tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023199280765844252024-03-05T04:40:00.909-06:00Wisconsin WildsDawn @ Wisconsin Wildshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553686312351146188noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-402319928076584425.post-38512271741760907502019-02-12T09:00:00.000-06:002019-02-12T09:00:12.615-06:00Show Us Your Books - January<br />
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Well, back at the beginning of the year I set myself a challenge to read 12 books this year. Yeah, pretty low compared to others, but I fell out of the habit. I rediscovered Goodreads and signed up for the challenge. Goodreads has been a great help in tracking the books I read. Hopefully, I will also get some great recommendations based on what I read when my reading list final dwindles down a bit. To keep track of what I want to read I have been using the library website to keep a running list of things I want to read. The greatest thing with this is it enables me to see what is in at my library, what I can order in from another library, and what books have holds on them. <br />
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Currently, I have been trying to split my reading between one fiction book and one non-fiction book each month. So without further delay here are the ones that I have read in January:<br />
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<b>FICTION:</b><br />
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<b>Slaughterhouse 5 by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.</b>- Never was intrigued about a book that was banned before until I read the synopsis of this one. It was a little crazy, but I did enjoy it. It was also a rather quick read. After reading it, I can understand why people would want to ban the book. There were some pretty derogatory comments towards things/people.<br />
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<b>American Gods by Neil Gaiman</b>- I discovered this book from a list that stated what book goes with or was based in your state. I enjoyed the references to landmarks and the culture of Wisconsin that was in the book. A little weird compared to my normal reading selections. There is also a series on Starz based on the book. It takes the strangeness of the book to a new level. Needless to say, we will not be finishing the TV series.<br />
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<b>The Marriage Lie by Kimberly Belle</b>- First book club book of the year. I enjoyed it. It was an easy suspense read with some fun twists and turns. I did not think it would end as it did. Needless to say the whole book club was like "what?!?" related to the ending.<br />
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<b>FICTION SHORT STORIES QUICK READS:</b><br />
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<b>The Sleep Tight Motel by Lisa Unger - </b>Really enjoyed this quick read and did not realize the ending.<br />
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<b>The Tangled Wood by Emily Raboteau - </b>Thought the author did a great representation of things that go thru someone's mind and the torture a family vacation can be.<br />
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<b>NONFICTION</b><br />
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<b>Yes Please by Amy Poehler - </b>Did not finish this one. It was just not my cup of tea. If you are an Amy Poehler fan and want to know how she came to be in her career then it may be for you.<br />
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<b>Make Your Bed by William H. McRaven - </b>Make your bed and you have at least one accomplishment for the day. A nice little motivational book in which the author relates his time in the Marines on how to succeed in your day to day. <br />
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<b>COOKBOOKS - </b>Why spend money on them if you are unsure if you love enough recipes to justify the purchase, check them out at your local library.<br />
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<b>Thug Kitchen: The Official Cookbook: Eat Like You Give A F*ck by Thug Kitchen, LLC.: </b>This cookbook was hilarious plus had some great recipes in it. If anything check it out for the quirky antidotes.<br />
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<b>Cravings by Chrissy Teigen - </b>This cookbook has now given me what will be our go-to tuna casserole. Delicious. Forewarning the recipes are to be a little spicy.<br />
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<b>A Feast of Ice and Fire: The Official Game of Thrones Companion Cookbook - </b>Now I didn't grab any recipes out of this one. It was fun to look at and see the recipes that the authors associated with each of the Game of Thrones regions. Plus, they would have a time period recipe and then the modern take on the recipe (just in case you weren't down for some weirdness on your plate).<br />
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<b>CURRENTLY READING: </b> "The House of Broken Angels" and "Furiously Happy" plus checking out "The Siracha Cookbook"<br />
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Well, January turned out to be a great month for reading now to hope that I can carry the momentum throughout the year.<br />
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Linking up with Steph and Jana:<br />
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Dawn @ Wisconsin Wildshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553686312351146188noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-402319928076584425.post-51693183264847798222019-02-11T18:59:00.003-06:002019-02-11T18:59:17.941-06:00Whats New with you...Life Lately<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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January oh January...you started out bringing in a snowstorm to our wonderful state of Wisconsin and left on a very frigid note. I must say that was very cold-hearted of you. Needless to say that with the cold and snow there really wasn't much excitement to report for the month of January just a lot of hanging in the cozy confines of our home. Here are some things that did manage to happen:<br />
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Busy Bee: Yoga classes started up for me once again after the December break. Also, the library book club was back as well. The art and craft classes at the library continued. Weekends were chill and spent at home.<br />
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Watched: With being snuggled up at home, I finally finished season 7 of American Horror Story and Shameless came back to Showtime. The hubby and I also decided to binge watch the Ted Bundy series on Netflix. Truly amazed at how one very scary individual can escape numerous times.<br />
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Planning: January saw me planning out my fitness plan for the month/months ahead. The plan is down on paper and I tried out a new fitness planner. This was later changed to the new one I started to use in February. More details on this set up to come.<br />
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Eating: Fewer sweets. Sadly, I know that when I want to be healthy, sweets are the first thing to go. I was eating them way too much during the month of December, like on the daily. Now we shall just focus on keeping it a weekend thing.<br />
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Drinking: Lots of coffee. It's cold here and I like coffee. Future plan will be to up the water intake though. The number of times I have shocked myself is insane.<br />
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Loving: all the new stickers that I bought. I bought a ton of stickers from Happy planner for my planners and journals at the beginning of the year. Oh, how I love my stickers and oh how I know I will no longer be purchasing more until the current supply is depleted.<br />
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And that shall be all for the moment. Now let's hope the groundhog was right and we will see and early winter because right now it sure doesn't feel like it.<br />
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Linking up with See You in a Porridge:<br />
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Dawn @ Wisconsin Wildshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553686312351146188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-402319928076584425.post-14449582423791981952019-02-04T09:00:00.000-06:002019-02-04T09:00:04.773-06:00FORWARD After all that has past and the progress that has been made, there is only one thing to do and that is keep moving forward in life. When there is no forward movement one can become stuck in a stagnant pool of water. While consistency can be nice, it can also become suffocating. You turn into a robot that goes thru the motions of the day to day. some individuals are happy there with a sense of this what I do and this is what I become, I myself am not. I believe in trying to move forward experiencing new things places and learning continue to rush down the river and growing as progress is made.<br />
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Right now as we are starting February this post is kind of late. I generally believe in starting my year and thoughts of going forward in Decemeber...moving with the season rather than the number of the year. For the purpose of this blog post though I will stick with the year thought and bring to you what I see, plan and hope for in what remains of 2019.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Words are powerful. How they are used and what they mean set a tone. Since my intent for the year is to continue to make progress on myself the word I choose for 2019 will be FORWARD. </span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-3545f621-7fff-dc3f-9c73-a66340d30eec">When I look to my resolution or what I want to accomplish for the year ahead in my goals and habits it is important that each one of these will contribute to core values. Core values are the base of what makes a person a person and the directions they take. Core values are generally: Body (health/fitness), Heart (family), Mind (learning, connections), and Soul (community, work). </span><br />
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This year I also got this animal spirit tarot deck an decided to pull some cards as to what my year looks like, the things to keep in mind and how things will progress. Here is what was in the cards (I have to say they were very fitting of the mood/theme I wanted this year):<br />
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-3545f621-7fff-dc3f-9c73-a66340d30eec"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mood Overview: BEAVER: Hard worker, tireless, family first - appears when the task at hand requires long term steady effort time for some selfless service - When in Balance there will be happy meaningful work</span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-3545f621-7fff-dc3f-9c73-a66340d30eec"><br /><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Personal Direction Overview: PEACOCK: Inner Beauty Compassion - assimilate all experiences in life does not harbor resentment conflict or past pain within the psyche. Balance confident and kind </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now moving on to setting the goals to accomplish the overall theme/direction for the yeat. The great thing about goals is you can have as many or few as you would like and they can always be changed as time progresses. My tendency is to set the overall goals or accomplishments I would like to see of myself for the year and then also when a season changes set up bucket list items or a vision of what I would like to see happen during that season. We will leave the whole bucket list items for another future post.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now let's get into the goals/accomplishments that I set for myself this year and if there has been any progress made to date:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span> HEALTH/FITNESS<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "tinos"; font-size: small; white-space: normal;">Run a 5k</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "tinos"; font-size: small; white-space: normal;">Try a New Fitness Class - Accomplished: Barre and Pilates Class</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "tinos"; font-size: small; white-space: normal;">Better Self Care</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "tinos"; font-size: small; white-space: normal;">Internal Heath</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "tinos"; font-size: small; white-space: normal;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "tinos"; font-size: small; white-space: normal;">FINANCE</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "tinos"; font-size: small; white-space: normal;">Financial Stability - </span></span>Focusing on need versus wants<br />
