Freezin' in Wisconsin Weekend

“The trip plan calls for car camping at the at Pigeon Creek Campground or staying at the Holiday Inn Express in Black River Falls if you wish.”

“the parking lots are at the trailhead for the ski trails.

pigen creek campground is perhaps a mile and a half or so from the trailheads. it's not a long drive.

car camping in the winter would work. you can register at the campground. there is firewood cut that you can pay for using the honor system. it's kept in a shack by the entrance. there are nice fire rings. there are pit toilets. i doubt if the water will be running during the winter months.

the holiday inn express is really nice and is only about 10 minutes from the campground/trailhead (furter north). it has a pool/whirpool and a kiddie pool. the kiddie pool was really popular with my kids when they were little. it has a little waterslide with a giant bear with a fish. i'll see if i can find a photo. they have "pool rooms" that are a little larger and have sliding glass doors (can be locked) that open up onto the pool deck. it's a nice setup if you have kids.”

“here is a web site that describes the hotel:

http://www.ihsadvantage.com/h/hotelinfo/black_river_falls/wi/us/13732

here is a photo of the kiddie pool. makes you wish you were 8 again! there are "pool rooms" that open up onto the pool. there are "pool view" rooms that open onto a balcony that overlooks the pool.

”

“So is anyone ever going to post on this thread again??? Or is that JimmySan STILL BOYCOTTING THIS PLACE???

phhhht!!!! LOL

I checked some Black River State Forest stuff. This winter I have discovered the joys of tent camping where you have a warming mattress pad under your sleeping bag... and maybe even a heater!!!

YES, CALL ME A (drum roll) "ELECTRIC SITE HO!!"

I see there's a campground apparently with electric sites near Black River Falls (and of course I would check to make sure electricity is ON!!!:

Castle Mound Campground
Castle Mound Campground is located one mile east of Black River Falls on Hwy 12. The campground's 35 sites are open year-round, with electricity available at five sites and one site accessible to handicapped patrons... Our campground information sheet (PDF, 227KB) includes a map of Castle Mound Campground.

The overall campground information page:
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/forestry/StateForests/SF-BlackRiver/BlackRiver-rec-camp.htm

OF COURSE, I DO HAVE MY PROPANE HEATER... never used it yet. Would be open to advice on that, too (but man, use the warming pad under your sleeping bag and you'll think you're in heaven! I sleep very cold, OK??? LOL!)”

“I think Wisconsin State Parks turn off their electricity when they turn off their water but I'm not sure...I love my propane heater and it looks like we'll have snow if the weather trend continues...I love the Coleman heater, Lizs...it makes winter camping much less stressful for this body-on-the-edge...I wonder if Jimmysan was referring to that great cafe on Main Street in Black River Falls that served sausage gravy over fried eggs and hashbrowns...that place is awesome! I wish this trip were a couple week-end after New Year's instead of the following week-end...I hope I can make it...”

“I sometimes bring a 1500 BTU catalytic heater that heats my two wall tent up to 50 degrees:

http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemancom/detail.asp?product_id=5035A700&categoryid=3000

The backpacker who introduced me to this useful device uses this 3,000 BTU model to heat his single wall mountaineering tent up to 80 degrees:

http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemancom/detail.asp?product_id=5038A800&categoryid=3000

Depending on the weather forecast for Friday night and Saturday morning, and the driving conditions, I may drive up Friday night and car camp the first night, I may drive up very early morning Saturday, or I may whimp out and spend the first night at the Holiday Inn. I will post that decision a day before I leave.

I am really looking forward to the skiing there Saturday and Sunday.”

“Tell me how you guys safely use those heaters, if ya would? Looks like I have the 3,000 BTU one, although mine is different than the one you linked, Pros.

Where do you place it so it doesn't tip over - I mean, so if you're rolling around you don't knock it over? Is it outside the tent aimed in?”

“per the trip page the plan is to camp at pigeon creek on friday night.

aesthetically i prefer pigeon creek. it's more remote and private than castle mound. also, pigeon creek is right next to the trail system where we will be skiing. it does not have electricity, as you discovered. yet if castle mound doesn't have electricity in winter (and i would suggest you research this per mata's hint) then aside from scenery and location i see little difference between the two campgrounds. let us know what you decide to do.”

“Lizs, first, the heaters only work if inside your tent. The heaters only require 3 square inches of ventilation, like leaving a bottom zipper open a crack.

Second, one must have as much as 24 inches of space between the heater and a tent wall or tent side to avoid overheating or melting of the fabric.

Third, I would not sleep or nap with the heater on. They are useful for drying off wet clothing, to read, or to just warm up during time in the tent.

Fourth, the stand up type heater I use does not need a bottom protection. The higher output heater that lays on its side can be placed upon an aluminum sheet or foil.”

“Thanks! I was thinking people ran them all night... and just couldn't understand that.

