"To do" summer fun list

“and check it twice.

Do you guys ever plot out just what you'd like to do? To take in, to visit, to savor during your "off" time?

I wrote a column on it. It's long... (I always write long columns, but dang, those old Norwegian farmers keep telling me they sure do like them!!! LOL!)... but might get ya thinking....

Oh yeah, this actually runs next Monday, so is written like Memorial Day weekend has already happened. (Where is bacpac to accuse me of fabricating???!!)

TIME IS NOW TO PLAN SUMMER TRIPS

With our first big holiday weekend of 2003 behind us, let me ask you a couple questions: How was it? Did you have fun?

I can only hope there was neither snow, nor a bunch of rain.

Did you have major plans over the weekend, or did you, so to speak, “wing it?”

If you played it by ear, well, that’s OK. But do give a thought to what you’d like to do this summer. After reading a column by River Valley Reader Editor Melissa Vander Plas a couple weeks ago, she got me thinking.

Melissa said she was looking ahead to all the things she’d like to do this summer. It’s good to make plans like that. So often summer just slips right by… full of long, lazy days and a moderate amount of fun. Then, boom, leaves are changing color, followed by a world of white. Then you ponder, “Where, oh where, did summer go?”

With that idea in mind, I’ve been thinking about things I’d like to do this summer. My “to do” list follows, at least as of this date, for locations both area and nationwide:

1. This could be the summer I actually break down and buy a Minnesota state parks sticker. See, as an Iowa resident – which has free state park usage – I’ve always opposed this. (Sure, isn’t that the way it goes? It’s my parks visitation list and already I’m ranting about park policy.) I would think that for area parks in the Tri-States there would be some kind of reciprocal usage agreement.
It also bugs me that you have to get a second and third sticker if you drive a second or third vehicle into the park. Couldn’t the Minnesota (and Wisconsin) state park systems use some type of plastic card similar to those used by national parks? Just an idea…

Well, that being what it is, I still would like to fully explore these area state parks: Forestville near Wykoff, Beaver Creek near Caledonia, Whitewater near Altura, and Great River Bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River

2. Since I mentioned Wisconsin, I’d also like to fully take in Wyalusing State Park near Prairie du Chien. It’s a great park, overlooking the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers, complete with a ton of hiking trails, some mountain bike trails, a cave, a boat launch, a backwater canoe trail on the Mississippi, and Indian mounds. Um, yes, I’ve done a little exploring there. Um, don’t ask me if I broke down and bought the parks sticker.

3. While we’re on Wisconsin, the following is not a state park. I’m not sure what its status is. But I’d like to check out the Kickapoo Valley Preserve, sitting on the Kickapoo River, which is known as one of the most winding rivers anywhere. Activities include canoeing, hiking, camping, mountain biking, horseback riding and more.

4. I want to get back to my favorite spot in Winneshiek County that will soon have its path lined with bluebells. (Nope, not telling, this one is my secret. But, yes, it is on public land.)

5. This year I’d like to take part in the National Forest Service’s “PIT” – or Passport in Time – program. It lets normal “Joe Blows” like you or me take part in archaeology programs on national forest lands. Truth be told, I know this one will happen this summer, after debating it the last couple years. I have signed up for a dig in southern Illinois that will look for Underground Railroad remnants from the Civil War era. It will also involve a tour of such locations. I’m anxiously looking forward to this.

6. I sure as heck would like to get back out West again. The last time I visited Utah was in the fall of 2000. The fabulous red rocks, narrow slot canyons and mysterious Anasazi ruins are calling me back.

7. A trip back to the Rockies also would be nice, whether it involves the little used Snowy Range in south-central Wyoming, or the hugely popular Rocky Mountain National Park. One definite “to do” is to summit a mountain of near 12,000 feet near Paonia, Colorado. While it’s not a “14-er” (a mountain reaching 14,000 feet or more, of which Colorado has over 50), it does hold a definite draw. The mountain is named for my family. (And, just to clarify, it is not ________, since that is my ex-husband’s name.)

Ever since I discovered this mountain, I’ve known I must hike up it. I even used the Internet to find people in the area. I’ve heard the mountain makes a nice hike on the Fourth of July, showing a great view of Paonia’s fireworks. Perhaps this summer??