Pay off Hospital Bill<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "tinos"; font-size: small; white-space: normal;">MIND</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "tinos"; font-size: small; white-space: normal;">Read 12 books</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "tinos"; font-size: small; white-space: normal;">Take a class thru the Library</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "tinos"; font-size: small; white-space: normal;"><br /></span></span> COMMUNITY<br />
Hide Horicon Rocks<br />
Join Friends of the Library - Accomplished: first meeting was in January<br />
Wisconsin Wilds Blog and Instagram<br />
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HOUSE<br />
Redo downstairs bathroom<br />
Finish garden wall area<br />
Organize bedroom closet<br />
Maintain photo projects<br />
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FUN (SPIRIT)<br />
FInd Horicon Geocaches<br />
Try 3 new restaurants<br />
Explore a new place<br />
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-3545f621-7fff-dc3f-9c73-a66340d30eec">To accomplish some of the goals I will need to develop better habits to achieve these goals. Since this is getting rather lengthy, I will leave the habit conversation for another post. WIth all this possibility it looks to be a fun year ahead. A year of moving forward and enjoying the life that I intend to build for myself. Thanks for taking the time to read thru my intentions for the year. Hopefully, this has inspired you to set some goals to achieve for the new year or gave you some great ideas....until next time.</span><br />
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<a href="https://imgur.com/FOdZmQg"></a><br />Dawn @ Wisconsin Wildshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553686312351146188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-402319928076584425.post-28600842725132848552019-01-28T15:45:00.001-06:002019-01-28T15:45:37.885-06:002018 Amazon Top BuysOk. This has been going around YouTube for a little bit now. Needless to say, when I discovered it on there I got sucked into the black hole of numerous top amazon pick/buy/need videos. I figured why not share my top ten things that I purchased in 2018 from Amazon.<br />
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1. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Milk-Bone-Pill-Pouches-Chicken-Treats/dp/B01HEFT7I4/ref=pd_ybh_a_9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=CPEHNP6NMFYTQ9YN7VPV" target="_blank"> Milk-Bone Pill Pouches</a>: Would not even attempt to give our older dog meds without these.<br />
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2. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/HP-Sprocket-Portable-Printer-Sticky-Backed/dp/B01LBWELHI/ref=pd_ybh_a_8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=5BNV3C8B4FX4NE5NDE4F" target="_blank">HP Sprocket Portable Printer</a>: Extremely grateful I purchased this. I use this every single week to print off pictures to go in my planner. I am thinking that this will be delightful to have on my future vacations.<br />
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3. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Trideer-Breathable-Non-Slip-Exercise-Dumbbells/dp/B077Y7429K/ref=pd_ybh_a_9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=35CTD5N7E26R3QVMQDX3" target="_blank">Weight Lifting Gloves</a>: Lifesaver for my hands since I have been back to lifting in the gym.<br />
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4. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/AOTUNO-Lingerie-Stocking-Underwear-Protection/dp/B01KLM2KLI/ref=pd_ybh_a_9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=NGSA2JT23GP39AVZ10Z2" target="_blank">Mesh Laundry Bags</a>: And now the lifesaver for my clothing. No more snagging bra hooks on random things in the washing machine.<br />
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5. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/LUCID-Inch-Memory-Foam-Mattress/dp/B00474X5DO/ref=pd_ybh_a_8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=79QAKS1ETA86YFSM2BNS" target="_blank">Memory Foam Mattress</a>: We made the jump to the "box" mattress bandwagon. I can say that I am happy with it plus it is a small price compared to a mattress set.<br />
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6. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mellanni-Spa-Mint-Brushed-Microfiber-Bedding/dp/B01ES3MJ3U/ref=pd_ybh_a_9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=69F6TFBXWM6A0SGP2Z3A" target="_blank">Fitted sheet</a>: Simple, basic, inexpensive, soft, and not stiff<br />
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7. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Progressive-GPC-2701-Prepworks-Perfect-Attached/dp/B00EZQQO9Q/ref=pd_ybh_a_15?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=A9QQ8TCW0ESB06F0HM4N" target="_blank">Apple Slicer/Corer</a> : Finally a thinly sliced apple. Back in fall, our food subscription service had us slicing apples thinly. This made such a huge difference.<br />
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8. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Grip-Original-Waterproof-Low-Profile/dp/B078944HKM/ref=pd_ybh_a_16?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=97AQK7Z12TV35AWSA0QN" target="_blank">Rubber Door Mat</a> : After my husband bought a vacuuming robot, we were on the hunt for the perfect doormat that the little robot would not get stuck on. This one was perfect.<br />
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9. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Brightech-Trilage-LED-Floor-Lamp/dp/B0779R9VS5/ref=pd_ybh_a_17?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=9QCDF9VTEN1DB2QT21YK" target="_blank">Floor Lamp</a> : Here is where the hunt ended for us to find a perfect light for the living room. It is much brighter in there now...no more dungeon as we have no overhead lights in our living room<br />
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10. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NU5W9C4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Furnace Air Filter</a> : Yeah it is the little things that equal the joys of home ownership, like my ability to get a inexpensive filter for my furnace delivered to my door instead of spending what seems to be endless time standing in the aisle of Menards hoping yours is still in stock and finding it on the shelf.<br />
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And there you have it, my top ten Amazon buys from 2018. Hopefully, something on this list sparked your interest or enlightened you on something you would have never thought to purchase from Amazon. I am also thinking that going forward I may make this a seasonal post going forward (only with fewer items, 3 or 5) and possibly create a link up. That way we can all share our great finds.<br />
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With that, I bid you goodbye for now until the next post. May all my fellow Wisconsinites stay warm, cozy and safe during our lovely winter weather.<br />
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Dawn @ Wisconsin Wildshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553686312351146188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-402319928076584425.post-15167322824375874312019-01-13T20:24:00.001-06:002019-01-13T20:24:45.218-06:00Renewing the PassionOver the last few months, I have been renewing and nurturing some of the passions that were forgotten about when I was stumbling thru my darkness. This took a lot of courage, as I would have been perfectly content just becoming a hobbit in my own little corner of the world where no one could hurt me.<br />
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Love of Learning<br />
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It started quite simply on this one. I just started reading books, both fiction and non-fiction. This drew me back to the library. The library was such a forgotten place. I loved it so. Where else in the world can you go get lost in something and imagine you are whoever you feel to be at that time.<br />
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Health<br />
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This one takes a little bit more. After all, sometimes that bed is nice warm and fuzzy in the mornings. WIth me the more a place feels like home the easier it is for me to be there. I learned this thru some transitions I had at work and feeling out of place for a short period. It started with getting a locker. Now I had a spot and I took this spot and made it awesome. You know a place that when you get there you smile...filled with fun things you love. After all that it was easy, start slow, step on the treadmill etc. and then start adding in weights. I started feeling better and got in my routine. Then during this learning experience of getting on track, I discovered the sauna. Oh, how joyous that was. An extra perk for working out and a part of my day that made me feel delightful and more aligned for the day ahead.<br />
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Creating<br />
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This passion of mine flowed into so many areas of my life. From creating my organizational system to making sure nothing gets forgotten to creating pieces of art to crafting. When I was creating things and developing I loved it. The sense of progress and fun was enlightening yet frustrating at times also. Having the passion to create things is almost an asset as you progress forward. If you love to create you can create anything you want including your future happy self.<br />
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Now my intent is to take the things I learned from renewing these passions to continue to progress forward.<br />
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Dawn @ Wisconsin Wildshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553686312351146188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-402319928076584425.post-91059071340058644652019-01-01T12:07:00.001-06:002019-01-05T06:55:15.032-06:00What the views look like from where I standThe initial exploration of the Wisconsin Wilds meadow has been somewhat scary. The light for the things to grow has abundant. I have spent months wandering through. My discoveries have been things that were well established and others that need love, passion and light to grow.<br />
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Standing tall...were the people who supported me in my initial journey. My core beliefs: positivity, stubbornness, nurturing, the quest for knowledge, and my drive to conquer. These were the things to build upon and around. I explored and planted the seeds for new adventures and cultivated passion long since forgotten things: My The Love of Learning, Health, and Creating. Each of these brought a long lost sense of joy and wonderment. All of these to be continued to be nurtured into the future.<br />
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It was scary. My lack of trust and hurt and pain continued to try and pull me backwards. In each experience, I had to push that away and push further into the light. I am somewhat of an introvert. I do enjoy my time alone and am perfectly content there. After all that I experienced it is harder for me to open myself up to others. It takes longer and a lot of trust.<br />
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The time I took though to recultivate who I was, what I loved, and effort to push through has led me to the place I currently stand at now. Now is the time where I will continue to bask in the light that was always there, the strength of the tall trees, nurture the beauty that was neglected and plant new seeds. I am ready to move forward on my journey and explore the possibilities of what lies ahead.<br />
