I know that guy

“I met an aging old man on the banks of the Mississippi . His hat was old, his coat worn, his cloak was out at the elbows, water passed through his shoes; - and the stars through his soul.”

Endless Winter... or not

Rain and warmer weather on the way; getting out and enjoying the snow before it is all gone. Too bad as it is a good base; we could use another foot of snow to seal i those ChildWood memories.

Winter wonderland

Been off the last 5 days; still nursing myself back to health from a nagging cold. Did make it out to the Waterloo River basin a couple of times which was nice. When the lakes and river freeze over this becomes a great destination.
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Koa of course is by my side, what a great dog she has turned out to be; full of life tons of energy, I got lucky again when it comes to pets.
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Koa on the great stick hunt, finds one and tears it up on the trail; she really loves the cooler weather and the snow.
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More of Koa just running the trail; back and forth back and forth; ears always up and taking it all in.
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Dragged Mel and her kids out for a walk in the woods with Boo and Koa; 8 degrees, no wind, fresh snow, perfect! From left to right, Bill, Mel, Bailey and Marissa; Tucker in the foreground, Bill's dog. Fresh snow in the trees, like a winter wonderland; Koa's tearing it up on the trail, no time for pictures.

Lunar Eclipse Cometh

This coming Tuesday, the sun and moon with both appear at their darkest as the winter solstice and lunar eclipse occur at the same time for the first time in 456 years. Those in North America will be particularly well positioned to see the lunar eclipse.

A lunar eclipse is a bi-annual event which occurs when the earth blocks the sun's rays from hitting the moon. But, this is the first time in 35 months that a total lunar eclipse has been seen and is said to be the "best lunar show" until 2014.

The eclipse will begin at 1:33 am and last until 5:01 am EST, however the actual eclipse portion will last just 72 minutes, between 2:41 am and 3:53 am. During this time the full moon may appear a bright red or blood orange color.

The winter solstice, the "darkest day of the year", also occurs on Tuesday. The Earth's axial tilt moves the planet farthest from the sun, and the day is shorter.

The Capt'n

New look New name...

So I was checking out my PEAK Camp website trying to get things squared away for 2011 and it all went to **ll in a hand basket. So I moved on and developed a new look and name for our youth adventures for 2011- Check it out here at Project ChildWood
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The adventures live on - The Capt'n

VKM - Tip of the Mitt Adventure

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The Verlen Kruger Memorial is pleased to offer a new and exciting event called the Tip of the Mitt Adventure. This adventure resembles one you might do on your own or with a few close friends. Verlen often set out on mini expeditions such as this to experience waters and woods that he had yet to see, and to further his understanding of his surroundings and of himself. more....
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Mark your calendars boys and girls (Saturday, June 18, 2011 to Sunday, June 26, 2011) as this is truly a jewel of an event. Big Water Big Adventure ...Big Medicine.
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Route map - click here
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Registration opens in January!! - The Capt'n

We opted

for home made chili, cinnamon buns and a little **Christmas shopping vs. ice covered roads rain on the river and bliss; I question my decision after loosening the belt a notch, pending a trip to Waterhouse Bakery for pie and wine.
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** lugging coats gifts boxes bags from store to store to store to store for #2 daughter.

And I am still single, go fiigure

Rain - Priscilla Ahn

Hopefully an inspiration to my daughters to continue capturing the images that define our lives. - The Capt'n (Pops)

Scouting continues

Patrick headed down to do some scouting of the Wisconsin River yesterday to see what our options might be for a Sunday paddle. Just a tad thick at Arena.
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Water flowed farther south at the Hwy 14 bridge put in; with temps in the low teens (at night)continuing the remainder of the week, this too could get a bit crusty.
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Here is a shot looking down river at Blackhawk looking towards Ferry Bluff, it may be our safest and best bet for paddling. It appears farther up river at Sauk the Wisconsin river is running free of debris and ice
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Hwy 23 put in at Peck's Landing has too much shore ice; getting in the river OK getting out on thin ice not so good.
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One more pic of the put in at Arena, a favorite does not look promising; the open water (channel) has moved out from shore. Usually there is a good flow right at beach as the river turns right.
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Quoting John
Ice on the river. What is that all about? Sauk Prairie Canoe landing as well as Ferry Bluff is always a safe bet.
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I say we meet at Leystra's at 9:30am in Sauk for breakfast on Sunday the 12th, run a quick shuttle to Ferry Bluff, begin the trip at Sauk Prairie Landing, paddle however far past Ferry Bluff we want to go, and then paddle back upstream to the takeout at Ferry Bluff.
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With a fire, and lunch in between. This assures us of little ice, gives us somewhat of a one way trip (occasional upstream paddling builds character), and promises that we will be amply fortified with coffee and grub before we embark on this historic adventure. Any other thoughts? Thanks, John
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It looks like mother nature will be joining us, weather looks cold and snowy Friday and Saturday; I've done worse things then take a drive in the country to see a river of ice and snow; throw in a hearty breakfast, sounds perfect.
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All are invited, paddle at your own risk, dress for the conditions.
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The Capt'n

Winter in Wisconsin

The highly visible red pants are the bomb, the blue five and dime life jacket set this ensemble off.
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"Motley is the only wear" - William Shakespeare

oh my... outstanding

Digihitch

hitchhiking, rail & road travel -the site of subcultural movement - Click Here I am in an adventure travel mood -

Lot's of similarities here -"Into the Wild" and our recent Belize trip

Listening to Eddie Vedder, - Ah to pack it all in and start my own think tank. - I have become totally aware; live out those dreams.
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"So many people live within unhappy circumstances & yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, & conservatism...all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future.

The very basic core of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure."~Alexander Supertramp