like two wet dogs - soaked from head to toe - and as we approached the parking lot, the clouds cleared and the sun peaked out. On the drive home we even saw a rainbow. Pretty perfect birthday hike.

Best Outdoor Activities Town: WAUSAU!

How cool is this?! Wisconsin Trails online survey results awarded Wausau with the #2 spot for Best Outdoor Activities Town! Since Wausau is the home of Hiking With Heather, I couldn't be happier! And it is so true... outdoor activities are abundant here. I love how they mention the Ice Age Trail... which will be the focus of my upcoming guided trail hikes. Charlie and I are heading up to the Turtle Rock Segment tomorrow!

Check out the other towns on the list here.


Excerpt from list on www.WisconsinTrails.com:
2. Best Outdoor Activities Town: Wausau
Name an outdoor activity and it’s highly likely you can do it in Wausau. Skiing on Rib Mountain, kayaking on the Wisconsin River at Whitewater Park and hiking the Ice Age Trail are just the tip of the, ahem, iceberg when it comes to enjoying Wisconsin’s outdoors here.

“Tons of parks, Rib Mountain, snowmobile trails, fishing in Lake Wausau and the Wisconsin River, kayaking championships. And, there are a lot more green areas than other cities.” – Mark Ninnemann, Ringle

“I can paddle a kayak and catch a musky or a walleye in the same place!” – Andrew Plath, Wausau

“From downhill skiing at Granite Peak in the winter to boating and kayaking the Wisconsin River in the summer, there is always something to do. The area also offers great whitetail hunting and fishing opportunities.” – Ryan Plamann, Mauston

Runner-up: Eagle River

Leash Hike: White Water Park

Barker-Stewart Island

Due to Charlie's blatant disregard for recall commands during yesterday's hike, I decided we would do a leash-walk along the Wisconsin River's River Edge Parkway today. We headed out toward downtown Wausau around 11:30am, merged onto the River Edge Parkway behind the Eye Clinic and went across the foot bridge to Barker-Stewart Island to do a lap around the trail and take a moment to watch the river as it lazily flowed past.

Remnants of original saw mill on island.

 

Train bridge on West side of island.

View of pedestrian bridge and downtown Wausau from East side of island.

After our lap around the island, we headed back to the River Edge Parkway and continued under the Scott St. bridge and behind the Marathon County Public Library where the dam for the White Water Park is located.

 

River Edge Parkway under Scott St. - hydro dam to the right.

Once we got behind the library, there's a short set of stairs that take you below the dam where kayakers enter the water at the top of the course.

 

Descending the stairs to the kayak launch platform below dam.

 

On the kayak launch platform looking upriver towards dam.

Charlie especially enjoys this spot to take a break, get a drink and explore along the shore. From here we crossed the street and headed down towards the White Water Park.

 

 



The River Edge Parkway continues along behind the seating area for the White Water Park and all the way down to Isle of Ferns Park. The picture below shows the beginning of the white water course as well as distant Rib Mountain and Granite Peak Ski Area in the background - with snow still on the slopes!

 

 

Ground seating along white water course.



Newly remodeled viewing area along course.

Here's a short video of the babbling water flowing over the boulders, followed by an impatient *BARK* from Charlie:

 



 

We got a little further down the trail when "nature called" and apparently the bathrooms are not open for the season yet, so we turned back and headed towards home, taking the Parkway through the undeveloped gap where it reconnects under Bridge Street. I had to steer Charlie around piles of broken glass, garbage and boards with nails sticking out of them... tempted to let her off-leash to run but too worried that she'd hurt herself on something.

 

Abandoned buildings along future expansion of parkway trail.

Once back on the trail, I started watching for river otters. I had spotted a pair of otters in this part of the river last year and am always on the lookout for them. Instead, I saw a dead deer in the water. What is it with finding death on all our walks?! Just a part of nature, I guess.

 

 

Charlie was really tired after two hours of walking. I was ready to go longer and just might go out again this evening by myself. It's been awhile since I've been on a solo walk (without dog) and think it might do me some good to have time to myself, untethered.





Snake!

Charlie came upon a snake sunning itself on the blacktop path tonight. This isn't the first snake she's seen, but she showed more curiosity toward it than she has in the past. Don't worry - they're completely harmless (garter snake).

The Wisconsin River is still high, making pretty swirls in the water as it flows past quickly. Charlie wasn't much in the mood for swimming tonight; just wanted to play with the grass and twigs submerged along the shore. And of course, the bouncy ball...

Such a sweetheart.

Rib Mountain State Park

I went to look at a house for sale today - possibly wishful thinking - and decided to head up to Rib Mountain State Park since we were in the neighborhood. Tons of people were walking up the pedestrian trail along the road to the top - some with strollers, some with dogs, all of them with smiles! It's so nice to be out enjoying the warm weather finally!

You might be disappointed to find that I did not take any pictures of our hike today; I know I am. I had the camera along, but there was still ice and snow on much of the trail system, combined with the rocky terrain and having to keep Charlie on a leash, there was no way I could take pictures. Charlie was off-leash for quite a bit of our hike because it was just too difficult for me to hold the leash while trying not to slip or fall. But there were also parts of the trail where I was totally grateful I had the leash to hold onto and a dog strong enough to help pull me up! We had a great time and can't wait to go back when the snow is truly gone.

Charlie was surprisingly well-behaved staying on-leash which leads me to believe she is finally out of her bratty "teenage" puppy years and has become a well-behaved best friend. Looking forward to many more happy hikes this summer!

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.

Spring Thaw Flood: Picnic Island Park

Since the dam in downtown Wausau is wide open, we headed over to Picnic Island Park this evening to see how the spring thaw is affecting the Wisconsin River.

 

 

Charlie nearly gave me a heart attack when she decided to go swimming in the swirling, churning water! The current was strong enough to cause waves crashing on one side of the island! Luckily she's a strong swimmer and stayed close to shore, but I decided to move our game of fetch a little further inland so she wouldn't be tempted to try again.

Greenhouse Therapy: Down To Earth

Sticking with the theory, "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em," I decided to combat the winter blues with a visit to our favorite local greenhouse on this dreary Sunday morning.

It's chilly, damp and snowing again this morning, but we were greeted with the smell of damp earth and sweet petunias as we entered the greenhouse at Down To Earth Greenhouse in Wausau. If you're looking for a place to uplift your spirits and reconnect with gardening, this is the place for you! When they say "Welcome to paradise in Wisconsin," they're not kidding. I'll let the following pictures speak for themselves.

My hair frizzed out from the humidity inside the greenhouses and I had sweat dripping down my back... a welcome feeling when you emerge into wind and snow. Charlie was patiently waiting for me in the Jeep. Such a sweetheart. We'll be off for a hike this afternoon, braving the weather again. But seriously, if the winter blues are hitting you hard, head to your local greenhouse and be revitalized - it really works!

Click here to view the full photo tour on Flickr. (The faerie gardens were my favorite). Enjoy!