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Dawn @ Wisconsin Wildshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553686312351146188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-402319928076584425.post-54332103945744319752019-01-01T09:20:00.000-06:002019-01-01T09:20:24.777-06:00And out of the darkness, I crawl info the lightThe hiatus I have been taking from my little section of the interwebs has been far too long. Once this was a space for me to find joy, connect, and share my life. I have rekindled the fire to take the steps to get back on the path once again.<br />
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Life comes with many paths to be taken. Do you go left, right, forward, or backward? Each one with unknown destinations yet all somewhat scary. At some points, you are walking along what appears to be a beautiful path of everything you could have imagined and then there is a fall, stumble, or slight little trip.<br />
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For a nice period of time, the path I was walking along was beautiful, grand, and filled with excitement. Then it happened. The crumbling below my feet. The hard fall into the state of darkness. All the bumps as I fell hurt and pulled at various portions of my overall being that I could not understand, only then as the bottom approached to be awakened to a state of darkness. In the darkness, time seems to hang in the air, the emotional pain ceases to exist, and there is a state of contentment almost a deep sleep. Yet this contentment really is a hallucination. The pain, emotions, and life continued around me without me even being conscious of the fact. The darkness in my eyes and mind was peaceful, comforting, and very welcoming. I settled. Then proceeded to accept the fate: this dark cave is a welcome home. One though cannot exist within the darkness forever....life must move forward. The path I was on had to continue. As the darkness can be thick, sometimes one needs other humans whose hearts and states of being are still intact to reach out and pull you slowly from the darkness and into the light.<br />
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And as I saw the light, there was an understanding that it was needed. There was much more beyond the cave of the darkness. I begin to climb. The climb is not short by any means, as the rediscovery of yourself and who you were begins. Who you were...who you were is what caused the fall. One can not look back only progress forward to invent themselves once again. I stared at the blank walls along the path...they are mine to be filled. The realization the people who are around you, the helpers. Always look for the helpers. The helpers by your side stand with you, nurture you progress with you, do not judge, and only aid you as you walk thru the shimmery, hazy light. I began to feel again. There are downs as one processes the feelings from the darkness; soon though there is a stability. The canyon walls have been painted with the past hurt. There is also guidance painted on the walls from others on how to progress forward from the crevices of the canyon. I wandered through the crevices of the canyon learning who I can be, who I can become. The haze began to lift as I emerged from the canyon. Now standing in the sunshine of the openness with much to explore and numerous possibilties ahead of me.<br />
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A beautiful meadow of possibilities, paths and places to explore. The courage has returned and I begin to wander amongst the beauty of the meadow and start to plant my own seeds for my future path. This meadow of mine shall be called Wisconsin Wilds.<br />
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Please wander with me as I experience all it has to offer and the discoveries along the way.<br />
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Dawn @ Wisconsin Wildshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553686312351146188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-402319928076584425.post-6225784865737668582017-01-24T09:38:00.000-06:002017-01-24T10:27:41.781-06:00Weekend Warrior - the Long One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sometimes life just calls for a long weekend. This time around it was due to some business that had to get taken care of and hopes of going up north. My hopes of going up north were dashed due to actually ditching the Durango during the lovely ice storm that occurred on Monday. No major damage yet enough that there was no way it was going up north plus a forecast of freezing rain there, yeah nope.</div>
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Thursday was spent getting my everyday car in for a recall, a teeth cleaning, and my son his passport. Pretty uneventful except for the realization of the number of individuals that can not read instructions. When we stepped to the counter at the post office, the woman was relieved as we had all the information plus more with everything filled out in the correct color ink. Instructions are there for a reason, please read them.</div>
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Friday found my hubbie and I venturing to Fond du Lac to get the house shopping done. On a normal day I would just go to our local Shopko Hometown. This day though it was a Target trip. Needless to say it wasn't cheap....darn you Target for having too many cute things. And afterwards we had lunch at new to us restaurant. We love to try new places. Ala Roma it was based on a recommendation from his boss. It was delicious.</div>
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Friday night we were homebodies, watching movies. </div>
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Saturday was a day of let's get some stuff done around here. The weather outside was warming up where the snow/ice was melting a bit. I decided to use this chance to clean up the dog shit in the yard, inevitably yet has to be done. </div>
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Also spent the day attempting to carry out a little experiment. You see, we broke some of the ice to help the water flow better to the drain. Well now the water did not seem to be going down much. Solution = put a rubber ducky in the water and see if it goes anywhere.</div>
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And the results: The duck moved slightly. The water did go down. Not sure if this was a win or not.<br />
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Saturday evening, the hubbie and I hit the bowling alley for some pizza. Then it was home to watch the Indiana Jones movies. We made it part way into the third one before we were falling asleep. Still need to finish or watch that one again, I have never seen it.<br />
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Sunday was just a basic day in our little cul de sac....laundry, food prep, and getting ready for the week.<br />
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And that is how the weekend went....<br />
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Dawn @ Wisconsin Wildshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553686312351146188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-402319928076584425.post-69324719725643417312017-01-10T20:52:00.002-06:002017-01-23T19:38:45.181-06:00Well, Hello<br />
Since it has been quite sometime and one of my things for the year is to rededicate myself to my blog, thought another introduction of who I am or should I say who I have become is in order. Who or what I have become in 2016 is an individual who realized that there is some growth in the pains of life and when I am determined I can conquer many things.<br />
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2016 was a hard year to say the least. Sometimes at the beginning of the year people select words to guide their year, I did not or do not believe that I did. The words I would have choose today for my 2016 would be something along the lines of heartbreak, pride, strength, and courage. <br />
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Heartbreak: 2016 showed me the loss of of what I thought my perfect life was and a very dear friend, may you rest in peace. <br />
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Pride: My son graduated high school and started college. To date, he seems to be balancing things well.<br />
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Strength: I found the strength to get thru the tough times and start to pick myself up again. Also, in a very hard period it showed me that I had the strength or could find it to be there for my husband as we faced the possibility of a "monster" coming into our lives.<br />
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Courage: This comes down to me proving to myself that I had the courage (and also strength) to go off on my own in the wilderness. No internet, no phones just find solitude in being by myself.<br />
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While 2016 was tough I can say I am climbing out from the bottom point that I felt myself in. Towards the end of 2016, I started to get my arms around things. I have been spending my time figuring things out and slowly climbing up the rope to get my life to a point that I am comfortable with. Please don't get me wrong there are and were great things, I am just setting off on my quest in 2017 to make it even better and get back to that place of where I am content with how I have life laid out. 2017's simplify. Simplifying makes things easier, right it has too.<br />
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With that being said, bring on 2017 and all of it's adventures!!<br />
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Dawn @ Wisconsin Wildshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553686312351146188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-402319928076584425.post-29307263833108454072016-09-27T14:56:00.001-05:002016-09-27T14:56:09.354-05:00Weekend Warrior - House MouseIt must be the season of force fed lazy weekends due to allergies. Allergies are hitting home hard this weekend causing us to spend long mornings in bed and slower days. Thankfully, I have the greatest husband in the world (we will see if he reads this) who brings me breakfast in bed, which we enjoyed together on Saturday morning. Afternoon got the best of him and I played girl wrench and put the wheel well in my car. Darn raccoons, really need to stop on their little suicide missions.<br />
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In the evening on Saturday, we discovered that we had an extra roommate. As I walked downstairs I was greeted by this little mouse. A mouse in my house, well know this is a first. Of course, we had nothing to really take care of it. I tracked the mouse down to my newly built pantry. Think the little guy was scared and hungry, he barely moved when we approached him. My hubbie fashioned a way to catch him. Catch him we did and the little guy was happily relocated to the field, where once again he did not run away just munched on the clovers in the field.<br />
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The funny side story to this whole ordeal is that when we (ok my hubbie) was trying to get the mouse, I was attempting to bring something to help. As I was doing this, I managed to twist my ankle and will be in a special shoe for a week.. Let's not forget though the mouse is happy and free.<br />
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Sunday....very uneventful, allergies kicking butt again and it was a normal day. Grocery shopping and cooking. And there you have how we gently slayed the weekend. Hope yours was delightful.<br />
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Dawn @ Wisconsin Wildshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553686312351146188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-402319928076584425.post-80462780312993615632016-09-21T21:17:00.000-05:002016-09-23T12:08:56.831-05:00Big Roche A Cri Exploration : Adams County, WI<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Big Roche A Cri Lake and Creek</div>
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Class Difficulty: Easy Paddling, Calm Waters</div>
