Wisconsin area events, Tigerton next!!!

4/15: After the group broke away from Potosi Point we all kind of did different things with most people heading back to camp for festivities. I didn't want to be anti-social, but also I wanted to finish the southern-most TWAT section since I'm right here. Daylight was waning and the forecasted evening rains were coming in hot. One mantra given to me by my grandmother was the phrase "DO IT NOW" and I always have that echoing in my mind. So when in Rome (or southwest Wisconsin), DO IT.



On the other hand, now that I've done it I can say there isn't too much to see down south. The area immediately south of Potosi are nice but it changes into your typical midwest farmlands and only one or two parts are even gravel. Worth doing to say you've done it, but now I did it and that's done. At least according to the map/GPX that I have saved, the TWAT ends at a historical marker called "Point Of Origin". This is where all surveying for the state of Wisconsin started in 1832.



Across the street is the "Welcome to Illinois" sign.



More clouds rolling in. I was running out of time quickly. Decided to push it even further and come back on the Iowa side to see things I haven't seen before, including a spring fed cascade-style waterfall at Big Springs Nature Park. IA-3 to US-52 isn't a bad drive.



That was the end of my sunlight, time to head back to camp. Followed the Great River Road north and just as I was about to cross back into Wisconsin a couple of juvenile white tails helped me test my brakes/soil my pants/consider buying a new front bumper.

Not pictured: Back at camp the rain really started coming down and we saw a large fire in the distance which someone said was a forest fire. The rain appeared to help put it out. Food, drinks, and fire at the pavillion. Slept like a baby with overnight rains tapping on my camper shell (everyone else seemed to sleep well too). Cold weather Sunday morning had everyone leaving early, a couple of us continued on side-quests as the snow crept in. 80 degrees to 20-30 degrees in 48 hours, Wisconsin springtime is drunk.

 

I did the lower part up to Cassville hardest part was following the signs but it was scenic. printed out the turns and my wife tried to navigate not her strong suit

 

Yep definitely scenic, classic midwestern farmlands and rolling hills never go out of style. Following printed instructions would be tricky even with someone else watching them, much easier having the route saved from the GPX file into Gaia.

 

4/16: Breakfast with remaining TW crew at Huckleberry's in PDC, then ran the Wisconsin River Overland Trail (WROT) thanks to the route Tim had previously shared. No photos from the first part, I was just enjoying things. Started off with @McSpazatron leading with @rubbersidedown before they broke off at Boscobel to head home north of the river on WI-60. They had already seen the rest of this route but I didn't so I continued on solo. Lower Wisconsin River areas are quite scenic but the snow rolled in and ruined most of my photos. Still had lots of fun especially the roads nearest the river. Some are closed, some are overrun with high water.





Couple good spots for photo shoots if that's your thing. How will they know I crawl beyond the mall if there is no photo evidence? Those spots with the large log piles have HUGE puddles to blast through. It helped wash off (most) of the dirt/mud from Saturday's adventures.

 

4/16: Somewhere around Spring Green the snow really kicked into gear. Honestly I'm not even mad. I've driven through here plenty in summer and fall, but the snow cover gives flavor to the otherwise bland leafless spring landscape.



Around the time I crossed the Wisconsin River up to the northern section it officially turned from springtime back into winter. I always enjoy driving in this area, some of the twisty backroads through the bluffs are some of the best in the state. It's better to do in a sports car when it's warm, but I didn't have enough sunlight to take this easy so it turned into something of a time attack.



Already shared a video (see this post) of the muddy Ranch Road section. The snow wasn't letting up, but I did find a couple spots for more 'Gram shots now that I had acquired new mud and ice.





And I finally figured out how to park at an angle rather than taking head-on photos. In the words of Derek Zoolander "I turned left!"



I had not previously inspected the route for the WROT but it ends at Baxter's Hollow (well, not officially but I have previously seen Sauk Prairie Rec Area and it's boring IMHO). I'm a big waterfall seeker and usually the creek here is but a trickle. Today it was rushing and full of life thanks to the rain/snow, and that results in a multitude of rapids, small falls, and all sorts of fun things to look at. I only had minutes to snap photos before the sun was gone. I had the place all to myself which is not typical for the location. Wish I had more time for a hike!





My full trip distance from door-to-door was 856 miles. Quite a lot for just 3 days time, but pretty typical for my ADHD fueled pushing-too-far type trips lol.



This ends my photo spamming for now haha. Might have a few other photos or GoPro timelapse but for now that's the bulk of things. Was a great trip and glad to see all the old & new faces, can't wait for the next trip in June!

 

Awesome shots all around. For the record I like the shot of yours straight on the bridge.

 

More video, one more to come:

https://youtu.be/VPbSs7A5PJk

 

Benny Hill was riding along.

https://youtu.be/_V2_wTCBthE

 

Last one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bmoy6pqLJE

 

Hey, y'all.

I'm thinking about staying in the usual area in June. I thought about the UP, but there's too much to squeeze into 2 days. Maybe next year we can shoot for a longer weekend and make it work.

Anywho; I'm considering some different campsites for June 9-11, depending on how many people are coming. They're "primitive" sites, so there's no real bathroom. I put up a new poll to see what I should plan for. If the majority want an outhouse, we'll probably do Bearpaw again.

Please vote if you're thinking about joining us.

 

Looks like we have an adventurous group for June, so far.

 

Not sure if I can make it in June or not. I found a new use for my truck. Helped out while quartering a cow the other day.

 

Drawn and quartered? Damn!

 

Yep. So a 1650 pound cow is a TOTALLY different thing to deal with than a deer lol!! Looking forward to helping out with the butchering in a couple weeks. Good learning experience

 

You can find a way to make it.
Bring steaks

 

The other day I drove by some cattle smoking weed and playing poker. Guess the steaks were high.

 

First time I've seen a cow hanging from a tree.

 

It’s just like a deer. Bigger tree though.

 

Where I grew up you hardly ever seen a deer hanging in a tree.