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
Galleries
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
Jaeger Park to Fish Camp County Park / Lake Kegonsa
First paddle of the 2020 season was on a cloudy, slightly breezy afternoon in the 60’s. It was a good opportunity to spend a pandemic afternoon with friends, since social distancing was easy. Continue reading Jaeger Park to Fish Camp County Park / Lake Kegonsa
Yahara River Upstream from Fish Camp (first time)
We decided to take advantage of a spectacular fall afternoon and explore a nearby section of the Yahara River that we had not tried before. The entire Yahara River from Lake Waubesa to Lake Kegonsa, including Lower Mud Lake, is no-wake. We didn’t come across any boats that were scoffing at the no-wake rule – very relaxing. Continue reading Yahara River Upstream from Fish Camp (first time)
The Opposite of Last Week’s Sugar River Paddle
Last week we paddled the Sugar from Albany to Sweet Minihaha Campground with hundreds of tubers. This week, paddling upstream from Avon Bridge (Station #5) and back, we had the river to ourselves.
On a beautiful early September Saturday, we decided to check out another segment of the Sugar River Canoe Trail. Continue reading The Opposite of Last Week’s Sugar River Paddle
Dodging the Tubers on the Sugar River 2019
The day was sunny, in the mid 70’s with little wind when we paddled Sugar River Station 11a to 10. We knew we would share the river with some tubers, but we underestimated their numbers. Fortunately, they were well-behaved for the most part, even though a lot of alcohol was being consumed. One set of tubers had an inflatable bull to ride. Continue reading Dodging the Tubers on the Sugar River 2019
Fox River Ice Cream Bridge to Lock Road (park)
Due to various factors, our third paddle of 2019 was in August. The water levels had been high and that was reflected in the park. It was quite a wet field with some standing water remaining.
A couple of changes at the put-in: Continue reading Fox River Ice Cream Bridge to Lock Road (park)
Recon: Murwin Park no – but Janesville landing yes
Post-paddle reconnaissance: we scouted a potential trip from Murwin County Park on the Yahara (at Caledonia Rd and Co Rd H) to a public landing on the Rock River at River Rd just north of Highway 14 in Janesville. Continue reading Recon: Murwin Park no – but Janesville landing yes