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Every time we have journeyed up north, we have crossed over the Big Roche A Cri Lake bridge. Finally one weekend we decided to bring up the kayaks for a little exploration. The boat launch we put in at was just off of 13 on the east side of the road. We opted to explore the side of the lake to the east of Hwy 13. The water is very calm and the lake is also very shallow. While the houses along the lake did have motor and pontoon boats next to their docks, I am not sure I would recommend exploring the east side of the lake with a motor or pontoon boat. The DNR website states that the deepest area on the east side is 5 ft. There were quite a few areas where we could see old tree stumps and a lot of weeds.</div>
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Nothing much to report in the way of wildlife, crazy mishaps, or weird crossings. It was just a quiet paddle. According to the DNR website, the lake has panfish, large mouth bass, and northern pike. It truly would be a great, quiet lake to fish. We also paddled part way up Big Roche A Cri Creek. Not knowing where it crossed a road and how far off that was we opted to paddle back to the landing.</div>
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Mo's Bar is located just up from the landing. A nice bar that serves food. Perfect place to grab some lunch or a beverage. Another side activity by the landing: geocaching. There is a great geocache in the area. Good Luck....and Happy Paddles</div>
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<br />Dawn @ Wisconsin Wildshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553686312351146188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-402319928076584425.post-42102293690534899212016-09-19T21:04:00.001-05:002016-09-21T21:26:58.362-05:00Weekend WarriorHappy Monday, welcome to weekend warrior. You know the post where we discuss how we managed to crush the weekend via a bunch of hopefully glorious activities and not some mundane adult type items. This weekend shall be put in the books as a weekend of forgetfulness.<br />
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Plan go up north - come home Sunday...reality go up north Friday, come home Friday, go up north Saturday, come home Sunday. This can be contributed to forgetfulness. Like major forgetfulness on my part, we are 10 minutes out and I realize that I forgot our keys to get in our trailer. Yes, that was lovely and my hubbie was not very happy. I felt terrible and basically cried the whole way home, yeah fun. We did get to watch some "Walking Dead" and eat two bags of popcorn.<br />
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Saturday, I was all prepared to run some errands and get some things done around the house. When after I suggested that we go check out a nearby city, the hubbie said let's go back up north since we were already packed. Great idea...pack everyone back up and we were on the road. We made it up north in the early afternoon. Dropped off the pups at the trailer and ran into town. Still had to get some house shopping done and I wanted to check out a bakery my mom mentioned. The bakery though closed early, you could find the owner at the bar they had listed on the sign...only in a small town up north. Then back at the trailer, we got the fire started. This was our main mission there to burn up some of the brush pile. Around dinner time that whole, what, where is that forgetfulness kicked in and this time it was the pudgie pie maker. There went dinner...back to town we go. Bucky's Pizza it was. After all of that the evening was uneventful, finished our fire and passed out watching "Arachnophobia."<br />
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Sunday, we impatiently awaited the arrival of my parents to help them out a bit. We got a pallet in the woods for a future wood stack and the snow fence up to keep the disrespectful snowmobilers off the land. After a little bit of work, it was time to head home, unpack, grocery shop, catch a quick nap, and enjoy our family dinner.<br />
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Stats of items forgotten:<br />
1) set of camper keys<br />
1) pudgie pie maker<br />
3) rugs for the trailer<br />
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<br />Dawn @ Wisconsin Wildshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553686312351146188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-402319928076584425.post-16671116703771486452016-09-16T11:49:00.001-05:002016-09-16T11:49:28.083-05:00Fall Seasonal Goals<div align="center">
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Here in Wisconsin the weather is finally starting to cool a bit...low 70's and upper 60's are on the horizon. Those temps make for some good sleeping weather. I will be linking up Steph and Sara today putting my fall goals out to the world, after all doing this holds us all more accountable right (I hope so). Here we go....</div>
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Fall Goals:</div>
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1. Read More (2 books at least)</div>
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2. Up North Once Per Month</div>
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3. Run a 5k</div>
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4. Try a new Resturant</div>
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5. No Credit Card Charges aside from planned</div>
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6. Stick to preplanned Purchases</div>
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7. Keep up photo projects</div>
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8. Purge Clothes and Makeup</div>
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Setting seasonal goals is one of my favorite things to do. I find that it is easier than setting annual goals or resolutions. Now let's all cross our fingers and hope for the best. </div>
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Dawn @ Wisconsin Wildshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553686312351146188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-402319928076584425.post-51330036730931293252016-09-15T16:07:00.005-05:002016-09-15T16:07:46.140-05:00Welcome, Let's Chat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome to Wisconsin Wilds. My name is Dawn. I am so excited that you decided to stop in and check things out. Since you are here, how about you get to know me a little bit better. Of course, there is no better way to do this then play a little game. Ready, set let's play the "Four Things" game!! {pardon the swears, whoops}</div>
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<u>Four names people call me other than my real name:</u><br />
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<li> Mom (my fave)</li>
<li>Auntie Dawn (does that even count even though it has my name in it)</li>
<li>Bitch (hey let's be honest, I am sure that has came out of a few people's mouths)</li>
<li>Beautiful (only the hubbie)</li>
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<u>Four Places I have been:</u><br />
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<li>Florida</li>
<li>Colorado</li>
<li>New Orleans</li>
<li>Mexico</li>
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<u>Four Things I do not eat:</u><br />
<ol>
<li>Mustard</li>
<li>Ketchup</li>
<li>Liver</li>
<li>Green Beans</li>
</ol>
<u>Four Things I am always saying:</u><br />
<ol>
<li>Go Fuck Yourself</li>
<li>Little Man leave your brother alone</li>
<li>Forest</li>
<li>Love you</li>
</ol>
<u>Four Things I am looking forward to next year:</u><br />
<ol>
<li>Where ever I decide to travel next</li>
<li>New Planner</li>
<li>Watching my son progress in his college quest</li>
<li>A new puppy (hey hubbie, this is a hint)</li>
</ol>
<u>Four Movies I have watched more than once:</u><br />
<ol>
<li>Beetlejuice</li>
<li>Grumpy Old Men</li>
<li>Double Jeopardy</li>
<li>Cheaper by the Dozen</li>
</ol>
Hello, I could just keep going, which really I think this means I am old (gasp)<br />
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<u>Four Places I would rather be right now:</u><br />
<ol>
<li>Anywhere in Europe</li>
<li>Colorado</li>
<li>Laying in a Hammock</li>
<li>Mexico</li>
</ol>
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<u>Four Books I recommend:</u><br />
<ol>
<li>Girl with the Dragon Tattoo</li>
<li>Little Fish</li>
<li>My Story by Elizabeth Smart</li>
<li>Harry Potter Series</li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SrsQ-jg6n9U/VS440mrAT1I/AAAAAAAAQKY/ouPETLBnqBoWlPYFqujleckIKj5S5BBxgCPcB/s1600/DSCN3812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SrsQ-jg6n9U/VS440mrAT1I/AAAAAAAAQKY/ouPETLBnqBoWlPYFqujleckIKj5S5BBxgCPcB/s320/DSCN3812.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<u>Four Television Shows I watch(ed)</u><br />
<ol>
<li>American Horror Story</li>
<li>Shameless</li>
<li>Stranger Things</li>
<li>Falling Skies</li>
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<u>Four Jobs I have had:</u><br />
<ol>
<li>Waitress</li>
<li>Bartender</li>
<li>Contract Administrator</li>
<li>Business Area Leader</li>
</ol>
<u></u><br />
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Thank you to "Chasing my Extraordinary" for this idea. Hopefully you enjoyed the little game and you keep stopping by to visit. Aside from some of the older trips we have taken that are on here, we will be taking more adventures, experimenting with some recipes, and learning a whole bunch of life lessons. Please wander with me on all of life's grand adventures.<br />
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ps....aside from this corner of the web, you can also find/follow us on social media
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Dawn @ Wisconsin Wildshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553686312351146188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-402319928076584425.post-73911483356743517762015-08-21T14:09:00.003-05:002015-08-21T14:09:59.846-05:00Door County, WI : Peninsula, Newport, Whitefish Dunes State Parks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iEgTQQ4z6uM/VdRLP1bvOPI/AAAAAAAARMc/70SEYnvzXtM/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollagedoor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iEgTQQ4z6uM/VdRLP1bvOPI/AAAAAAAARMc/70SEYnvzXtM/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollagedoor.jpg" /></a></div>
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Time for the annual girl grab your bitch(es) and get the heck out of dodge trip. Now if you know me and my main girl partner in crime, the steppie, you know that we generally disappear on a river or in the woods. This time around it was checking out three state parks. One of these we backpacked/camped at. Alright let's get on with our travels.</div>
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First off for this trip we had three other girls join us on the excursion, L and her two daughters (A and K). Oh and let's not forget that my other regular was along, the grumpy old man, Bullet.</div>
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On the way up we stopped at a wayside for some lunch and to check out the geological marker. Yes, we were halfway to the north pole.</div>
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Stop numero uno was <a href="http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/peninsula/" target="_blank">Peninsula State Park</a>. According to Wikipedia, Peninsula State Park is the 3rd largest state park in Wisconsin with over 8 miles of Green Bay shoreline. Our master plan here was to see the Eagle Bluff lighthouse and hike the Eagle Trail. Right after I promptly stopped to take a picture of the turtle xing sign. Sadly there were no adorable turtles crossing the road that day.</div>
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We stopped at the Nature Center quickly before heading to the light house.</div>
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Visitors are able to tour <a href="http://eagleblufflighthouse.doorcountyhistoricalsociety.org/" target="_blank">Eagle Bluff Lighthouse</a> to learn about the history of the lighthouse and some of the personal stories of the lighthouse keepers of the past.</div>
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Bullet and I by the wall next to the lighthouse that faces Green Bay.</div>
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Our next stop in Peninsula State Park was the Eagle Trail.</div>
