Where to paddle after work? The water was high so we decided to head out to close-by Cherokee Marsh to explore a residential area where few people paddle. Continue reading Cherokee Marsh residential tour – farther than ever
Wingra Creek – A Nice Paddle Despite the Duckweed
Another paddle between two lakes in Madison. The water can get too low or too much algae but on this day it was good enough for the likes of us! Continue reading Wingra Creek – A Nice Paddle Despite the Duckweed
Turtle Creek (Pandemic reconnaissance)
We traditionally paddle a section of Turtle Creek near Delavan, but a Facebook Group got us wondering about other eastward sections. We set out to see which launches would be good for us quiet paddlers. Continue reading Turtle Creek (Pandemic reconnaissance)
Bass Creek launch (Rock River confluence recon)
We tried many times in the past to find Bass Creek from the Rock River but never located it. When we saw a social media post that there was a Bass Creek launch point, it was time to invetigate. Continue reading Bass Creek launch (Rock River confluence recon)
Yahara between the lakes
She got a new kayak. Then she got a broken foot. Finally the bone was healed enough that she felt ready to load her boat on the car and join us for a short paddle. Continue reading Yahara between the lakes
Uturned! Blockage on the Bark
We planned to paddle to the confluence of the Rock River but a duckweed / muck area made us turn around from whence we came. Continue reading Uturned! Blockage on the Bark
Duck! Starkweather Creek with high water
With temperatures in the upper 70’s and a big rain a few days ago, conditions seemed ideal for a paddle on Starkweather Creek. Continue reading Duck! Starkweather Creek with high water
Paddle around Astico Park – first time
Inspired by posts in the Facebook group Paddle Wisconsin, we decided to try parts of the Crawfish River we hadn’t realized were canoeable. So, after researching various options on wisconsinrivertrips.com, we set out for Astico Park near Columbus for a no-shuttle paddle and a bit of recon on a warm sunny late June afternoon. An added bonus – we can get there in about 40 minutes from Madison, as opposed to the minimum 1-hour drive required to get to most places we paddle.
After a 40 minute drive via US 151, we arrived at Astico County Park entrance off County TT. We drove through the park before launching and noted that it was quiet and not crowded. This was a Wednesday, and we wondered if the situation would be quite different on a weekend with more people and more beer. We made note of some scenic picnic sites for future reference – perhaps a mid-week picnic dinner and short paddle in the early fall.
Rock River Kaul Park to Kanow Park
For our third paddle of this pandemic year, we chose the Kaul Park to Kanow Park segment of the Rock River near Ixonia which we had not done for several years. Continue reading Rock River Kaul Park to Kanow Park
Wick’s Landing to Old St Marie Road
This paddle was a little shorter than we expected, but it made for a nice leisurely paddle an a beautiful clear day. We were eager to try it – first time this route. Continue reading Wick’s Landing to Old St Marie Road