The last time and only time I was at this State Park was in 2016, some neighbors and I got together and decided to explore Wyalusing.
Side note: My father had some great stories about working in the CCC Camps when he was young.
My grand daughter, Lily, was with us and the first place we went to was the overlook. I wrote about it in a blog back then called To There and Back. I'd let Lily use my camera to take a shot from the overlook. The trip was in August and we'd had a rainy year.
2016
Lily's photo:
My photo 2016:
November 5, 2025.
It sure looked different! The bridge in the distance goes across the main channel of the Mississippi at Prairie du Chien and crosses to Marquette Iowa. The bridge in the foreground crosses the Wisconsin River and heads through Prairie in the distance.
It was rather cold and windy on the bluff, so I decided to take a trail that went down into a valley.
Charlie was the perfect gentleman and walked as is he'd been leash trained all of his life. We went a trailed called The Sand Cave Trail which is a 2.4 mile loop with two little Sand Caves or as I'd call them, Ice Caves in the winter.
The trail is well worn and well marked. The only issue I would see is the roots that could make it difficult for others to navigate.
It was also a beautiful trail.
The Big Sand Cave:
I didn't take any photos of the second Sand Cave. I would like to go back and see it in the winter.
I wanted to get back to the Long Valley Road and walk down to see the boat landing and come back up the Sentinel Trail.
The trek is surrounded by the pink line below on the map.
Well, we almost made it. We made it to the purple area I think.
Charlie was pooping out and I decided to walk back up the road to the parking area instead of navigating the rougher trail with him.
Charlie got a lift part of the way back up the Long Valley Road.
The road that went down to the boat launch was mesmerizing.
Look at the amazing curves in the road!
It reminds me of the stretch of curvy road in Door County that is Highway 42. It is one of the most photographed stretches of road in Wisconsin and supposedly was influenced by a landscape artist.
This road is not as dramatic as the photos I've seen of Hwy 42, but I think I discovered something pretty special. Not only that, I didn't have to drive to Door County to see it.
I found it undeniably beautiful with its shadows and colorful foliage.
We had an amazing day and look forward to exploring all of the other trails.
My Garmin did indicate that we traveled 7.56 miles on foot.
And WOW! How far in "dog feet" was that hike? Interesting that your Dad worked CCC. My grandfather worked WPA. Somehow, his old wheelbarrow was handed down to my Dad, then to me. When I had the bowl sandblasted, up appeared the letters WPA embossed on the back side of the bowl! Hmmmm, so my grandpa must've "borrowed" it, or maybe just politely removed it after the WPA job was done. We didn't know about it until we discovered those initials in 1987. Stay safe and watered! Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteCharlie just goes and goes with those short little legs. But he is in fantastic shape for a dog, he has hiked with me for 7 years.
DeleteMy father had so many stories about when he was in the camp.
7.56 Miles! No order the dog was popped. You got some nice colour at the end.
ReplyDeleteHe was tired, so I gave him the day off yesterday while I did more cleaning and organizing of closets.
DeleteWhat beautiful views! I enjoyed looking at the changes in 9 years. Almost 8 miles. You two are troopers.
ReplyDeleteOh thanks. In my 20's I was a distance runner. In my 40's a distance biker, in my 50's a distance equine rider, and now I seem to have fallen in love with distance hiking.
DeleteHiking is slower, but you can see more things.
Such a great walk and so many sensory delights. Well done! Thanks for enabling us to see some of the beauty you experienced first hand. That’s quite a distance for Charlie’s short legs.
ReplyDeleteI really did enjoy the hiking, it was leisurely and enjoyable. Taking my time instead of rushing is amazing.
DeleteI am so happy you are getting out to these places you weren't able to visit. Charlie looks like a mouse in that huge sand cave!
ReplyDeleteHe does look tiny! I could have gone all day and to sunset, but my partner showed signs of fatigue, so home we went. I will hopefully go back next week!
DeleteThose winding paths are gorgeous! Lori
ReplyDeleteBeautiful fall colors. I love that windy road. The sand cave looks interesting!
ReplyDeleteThat isa hike! No wonder Charlie got a tad tired!
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking us on this great walk. The trail looked amazing, one I would have loved to trek on. Sounds like Charlie was a trooper.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! I remember Door County. One of our good friend's parents owned a motel there. It was fun staying there and enjoying the beauty.
ReplyDeleteI'm so impressed with your energy, Val. And you even had to carry Charlie? Oh my! It's amazing that deer stood still for your photo.