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The trail is posted as difficult, which I would attribute to the steep climbs of the bluffs. This trail runs along the Niagara Escarpment. Here is the view from the top looking out towards Green Bay.</div>
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As we progressed down the trail, it reminded me quite a bit of the ledge park that is close to our home. Now this completely makes sense since the ledge is also part of the Niagara escarpment.</div>
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After having some fun peeking in the caves that have been carved in the rocks, the trail takes you to the shoreline of Green Bay. Here you are treated to some crystal clear waters.</div>
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If you notice boats stopping at the clearing in front of you while you are gazing at the water, I highly recommend that you turn around. The views behind you are glorious too.</div>
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As nice as it would have been to climb this that was just not possible. Instead though we found another ledge for my brave steppie to climb too.</div>
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And we figure that ledge area is about 20 feet in the air. Basically only attempt if you are confident and brave. Here are her pictures looking down and of the cave area.</div>
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After the little climbing adventure, we continued on the trail working our way back to the top.</div>
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Now as we began reaching the top, mother nature decided that we could use a shower after the hard work and it began to rain. ok, let me rephrase that...it began to pour. We opted to take the road and cut the hike short. We made it to a shelter by eagle tower and hung out with a person on a pedal bike until the rain let up. </div>
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After our little shower it was time to head out to state park number two and our base camp for the next two days....<a href="http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/newport/" target="_blank">Newport State Park.</a></div>
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We breezed into the park just as the office was closing. Thankfully the lovely lady stayed a bit longer to get us checked in plus give a little tip on a trail to take with the garden cart. Even though this was a backpacking trip. We stayed at a "walk in site" and were able to pull a garden cart. A garden cart let's you bring a few extras like wood to guarantee you get a campfire in the evening and a cooler with some ice for a cold beverage at camp. The site was about 1 3/4 miles in. </div>
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The site just fit our two tents and had the perfect amount of shade. A short walk away was a pit toilet that we shared with two other sites. A little tip, when camping always bring toilet paper, you never know how bad the tp situation is going to be. Now even though there were other sites in the vicinity, you could not see them nor hear the inhabitants of those sites. A few more pictures of our little area...</div>
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Food storage boxes. No bears, but there was supposedly raccoons and porcupines. Knock on wood we did not see either nor have issues. The nice lady at check in did inform me though that we should not leave anything out that is drenched in sweat either. The porcupines at the park supposedly like the saltiness of the sweat and have messed with people's icky clothing that was left out. Gross. </div>
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Protector of the site.</div>
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Now another point was that this was a "waterfront" site. We were rather saddened that we could not see the water from the site, but we were able to hear it. There was a path behind one of the tents which appeared to lead to the shore. It did, but the shoreline was thick with trees and we could only see the water coming up thru the rocks. That was made up for though when we went looking for a geocache that was located on the point behind the sites.</div>
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Clear beautiful water again</div>
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And Gillian found the geocache.</div>
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Everyone had a blast playing on the rocks and watching the water there. Bullet was like a mountain lion jumping around everywhere. </div>
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We also took some time to spend at the beach in the park.</div>
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Sadly the shoreline was a little rocky here. Then around lunch we realized that someone (me) forgot a lighter and we only had two options, hike back in or go to town. We opted to head to town since they have ice cream there.</div>
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L scored some matches from Sister Bay Automotive and we had lunch in a little park area before taking a walk. The city was Sister Bay and my Christmas list got really long....</div>
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No need to put them under the tree santa, just leave me some GPS coordinates where you parked it in Sister Bay and I will be ok. Our timing was perfect as we walked the shore and just got back to the car before the rain hit. Then of course, we found ice cream. Amazing ice cream, which I have no pictures of due to a dying phone battery. It was glorious though and that place has now been added to my must stop when in Door County list. Rest of the day was chilling and hanging by the campfire.</div>
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Our last day, after packing everything up and saying good bye to Newport beach, was spent at <a href="http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/whitefish/" target="_blank">Whitefish Dunes state Park</a>. The path to the park had structures replicating times past. </div>
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It was a nice little hike to the puppie beach area.</div>
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The water was clear the day was hot and everyone had so much fun playing in the water we didn't have much to show in the way of pictures.</div>
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Bullet did enjoy his swim and trying to chase other dogs toys that were thrown in the water. We learned that we need to pack toys that Bullet can fetch out of the water.</div>
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My minion also found his people. It was an intense battle, but he made it home to see another day....right along with the rest of us girls and old man.</div>
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Three days...three parks, and a ton of memories.</div>
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Dawn @ Wisconsin Wildshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553686312351146188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-402319928076584425.post-24914251914147607932015-07-23T12:00:00.000-05:002015-07-23T12:00:00.089-05:00Black River State Forest, WI<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For today's adventure we shall venture to <a href="http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/StateForests/BlackRiver/" target="_blank">Black River State Forest</a>. Black River State Forest is located close to Black River Falls, WI. The forest is perfect playground for any outdoor enthusiast whether it backpacking, hiking, skiing, car camping, or even ATV'ing.</div>
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Our adventure of choice was backpacking. This was my steppie's first real backpacking excursion. We did this in conjunction with one of her girl scout badges. We went in July during the week. We did not see another soul while we were out in the woods.</div>
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Day 1 we set out on the Norway Pine Trail. This was part of the Wildcat trail system. They have the Norway Pin Trail listed as difficult. I understand this as the terrain is pretty hilly.</div>
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We hooked up with the Wildcat trail loop for an additional 3.5 miles in day one. Our late lunch/dinner stop was at an overlook off of the Wildcat trail.</div>
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The Wildcat loop then reconnects with the Norway Pine Trail.<br />
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Enjoying various overlooks and did I mention, July is hot.</div>
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Our campsite for the night was behind the shelter on the Norway Pine Trail.</div>
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There were two make shift campsites up the hill behind the shelter. Each also had little fire pits that were "built" by people prior. We were a little nervous during the night as we read that there were some wolf packs that call this area of the forest home. Thankfully we did not have any run ins with them...and only almost cooked a poor little toad. </div>
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The next morning we hiked back to the parking lot to learn our number one lesson from the trip...do not rely on the water information that is provided. Always bring your own. The pump in the lot did not work, so prior to heading out to hike the lower area we had to drive to town to get some water.</div>
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Day 2 was a hot one to say the least. We found out later that a storm had blown thru weeks earlier and took out quite a few trees. So the shade was sparse. We parked in the Smrekar lot and then hiking the ridge, north and central trails.</div>
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Where the forest used to be...</div>
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The shelter a very welcoming site with the heat of the day</div>
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At the point of arriving here everyone including my Bullet was exhausted.</div>
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After a review of the map and check on the time of day, we opted to finish the loop versus staying at the shelter.</div>
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Instead we stayed our second night at the Pigeon Creek Campground.</div>
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It was beautiful plus there was a lake to take a quick dip in.</div>
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Bonus ending is that the steppie survived her first backpacking trip and loved it to the extent that she looks forward to doing this with me. Hence why she has now become my crazy adventure girl.</div>
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<br />Dawn @ Wisconsin Wildshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553686312351146188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-402319928076584425.post-87927519073994135032015-07-21T09:25:00.002-05:002015-07-21T09:25:53.381-05:00Buckhorn State Park, WI<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today we shall take the time to travel to <a href="http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/buckhorn/" target="_blank">Buckhorn State Park</a>, WI. Buckhorn State Park is located on a peninsula in the Castle Rock Flowage of the Wisconsin River. The sites at this state park are cart in sites. The park provides the carts for you. While I appreciated that the park provided the carts, the trail to our site was rather sandy and it took a lot to pull the cart. We packed as if we were backpacking though, so really there was not much for the cart. With my copilot at his post, let's begin....</div>
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This winding road shall take you to the park. I wanted to share this because as you notice there are bodies of water on each side of this and as I was driving I could not help but think of the scene in "Twister" with the cows flying across the road.</div>