Sure don't need 80 degrees!!! I sleep with bedroom around 60 or slightly less at home (with the warming pad on the bed - you KNEW that was coming, right?? LOL)

Hey JimmySan! Good to see youse!”

“Winter camping, harumph. Looks like it will be colder in my living room:)”

“i'll be sleeping in my new hammock rigged for cold weather (underquilt, undercover, and overcover). i may throw a few of those chemical heating pads in for good measure... i think i am a hammock convert now.”

“It is good to be seen...”

“Hey Nimby... or is that Nimbie... Or, the ever popular NIMBy?? (I just bet you don't want it in your backyard!) Anyway, ya leaving that cold livin' room up nort to warm up with the TTers???”

“Gawd no, there's nothing about sleeping outside in the winter that has any appeal to me. Winter's to be suffered, not enjoyed...you know that...it's a midwestern, lutheran, Prairie Home Companion sort of thing:)”

“the backcountry in winter is a special place. wake up in the morning and the forest is so amazingly quiet i am almost scared to move for fear my rustling will break something sacred. look out of the shelter and see fresh snow all around that fell while i was sleeping, pine boughs drooping and laden. the taste of that first hot cup of coffee in the morning... really enjoying a hot meal. eating because the food tastes good and to keep warm! all the cool clothing that sits in your closet the rest of the year. the way i see it only a small portion of the population get out to see the more wild portions of America. an even smaller percentage make it out to the remote areas. an even smaller percentage experience these areas during the magic of winter. skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, crampons, building snow shelters, really using and depending on core skills rather than just talking about them... winter is where it's at! it is not something i personally suffer through.”

“I can see that if your life is essentially urban. It's a challenge. Personally, I have enough challenge keeping up with the woodpile, keeping my house heated, keeping the driveway plowed and the tractor and jeep running. Every day I get to walk around in an area that's more spectacularly beautiful (particularly in the winter after a new snow) than anything you're likely to encounter around Black River Falls. I enjoy it immensely and feel privileged to live here. Sleep in it? No thanks:)”

“Man, it's snowing big time here in Milwaukee! It looks to be about 6"-9" total.

Hmmmm, perhaps a little snowshoeing will be in order after the Packer game, I'm thinkin'!”

“too cool!”

“This trip will be such a luxury if we actually have snow...winter camping with below freezing temps and no snow is too much work...since work no longer allows one or two days leave of absences and I was planning to take Jan 1st of anyway, I said heck with it and took the whole week off...I'm thinking I'll head over there ahead of time...I love winter camping but it is a strain on my limited physical resources...if I set up at Pigeon Creek for 2 nights then I won't be too tired, I'm hoping, to pack up and hike into Red Oak...I'll have to snowshoe it with a sled and we all know who much fun those short, steep hills in that area are...or, at least I know having been there a few times...

I love the quiet of winter camping. I like sleeping out at anytime of year but there's something special about winter...”

“we can get you and your gear in there, all the big strong mule types. i am trying to figure out how to get in there without using the groomed ski trails (which is forbidden). gotta be a way.”

“When I looked at some maps, I read somewhere that certain roads are perhaps not plowed? I was noting that thinking perhaps some people - me, Mata, others? - might be interested in driving on that road close to Red Oak and hiking stuff in that short distance.

BUT it appeared the road is not plowed. Might wanna check that, closed roads for snowshoeing. Of course, a person would miss the hell hills. LOL!

Today dryfoot and I were out snowshoeing prolly 4.5 miles (the outer, longer loop) on the Wet Bark Trail at the Oak Ridge Unit of the Dorer Forest here in SE MN. Geocaching, too. (found both)

WELL,we had the brilliant idea to snowshoe down the hill from a shelter to the valley below, to cut off a very long switchback.

SEEMED a good idea. But did I mention the 2-3" of powdery snow on top of glare, glass-like ice that you had to gouge your snowshoes into to get a grip, IF they would even cut through the ice??!? And the STEEP hillside??!?!?

LMAO, it was scary. Then WHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEE we took off the snowshoes and just slid down the hill on our butts, almost outta control and having to dodge big standing trees and small branches on the ground, with the fine snow flying up. LOL!

I went down prolly 50 feet at one point. A few close calls, but didn't slam into a tree. LMAO!

Thank goodness for rain/wind pants I had on to stay dry! Man, we hadn't laughed so hard in a long time!!!!

***Ok, back to trip. Just realized company Christmas party is set for Jan. 4. Will have to see how this all works out...”

“I'm putting in for that Saturday off so I can make this. I plan on camping Friday night.”

“can't make this :(”

“lorax!
Your ears must have been ringing today, I was just saying that I hadn't heard anything from you in a long time. Of course, I haven't been on the "other side" since they made their changes. No time lately to look up my password to sign back in by them.

I hope all is well with you and yours!

I won't be able to make this weekend, not even at the holiday inn. I've been recalled to work early from our usual holiday lay-off to prepare for our federal review at work. They scheduled us 3 months earlier then expected. Happy Happy, Joy Joy!”