8. Also in Colorado, there is my favorite campground at 10,000 feet, a valley including an old ghost town and cemetery, with two streams converging. You can hike into the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness and do many loops from here.

9 A trip to the Black Hills would also be great. I was last there – in fact, I was first there – in the summer of 2000. I’d like to backpack a loop hike in Wind Cave National Park, backpack into the French Creek Natural Area of Custer State Park, and perhaps again hike to the tip-top of South Dakota’s high point, Harney Peak.

Also, in the Badlands, I’d like to find the exact location of the famous ghost dance that preceded the original Wounded Knee incident. It’s off the beaten path. I’ve heard where you can ask for directions and understand a four-wheel-drive will make the journey just a bit easier.

9. Just south of the Black Hills, I’d enjoy further explorations of Northwest Nebraska. Yes, you might think this is a strange wish. But it’s a superb, under-visited area, featuring Fort Robinson State Park – which includes old barracks, a museum and more. Crazy Horse was killed at Fort Robinson.

Also in the area are the White River, more badlands, the Pine Ridge buttes, and Pine Ridge National Recreation Area with its revered mountain biking trails.

Valentine in north-central Nebraska also makes a great vacation center, right on the gorgeous canyon – yes, canyon, albeit a small one – of the famous Niobrara River. Each year I tell myself that I’ll make it to the “star party” near Valentine, where people gather to look at the night skies under about as much darkness as you’ll find in this United States.

That reminds me, I’d also like to travel across the central Sand Hills of Nebraska, to see the “nothingness” of the rolling hills and cattle… and to imagine the trip in pioneer days.

10. Finally, I’d like to see if I can get to the Hensley Settlement at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, located near the point where Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia meet. Some backpackers are gathering there this fall. I’ve had my eye on this Appalachian ghost town for a few years.

Well, there you have. I doubt I’ll get everything accomplished this year, but hope to make a good dent in the list.

Do you have any favorite places you’d like to visit? Or sites to recommend? Feel free to write me – soon – and I can include some of your suggestions in future columns.
Happy summer traveling to you!”

“Here's the photo that ran with it.

Colorado mountain valley cemetery”

“Oooh, nice place to be buried! Take away the mts. and put in maples and poplars, and you have the graveyard in North BRanch, Mi., where my Dad wants to be buried with some of his ancestors. You have to go through a covered bridge to get to this place.

I have to agree with you on the travel planning, Lizs. Some day I'll get to Colorado!”

“I plan my whole year, never mind my summer. I reserve some things and keep a list for those things I can't reserve. My Lotus organizer scares people. :)”

“1. A great hike to Big Creek, NC
maybe meet some hikers from TT there and have my club members along.

2. hike for 10 days with an ex-thru hiker from Maine... should be fun..going to hike in Roan mtn area, Nadahala area and the smokies.

3.. Looking at hiking some of the AT in NW part of Tenn/NC

4. Get a job!!!!!!! before August

Hmmm sounds like I will be busy.
rox”

“3 more weeks till the Black Hills Trip!!!!! :)”

“bag a babe”

“1. Adirondacks Buttkicker II in August.

2. Possible overnighter somewhere around Black Bear Mt. in California when I go to visit a good friend out there.

3. Kayak my ass off around here in Tampa, after I get my boat (hopefully this weekend!).”

“HPM will be gone to the High Sierras for 3 weeks in July. 3 weeks without him around? Woo Hoo! Peace and quiet!


Well, there's always the baby here too...nuts. More noise and mess makers.”

“LPL @ treebait!”

“Hey Artex, when are you coming to CA?”

“Phaedrus, that's up for debate. Do you live near L.A.? One of my best friends lives near Redlands, which is close to L.A., and he's the reason I'm coming out to visit. He's not much of an outdoor person, but I'm still trying to convince him and my other best bud who's flying out there with me to do an overnighter while we're out there. I'll keep you posted as to when I'm coming out, it'd be cool if you and whoever else could join us (should I convince them). If not, there's always the bars!”

“NIce a trip to the west coast...very cool.”

“live, love, laugh”

“clem ain t looking for a good man still on your list or did you give up on that?”

“me? Well haven't really been looking anymore.. guessing if it is meant to be a good man will find me!
Just enjoying the hiking and backpacking, makes for a great time.
rox~”