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We stayed in site number 18. It was approximately 1.2 mile walk in. We went for a weekend in August. It was extremely hot plus a full moon. As you will be able to see, there was not much shade. Keep that in mind when booking the sites. Reserve America has some great pictures of the sites.</div>
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One of the nicest features though is that the sites are right on the water. At the time of the trip, we did not have our boat or jet skis yet. We may need to revisit this place in the future.<br />
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It is a perfect place for you to be able to hang out at your campsite and have your own private beach area for the kids to swim. </div>
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We also took the time out to check out the pet beach area. Pets are only allowed in specific public beach areas. Even though bullet enjoyed himself, I was rather disappointed in the pet beach area. It would be nice to see the state park system put a little more effort etc. into the pet beach areas. After all the pets bring their humans and we want to enjoy the lakes as a family.</div>
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Here is the view towards the woods from our site. Sidenote that this picture won second place in their photography contest. It just happened to be a beautiful moment in the morning.</div>
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While we were there we also did some geocaching. This is one of the first state parks to allow the hiding of geocaches. <br />
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Overall we had a beautiful weekend at Buckhorn and look forward to going back with a boat and some jet skis.</div>
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<br />Dawn @ Wisconsin Wildshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553686312351146188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-402319928076584425.post-30236185678653590012015-06-18T16:00:00.000-05:002015-06-18T16:00:00.431-05:00Ledge Park 2015 Spring AdventuresSince I don't want to get behind on our weekend adventures, I am going to give you a brief over view of our spring trips to Ledge. This park is a county park that is close to home. <br />
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There are "two" sections to the ledge, the upper and the lower. For our first little mini hike, we were basically on the lower ledge after we checked out the campsite that we would be calling home for a weekend in May.</div>
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There are no campsites in the lower section only picnic areas, a pond, and a playground. During periods of great amounts of rain, it can be closed to vehicles due to minor flood (as seen above).<br />
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This is the Contemplation Tree.</div>
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That sums up the April excursion. Fairly brief.<br />
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Then in May, we took the new camper out there for a test run. It is is the perfect spot for that since it is close to home. And this weekend we needed the whole close to home.<br />
First off does anyone recall this book? They have a little library located within the ledge and we just happen to have stumbled upon this book.<br />
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Our first evening was a rough one. Not because of the park, but due to the dogs. We were right across the way from a group which had hunting dogs that were kept in a truck in the evening. So their random barking would set off our dogs. Sleep did not go very well.<br />
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And in our lovely morning stuper, we had the nice reminder that it was birding weekend at the marsh. So that whole group of people above happened to be looking at birds, which really felt like they were staring at you. At least they were quiet.</div>
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After running home and playing a small rotation game with the dogs, we decided to hike a portion of the upper ledge on our quest for the last geocache we had to find in the park. Here are some pictures from the hike. <br />
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It was a strategic climb down to find the cache, but we made it.<br />
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It is hard to tell by these pictures that we are actually in Wisconsin. Yes, we have coolness like this here.</div>
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We found the cache and you literally had to crawl thru a tunnel to find it.</div>
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We picked up the hubbie and the rest of the puppies to finish off our hike for the day.</div>
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In the evening we were joined by my parents and of course, we had some marshmallows.</div>
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Our last night was uneventful. This maybe in part that we left the dogs at our home with the other teenager. In the morning, we packed up and headed home before the rain set in.</div>
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Overall our first camp trip in the new trailer, went well.</div>
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And there you have a little glimpse into our spring trips to the ledge. Watch for more details on this park in the future.</div>
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Dawn @ Wisconsin Wildshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553686312351146188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-402319928076584425.post-48877720783639230732015-05-27T12:00:00.000-05:002015-05-27T12:00:00.791-05:00The Satterlee Clark House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Let's go way back on this Wednesday to another period in time. A glimpse back to what my town used to be and where it has came from. Back in February the Phoenix group in conjunction with the Satterlee Clark House, historical museum, had a winterfest celebration. The teaming up of these two organizations equates to a fantastic idea. All to often you live in a place and forget about the little local places that you haven't seen in a while.</div>
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The Satterlee Clark house consists of three buildings. There is the main house, a barn and a one room school house. We will start our little tour in the main house in the kitchen. Not many photographs of the main level because you need to go see it yourself.</div>
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In the basement area, they had old uniforms from the post office.</div>
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There were also various trinkets from 50's and 60's. It was interesting because some of the items we were wishing were still available today.</div>
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The upper level consisted of bedrooms set up for the different period. Yes, I am slightly clothes obsessed especially when it comes to looking at the older dresses. No mass production going on there. A number of the settlers in the Horicon area were German, so there were a few items in German located throughout the house. When my grandmother was growing up her family still spoke German in her home. Another area offered in the main home is a genealogy area, where an individual can review census records and old articles.</div>
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After our exploration of the main house, we wandered to the back barn. </div>
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Here we were treated to a demonstration by a blacksmith.</div>
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The amount of skill it takes to do this just amazes. It is very tedious how they have to heat, mold, heat, bend, etc. over and over. One of my must exciting moments in the barn area was the realization they basically recreated a restaurant named Manolis that once stood in our downtown area. </div>
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It was owned by two greek sisters and I can honestly say that was not the first time I sat in that both. Since then it has sadly became a parking lot. I was overjoyed when I saw it was almost like it used to be "back in my day" when I stopped.</div>
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And the above picture speaks for itself. Newspaper fonts from 1883. Could you imagine printing a whole paper by placing stamps in a machine to print out the news. Wow.</div>
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After the barn, we headed over to the one room school house. Of course being a school house, there were various old desks in it and it was set up like a classroom. now I am not going to lie there were one or two desks that I couldn't reset lifting the top on to see if my name was on it. Aside from it being set up like a school there were huge displays of indian arrowheads that had been found around the Horicon area.</div>
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And that ended our little hometown excursion. If you are up in the area, take a stop and check out the history of Horicon. Or if you have lived there for a while, take a walk down memory lane or discover that you learned something new about our little town.</div>
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Dawn @ Wisconsin Wildshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553686312351146188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-402319928076584425.post-16144880214444428142015-05-26T11:30:00.000-05:002015-05-26T11:30:00.296-05:00Rock Island State Park, WI : Beach Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome back to <a href="http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/rockisland/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b8a16;">Rock Island</span></a> for our last installment. It is time to kick off those hiking boots for some flip flops and head to the beach. A little hint here on the map it is listed as a sandy area, but it is a beach. A little hidden also....just look for the sandy trail that goes up a hill. Follow that and boom...</div>
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Enjoy the beauty of the beach. Both of our puppies took there little "swimming tests" here.</div>
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While Chuck may have did ok...he was not very happy about it and couldn't wait to get back to the beach towel.<br />
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Ready for way to many beach pictures in 3...2.....1</div>
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Here you have a little tadpole that some of the kids caught...<br />
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Also make sure you take sometime to walk down the beach area....</div>
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So much relaxation seems to bring out people's creative sides..</div>
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And now we must get ready to go or as Chuck said oh....<br />
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Catpoop.</div>
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When it is time to go you find yourself patiently awaiting the next ferry and saying goodbye to a very beautiful island. Take the chance and pay a visit to Rock Island.</div>
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<br />Dawn @ Wisconsin Wildshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553686312351146188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-402319928076584425.post-28141705056754685232015-05-22T11:41:00.001-05:002015-05-22T11:42:04.191-05:00Rock Island State Park, WI : Island Exploration Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nD-9QFahmgo/VSOzvWBUdWI/AAAAAAAAQEg/FgvCI7wXL3w/s1600/Rocisland3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nD-9QFahmgo/VSOzvWBUdWI/AAAAAAAAQEg/FgvCI7wXL3w/s1600/Rocisland3.png" /></a></div>
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Welcome back to <a href="http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/rockisland/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b8a16;">Rock Island</span></a> once again. It has been quite sometime. After all of those steps that we climbed in the last post, a well needed rest was definitely in order.</div>