“for those of you that plan to park a vehicle overnight and try to backpack camp you will need a permit. the permit is free but this time of year you must apply via the mail (castle mound campground is not staffed during the winter). you can get a permit applicaiton by writing: Black River State Forest, 910 Hwy 54 East, Black River Falls, WI 54615.

I think you can also apply through FAX. I would call:

For camping and recreation related questions:
715-284-4103
Jamie Dahl, Ranger

For other questions:
715-284-1406
Peter Bakken, Superintendent

you do not need a backcountry permit to park in pigeon creek but you will have to purchase a state of wisconsin parking permit as well as pay for your camp site. it's self registration.

i will not be applying for permits for the group. you will have to score your own permit. getting everyones license plate number, vehicle type, arrival, deprature, number of hikers, etc, etc is just too much to coordiate! :)”

“graska,

I'm sorry you can't make it. Snowtiger's interested in attending, but I see he hasn't checked in yet.

Lorax,

Don't forget the Cherry Snowplows!

As for me, I took my vacation for the original posted trip date, and I'm still working on changing it. I probably won't know my plans until the last minute.”

“I would love to see you and snowtiger again, iSolo...I'm glad you're trying to arrange things...aside from arriving, I'm not sure just what I'm doing...like Pros, it'll depend on the weather...”

“Yes, Graska, I haven't been around much. Work has kept me away from the outdoor stuff way too long. I've been running at a hectic pace since June. There is no let up until May I am told. My bag nights are off by 11 on average. I hope to start off the new year with my first two baggies on this trip.

It will be great to see you all again, and meet some new faces.”

“I will be in Milwaukee next month on an interview. Too bad I can't stretch that event out to cover a TT trip!”

“interview!”

“Yes. Menomonee Falls.”

“hmmmmmmm????

Is it like a big newspaper interview because you are the soooooper doooooper special Chili?

Or work-related?

Or for (drum roll) a NEW JOB????”

“Chili going to be a corporate lawyer for Kohls?

Keep in mind that Wisconsin is ranked 7th highest in overall taxing its residents.

Wisconsin's highest income tax rate is 6.75%.

Record lowest temperature for Wisconsin is -55 below zero.

And you will know you are from Wisconsin when you know people who have struck two deer in one day with their cars.”

“Worse yet is when the deer strike you!

Chili! If you are heading out here, I think we should round up the "midwest troops" for a true welcome!!!!!”

“I'll be there on Saturday, but I'm still unsure about Friday.

I just received an email from Snowtiger, and it sounds like
he'll be there too, I think...”

“i should make it”

“lor, mata, isolo, and many dear friends i have yet to meet. won't miss it if there is any way.
last edited: 12/20/07 2:20:28 PM”

“I believe I've done this before via email...

jamie.dahl at wisconsin.gov

I sent her the requested dates, license plate number, color, make and year of car and my name and mailing address...and, got a permit in return...suweet...should work this time....”

“i have never tried to email for a permit. if this works, mata, this is golden! for years getting this permit has been a PITA for me.”

“snowtiger,

Don't forget the Irish Whiskey.”

“Damn. I already wasted 41 cents in postage.”

“consider it a gift to the post office this holiday season.”

“I called the ranger, gave her my info and visa card number, and got the parking sticker and permit by mail.

I plan on camping at Pigeon Creek Friday night.

Happy holidays everyone!”

“isolo

it was judged best irish at sf spirits competition apr/07
last edited: 12/21/07 10:23:03 AM”

“I rented a room for two nights (Friday and Saturday) for the wife and kids. I'll be camping at Pigeon Creek Friday night and somewhere in the backcountry with the group Saturday night (hopefully the ridge up above the Red Oak ski shelter).”

“Looks like I may well be there Saturday and perhaps camping over into Sunday. Perhaps dryfoot, too.

Have company Xmas party that Friday night.

I may have a move coming up so perhaps should see the ole crew before then.......”

“The Black River State Forest has 25 miles of cross-country ski trails. Trails are groomed for skaters and traditional skiers and provide a variety of skill levels, from beginning to expert. A day use or annual trail pass is required for all skiers 16 years of age and older.

i have never gotten a trail pass for skiing on these trails so i don't know if this trail pass is the same as the one i would get when i backpacked here.

i am trying to figure out how to get people to the camp site without going on the groomed trails.”

“Here is sort of what I had in mind. 94 is in the bottom left hand corner and the exit is for Millston. If you get to Black River Falls (the next exit up) you have gone too far if you are staying at Pigeon Creek Friday night.

Hiking/snowshoeing on the groomed trails is prohibited. So those that aren't skiing won't be able to get to the Red Oak shelter to camp without going on the trail. we'll need to find a camp site in the backcountry we can reach. There are a lot of options from the parking area I have indicated for Saturday. i don't know how many non-skiiers will be in the group so i would like to leave the option open to camp at the Red Oak shelter. still, if you look at the topo there are a lot of options for good campsites that would be legally located and accessable.

”