Heading South and Arriving Home

The past month has been a bit of a blur.  We crossed through half a dozen states and continued, for the most part, indulging in our favorite diversions; fishing, kayaking, biking, and hiking.  As we traveled, the internet, and sometimes even phone connections, were a challenge.  Consequently, I haven't posted anything in a while.  We are actually back home now, but I wanted to produce a composite of our most recent experiences.

At Pattison State Park in Wisconsin.  Big Manitou Falls is the highest 

waterfall in the state at 165 feet. The park is located south of Superior.

 

Hike along the Black River at Pattison State Park.

Alan returning to our campsite at Weber Lake.  This park is part of the Iron County Wisconsin park system.  Only 11 campsites are available.  During our visit, only 2 of the sites were being used, so it was almost a private campground on our own little lake.  We caught countless panfish, that were returned to the water, but we also caught numerous trout which provided several dinners.

Canadian geese at one of the 4 lakes at Hartman Creek State Park in central Wisconsin.  We had planned to hike the Ice Age Trail but persistent mosquitoes persuaded us to make use of the parks' extensive bike trails instead. 

We were lucky to spot about 2 dozen (early bird) sandhill cranes in a cleared cornfield near the Aldo Leopold Center outside of Baraboo, WI on our approach to Devils' Lake State Park. Starting in November and through mid-December over 10,000 cranes pass by the area and stop for a break.  Tours are offered by the Center.  Check out the attached link for a YouTube video and more info--Aldo Leopold Center Crane Tours.

Hiking on the Tumbled Rock Trail at Devil's Lake State Park.  The 1.6-mile linear hike is a relatively easy walk along the lakes' western shore cutting through boulders and providing lovely views of the lake.  There are a total of 29 miles of trails in the park, but most sounded more challenging than we wanted to attempt.  This was just right! 

      

 

                                          Harvesting pumpkins near Baraboo, WI

After stocking up on a variety of cheeses at Carr Valley Cheese in Sauk City, WI, we headed south to the Dubois County campground in Indiana.  In scanning info for cultural or musical events in southwestern Indiana, we found a one-day happening in nearby Ferdinand.  The free Ferdinand Folk Festival featured 2-outdoor music stages, artisans, food trucks, and a diverse representation of environmental and community groups.  A large open field, surrounded by shade trees provided ample room for social distancing for this popular event.

Lake at our campground on the south side of the Tennessee Valley Authority's Cherokee Dam located in Jefferson City, TN.  We didn't take advantage of kayaking opportunities here but enjoyed the biking and hiking trails through the park.

In Louisville, KY at Churchill Downs, we enjoyed mint juleps and contributed a small amount to the financial well-being of the track.  Rains moved in after the fifth race, so we moved on.  Unfortunately, the downpour continued over the next few days and made it impossible to explore the beautiful horse farms of the Lexington area.

At Lake Powhatan in the Pisgah National Forest outside Asheville, NC.  We were able to secure 3 nights in a row in the park (a rarity this summer).

The Asheville Art District is one of our favorite stops.  We followed up with a visit to the popular 12 Bones barbecue restaurant.

Our private campground in Zirconia, NC, allowed us an opportunity to explore nearby Hendersonville and Flat Rock.  Alan was able to catch a 16' rainbow trout in the stream running alongside our site.  

The Bearfootin Auction helps raise funds for various local non-profits in Hendersonville, NC. each October.  Twenty brightly painted fiberglass bears are displayed along Main St.  Our timing was perfect for experiencing the 61st Annual Art on Main offering the works of dozens of local artists and craftsmen.  Saturdays' Farmers Market provided freshly baked goodies, local wildflower honey, and organic veggies. 

For over a decade, whenever we were in the area, we have tried to secure campground reservations at Anastasia State Park outside of St, Augustine.  While this popular park typically is booked months in advance, we lucked into a last-minute site due to a cancellation.  The weather was ideal and the beach deserted.   It was a perfect conclusion to our summer travels.

The St. Augustine Lighthouse stands at the north end of Anastasia Island.  This view of the lighthouse is from the dunes along the beach. 

This may be the end of an era.  While we have been camping for 45 years, we have decided, once again, to sell our travel trailer.  We're not sure what the future may bring, and certainly, the travel situation will continue to be impacted by covid-19 for some time, but whenever we travel, I'll be sure to bring you along for the trip!