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We shall now continue our journey around the island via the Thordarson Loop.</div>
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As you journey down this trail you will come across a few cemeteries. Take some time to look at the gravestones here. Keepers of the lighthouses and members of their families rest here.<br />
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Aside from lingering in the cemeteries, don't forget to stop at the various overlooks along the trail and take in the beautiful views of the lake.<br />
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The next stop and snack break on our little tour is the water tower.</div>
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To be quite honest I am not really sure why it is called the water tower. It is not like a water tower I have ever seen before. Of course one time while we were hiking it was rather rainy and we hung out there until the rain or water passed.</div>
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As you continue on you will pass the Rutabaga Field and the beach area. After the beach area along the shoreline cliffs you will find some old Indian carvings. These are not right along the trail you will need to go in search of them...good luck and enjoy the views.</div>
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By this time you will be back into the campground area and heading back to your site for some well needed rest from your little island walk. <br />
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Stay Tuned for some Rock Island Beach Tales.</div>
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Dawn @ Wisconsin Wildshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553686312351146188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-402319928076584425.post-61445392925738658282015-04-15T17:23:00.001-05:002015-05-22T11:42:16.860-05:00Rock Island State Park, WI : Island Exploration Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome back to <a href="http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/rockisland/" target="_blank">Rock Island</a>.</div>
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Well, we have arrived and settled at the campsite, now what. Get out there and explore the island. After all, you are going to be here for a few days. </div>
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The perfect place to start is the building that greeted you upon your arrival...The Boathouse.</div>
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The boathouse is a sort of gathering place. It has information regarding the wealthy inventor and his family that built the beautiful buildings that grace the island. The furniture from their time is also still housed in the boathouse for you to look at. On rainy days, you can find people reading, playing games, or just chit chatting here. </div>
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After you take all of that in, I highly recommend taking the hike around the island on the Thordarson loop Trail. We always pack a light lunch to eat part way into our hike. Remember, <a href="http://www.wisconsinwilds.com/2015/04/rock-island-state-park-wi-island-living.html" target="_blank">Rock Island hungry</a>. As you venture out make sure to take notice of the "bowling ball of the gods" as we have deemed it.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IcqgxVAnkPQ/VSOnIoZsMBI/AAAAAAAAQC4/iPRoWequXQ4/s1600/11-August-Rock-Island-Day-3-(18).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IcqgxVAnkPQ/VSOnIoZsMBI/AAAAAAAAQC4/iPRoWequXQ4/s1600/11-August-Rock-Island-Day-3-(18).jpg" /></a></div>
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And a quick stop at the shelter.</div>
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Then you can begin your climb past the rangers house.</div>
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This is the only building that has electric on the property. While this hill is steep and seems to be never ending, there is a nice spot for a rest awaiting you at the top.</div>
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While you are there, take some time out to add your name to the carving board.</div>
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After your mark has been left, continue on your journey to the next stop. You will come across a "fork" in the road.</div>
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As tempted as you maybe to follow it to the lighthouse, take some time and go the left. Walk down the path and you will find some steps that lead to where an old home stood.</div>
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After you have soaked up the scenery from the shore and the remnants of the old house. Go back to the sign to head towards the lighthouse.</div>
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As the little sign notes, this was Wisconsin's first lighthouse. Every year volunteers take time to live in the lighthouse and give tour's to the visitors. Not to shabbie of a job if you ask me. Since they were always so courteous, let me give you a sneak peek inside.</div>
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Good thing he brought his binoculars or he would never see the ships coming in. Close to the lighthouse there will be a set of stairs leading down the beach. Since this is a lighthouse, you know you are on the high side. If you feel up to it, go explore the beach area below the lighthouse.</div>
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After all those steps, the walk to the lighthouse, and the tour of the lighthouse, it is time for everyone to take moment and grab some trail snacks and rehydrate. So grab a seat...and we will be back tomorrow for part 2 of the Island Exploration.</div>
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Dawn @ Wisconsin Wildshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553686312351146188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-402319928076584425.post-50140927635701174922015-04-09T16:46:00.003-05:002015-04-09T16:46:29.522-05:00Rock Island State Park, WI : Island Living<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jdtSUpJNbvI/VSOzuVxhLDI/AAAAAAAAQEY/fkbufOev5zk/s1600/Rockisland2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jdtSUpJNbvI/VSOzuVxhLDI/AAAAAAAAQEY/fkbufOev5zk/s1600/Rockisland2.png" /></a></div>
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Half of the fun is getting there. Once you get to <a href="http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/rockisland/" target="_blank">Rock Island </a>you are suddenly on island time. Island time basically means you are at discretion of the ferries to come and go from the island. Also, the only other time you need to pay attention to is the time that wood shed opens. There is no electricity on the island either. There is one bathroom with flush toilets, which are solared powered. The peacefulness and the wonderfully nice people make the entire adventure.</div>
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Where you call home will be any site that you like. I am partial to water views. Also make reservations as early as possible, sites fill up fast. Pets are also allowed in the campground area just make sure to reserve a pet friendly site. Sidenote: You will need to carry your gear to your site, which can be a mile walk. I recommend you bring a garden cart to help out especially if a cooler is involved.</div>
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Once you get to your site, set up your tent and get settled in, make sure to take a look around. When there is no electricity etc. it is fun to see if anyone found a neat little way to occupy their time like making the above or drawing little gardens on the rocks....aka a rock garden.</div>
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Each site is equipped with a firepit and a picnic table. And my husband can attest that there is a special kind of hungry that occurs on the island, it is "Rock Island hungry".</div>
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As much as I would love to fill this page with words about the beauty, seclusion, and wonderfulness of every single campsite that I was in on the island there is no way I could beat the pictures. I will let the pictures speak for themselves, as each one is a view from one of the sites we have had.</div>
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If you are looking for some beautiful serenity in your life, Rock Island is where you need to be. Now go get those reservations made and stop back next week for when we venture around the island.</div>
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Part 1: <a href="http://www.wisconsinwilds.com/2015/04/rock-island-state-park-wi-getting-there.html" target="_blank">Rock Island Getting There</a><br />
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Dawn @ Wisconsin Wildshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553686312351146188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-402319928076584425.post-48373382621381465072015-04-07T16:48:00.002-05:002015-04-07T16:48:49.281-05:00Rock Island State Park, WI : Getting ThereToday, I am going to share with you one of my favorite places in Wisconsin. I love it here so much that I have gone 3 times already. My fourth trip will be when my nephews get a little older to appreciate the beauty of <a href="http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/rockisland/" target="_blank">Rock Island State Park</a> in Wisconsin. The island is located off of the tip of the Door County Peninsula. You can visit this island as a day trip for a hike, but I highly recommend staying a few days in the campground portion. The only thing to be aware of is all the sites are walk-in sites, where you have to carry your gear to the site. More on that soon..<br />
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With me recapping the three times I have been there, I will be breaking the blog posts into segments. Today we shall focus on getting there. Because as you read on getting there is half of the fun.<br />
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First and foremost for all trips, make sure that you have an experienced copilot who is up for an adventure. Mine would be Bullet aka my backcountry dog.<br />
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Since you will be traveling up the Door County Peninsula, you will come to a point of whether you would like to take highway 42 or 57. We always take 57. It seems to be the quieter side of the peninsula plus there is a restaurant that we have a tradition of stopping at.<br />
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Another must stop on the way up is one of the geological markers. It is set off on a little wayside. </div>
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Yep, you are seeing that correctly according to this I was halfway to the north pole. Just a little further and maybe I could have had dinner with Santa Claus.</div>
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Another spot to check out along the way up is <a href="http://www.aljohnsons.com/" target="_blank">Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant.</a> in Sister Bay. </div>
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The major draw to this restaurant are the goats that live on the roof. </div>
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Make sure to take time to pull over or find a place to park to check them out. I will assume that the food is good also since each time we drive past it is busy. We never have stopped since we eat before we make it this far. </div>
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Prior to making it to the tip of the Door County mainland do not be surprised if you run across a snake in the road.</div>
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No worries though this snake doesn't mind if you drive all over him.</div>
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Once you reach the tip of the peninsula, it is time for the car ferry that will take you over to Washington Island. You can also take bicycles or just ride the ferry over as an individual.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fEg_sOrilmqL0H8jCt6iXj-WasgHWz72c81JnIR7AyoKyngqDKCOp9jGnedgIht1vHOuRgu84-sjjy3Ev5k1C-hXXd0kWgI6B0qkYNQrFrFZkNFM6aqqiDxEAYHcQsq_jSd-ASf5GVQ/s1600/10-August-Rock-Island-Day-1-(19).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fEg_sOrilmqL0H8jCt6iXj-WasgHWz72c81JnIR7AyoKyngqDKCOp9jGnedgIht1vHOuRgu84-sjjy3Ev5k1C-hXXd0kWgI6B0qkYNQrFrFZkNFM6aqqiDxEAYHcQsq_jSd-ASf5GVQ/s1600/10-August-Rock-Island-Day-1-(19).jpg" /></a></div>
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The ferry ride lasts a long enough period where you can get out stretch your legs and enjoy the view for awhile. More Information on the ferry click here: <a href="http://wisferry.com/" target="_blank">Washington Ferry</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zbIUPBdboto/VSOmqFxAX-I/AAAAAAAAP4M/hshRTOwq0B0/s1600/09-August-Door-County-Washington-Island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zbIUPBdboto/VSOmqFxAX-I/AAAAAAAAP4M/hshRTOwq0B0/s1600/09-August-Door-County-Washington-Island.jpg" /></a></div>
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Once you arrive at Washington Island, next is driving across the island to the "entrance" for the park.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pMksGl6xeLvuRi1fWckXeOkJOJBoaisEmltgG-3WeHAmLMS_-V-cfVW43O50txzGD4MK0_SkB7uct-4Zi-wKB7bdx1H8CZ7xajrIS2QYlpIv4r_Syovv_57PlI94GwfRB_AbKELzu2s/s1600/11-August-Rock-Island-Day-4-(30).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pMksGl6xeLvuRi1fWckXeOkJOJBoaisEmltgG-3WeHAmLMS_-V-cfVW43O50txzGD4MK0_SkB7uct-4Zi-wKB7bdx1H8CZ7xajrIS2QYlpIv4r_Syovv_57PlI94GwfRB_AbKELzu2s/s1600/11-August-Rock-Island-Day-4-(30).jpg" /></a></div>
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Yes, you are reading that sign correctly..it says "Rock Island Ferry". It takes two ferry rides to get to this glorious state park. It is well worth it.</div>
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And of course our obligatory pre-ferry pictures.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oDzc7GlPjgo/S5Jv0BxfsUI/AAAAAAAACR8/iZnLYOHrQ7o/s1600/09%2BAugust%2BDoor%2BCounty%2BRock%2BIsland%2BFerry%2BDock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oDzc7GlPjgo/S5Jv0BxfsUI/AAAAAAAACR8/iZnLYOHrQ7o/s1600/09%2BAugust%2BDoor%2BCounty%2BRock%2BIsland%2BFerry%2BDock.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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My first time to Rock Island with my son and Bullet</div>
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The second time with my son, steppie and Bullet. The third time we somehow missed out on a picture. </div>
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Once you arrive at the ferry launch, you will need to park your car and unload your stuff. This ferry takes people and gear only. The cars remain behind in the parking lot and a park sticker is required.</div>
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The guys who run the ferry are absolutely awesome. They do a great job of loading your gear and making sure you get across safely. Remember to tip your ferry captain. They also allow pets to make the trip over on the ferry. Which is a very good thing since I wouldn't want my Bullet to get jealous.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4wxIt1kb-_E/VSOmsnocPgI/AAAAAAAAP5g/hjzZoVZ48b0/s1600/10-August-Rock-Island-Day-1-(35).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4wxIt1kb-_E/VSOmsnocPgI/AAAAAAAAP5g/hjzZoVZ48b0/s1600/10-August-Rock-Island-Day-1-%2835%29.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Or Chuck, even though he would much rather be on the couch.</div>
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And on occasion, you may find a stowaway penguin.</div>
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This long day of travel is well worth it though when you set your sights on the beauty of the island.</div>
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Stop back on Thursday for insights on what it is like on the island....and living on island aka ferry times.</div>
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Dawn @ Wisconsin Wildshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553686312351146188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-402319928076584425.post-75200915990847089112015-03-31T10:49:00.000-05:002015-09-16T11:47:44.824-05:00Kayaking Essentials - Short Trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Don't be surprised but around my neck of the woods if it is a sunshiney day on a summer weekend that you will usually find me in a boat. I love being in the glorious pink princess stalking various animals on our way down the river. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hN6_gMsxuBM/U5s0HfGKolI/AAAAAAAAMew/Wau2LLG7T9A/s1600/KayakPinitPic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hN6_gMsxuBM/U5s0HfGKolI/AAAAAAAAMew/Wau2LLG7T9A/s1600/KayakPinitPic.png" width="341" /></a></div>
Today I bring you my must have trip down the river kayaking essentials. Now when looking at this stuff, remember we are only going down the river approx 2-3 miles (1 1/2 hours). Clearly if I was out longer or in an area that we did not know the list would be slightly longer. Ok...on with it.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c5yMfNyZbw0/U5s0F1LocRI/AAAAAAAAMek/FlmV6Ul9jbg/s1600/DSCN0495+-+Copybasic.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c5yMfNyZbw0/U5s0F1LocRI/AAAAAAAAMek/FlmV6Ul9jbg/s1600/DSCN0495+-+Copybasic.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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1. Floating Dry Bag - This holds the cell phone and my Kleenex. Allergies have been fierce. <br />
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2. The pink princess aka the kayak - Hello, you can't get down the river on a floating dry bag. Clearly my numbering was off as this is of course the number one item you need. If you are in the market for a kayak, you will definetly want to look for one with adjustable foot pegs. Also make sure you are getting one that works with the type of water you will be spending the majority of your time on...going to sea, get a sea kayak. We tinker down the rivers, so this one works for me plus its pink.<br />
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3. Paddle - Floating is fun and all, but if you really want to go places a paddle is helpful. <br />
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4. Throwable, floating seat cushion - Not only does this help in case of an emergency it also helps keep the bootie happy during your time in the kayak.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EY6Dc_Ilv1A/U5s0Fzzd19I/AAAAAAAAMeg/1q8hfdwCDKc/s1600/DSCN0494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EY6Dc_Ilv1A/U5s0Fzzd19I/AAAAAAAAMeg/1q8hfdwCDKc/s1600/DSCN0494.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The little thing on my "dash". It is a compass, temperature gauge, and clock. Discovered this in the automotive section of the store. How is this helpful? You know: </div>
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Your direction if you get turned around or lost</div>
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Why you are feeling a hot spell or chill</div>
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Most important you know what time it is and if you have to paddle quicker as to not be late for some family BBQ at your in-laws that you may have kind of forgotten about while taking the in the glories of the river. Not saying that ever happened.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w7-jWs2TGt0/U5s0F8kxb5I/AAAAAAAAMeY/wRk_tFgMry4/s1600/DSCN0493a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w7-jWs2TGt0/U5s0F8kxb5I/AAAAAAAAMeY/wRk_tFgMry4/s1600/DSCN0493a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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1. Flip Flops - These are my preference to wear in the kayak. Or some form of water proof sandal.</div>
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2. Snacks - Paddling down the river can be hard work and a girl gets hungry. Or if being attacked by a killer turtle, throw them snacks. They probably were just hangry. </div>
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3. Filled Water Bottle - Much to some people's dismay, it should be filled with water or a sports drink. Save the wine for shore or pack in an alternate container.</div>
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4. Beach towel - Aside from drying off, I use mine for a back rest sometimes. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PyUHUzhWxdU/U5s0Gw2wUZI/AAAAAAAAMeo/THmyTBR4NNs/s1600/DSCN2171copy.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PyUHUzhWxdU/U5s0Gw2wUZI/AAAAAAAAMeo/THmyTBR4NNs/s1600/DSCN2171copy.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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1. Water shoes - I will change into the water shoes when taking out or putting in the kayak. The traction is much better then my flippie floppies.</div>
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2. Life Vest - You never know what could happen. Carry a life vest...period.</div>
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3. Neosporin antiseptic spray to go - This is small enough to toss into the dry bag or hatch. It is a must have for when you scrap up against something in the dirty water. Take care of those scrapes and cuts better then a bigger problem.</div>
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4. Waterproof Camera with a Float - By far one of my better purchases last year. I love not having to worry about water getting on my good cameras or smart phone. You seriously can just drop this in the water, take pictures under water..you name it. Absolutely awesome for water activities.</div>
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5. Sunscreen - Bright red nor getting skin cancer is on my goal list. Sunscreen all over every inch and remember to reapply. Suffering for days after a few hours of fun is not worth it. Sunscreen use it. That concludes our public service announcement on sunscreen usage. </div>
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And last but not the least kayaking essential</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBbbH5H-99B7yh6EuzrRpOymNvmEjL74UNapAMmWoGRHFDoX9MRABU9Mr2FEbMCN6lxbjctmkJOG5uJ0TBykXiMqLb2i0IPowRFJqaKU6JXu46_ffC7vssOUgR4q12RmJletw8TVIWm8/s1600/DSCN0449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBbbH5H-99B7yh6EuzrRpOymNvmEjL74UNapAMmWoGRHFDoX9MRABU9Mr2FEbMCN6lxbjctmkJOG5uJ0TBykXiMqLb2i0IPowRFJqaKU6JXu46_ffC7vssOUgR4q12RmJletw8TVIWm8/s1600/DSCN0449.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A5cUgf7Qn9A/U4w8Ov57ILI/AAAAAAAAMYE/2ZtC4rdrQ4A/s1600/DSCN0446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A5cUgf7Qn9A/U4w8Ov57ILI/AAAAAAAAMYE/2ZtC4rdrQ4A/s1600/DSCN0446.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Rs-nBV3RgnE96KS0ODUqIqvWJ7KZ96DA6VFP4lfBYP7JIZyKAhHNMQLbRqrka6uUg_m2-L3WjFbO58m-8CZ25KvbQRCuKng1mfznS0nKjZv8WLCScqQL2G8OMvRxoWvx6_05ZBJ8UGE/s1600/DSCN0481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Rs-nBV3RgnE96KS0ODUqIqvWJ7KZ96DA6VFP4lfBYP7JIZyKAhHNMQLbRqrka6uUg_m2-L3WjFbO58m-8CZ25KvbQRCuKng1mfznS0nKjZv8WLCScqQL2G8OMvRxoWvx6_05ZBJ8UGE/s1600/DSCN0481.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Family and friends....having fun, conversation, and sharing moments on the river really is my favorite part in our kayaking adventures.</div>
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Get your stuff together, grab your people, get out there and enjoy some summer kayaking water fun.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHzD0ApErAO5Dp5qkXW9Qi8WtlLqVF5bMKaEjQMuqnNvTFPWJ-q50iLZf_lobCpZ8G79k3o4B6mYTk2AmVl67gqhFEd8RWamBVLeAfwACtGtrBCyZ9zAJ0EC91nQnmdcN9WcI0rg-XBzA_/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHzD0ApErAO5Dp5qkXW9Qi8WtlLqVF5bMKaEjQMuqnNvTFPWJ-q50iLZf_lobCpZ8G79k3o4B6mYTk2AmVl67gqhFEd8RWamBVLeAfwACtGtrBCyZ9zAJ0EC91nQnmdcN9WcI0rg-XBzA_/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">* Kleenex tissues and neosporin were products I received complimentary for testing from inluenster. All opinions are my own.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">* repost from <a href="http://www.lifeinthesack.com/" target="_blank">Life in the Sack</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">* Please note I will be updating this post later in the year after adjusting our "necessities" </span><br />
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Dawn @ Wisconsin Wildshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06553686312351146188noreply@blogger.com0