Winter trip near Miss. River in Iowa??

“I was wondering if there was interest in a winter trip that looks to allow a variety of things to do, as well as housing/camping options?

I need to visit this place to see exactly how it might work, but from the Web site, it looks promising. Also, I had visited this place when it first opened, so am sorta familiar with the locale (it is also across Yellow River from another Yellow River State Forest -YRSF- unit that I've hiked in)

http://thenaturalgait.com/

Yes, its main focus is as a horse training/riding facility. I see they have gotten smart and are now marketing expanded options.

It's a lovely location, blufftop, but has hillsides that reach down to Yellow River. There would be ample chances for snowshoeing, perhaps XC skiing, sledding, etc. I am not sure on trail lengths, but can check on that. The main, Paint Creek Unit of YRSF - which has the 20+ miles of hiking trails - is not far away. The smaller Yellow River unit is close with some trails. Also, in the winter there is groomed XC skiing in both the Paint Creek Unit and in the Luster Heights unit. All are close.

Other area options we could choose to visit from this base camp t Natural Gait include:

1. Effigy Mounds National Monument. Small fee. I snowshoed there last year and it was wonderful. Also, I ran into a guy who hauled his XC skis to the blufftop and was laying down trail (no, it's not groomed).

2. Pikes Peak State Park, McGregor, Iowa. No fee (THANK YOU IOWA STATE PARKS!) Trails. (not sure if groomed for XC skiing)

3. La Riviere Park, Prairie du Chien, Wis. No fee. Trails right in the city of Prairie du Chien. (not sure if groomed for XC skiing)

4. Wyalusing State Park, south of Prairie du Chien, Wis. Day use fee. Trails. (not sure if groomed for XC skiing)

LODGING.
Look at the Web site and you'll see them mention camping. There are also very, very nice cabins and more moderate accommodations in the "bunk house" (although I never could find a price for the latter).

So, a weekend here would not rule out people who don't like winter camping... although they could certainly sit by a campfire outside with those who do before retiring to the indoors (that's more my style, LOL!) It sounds like with either of these options, you would have showers available, although again, I'd need to check on that.

If people really wanted to share a log cabin, there is that option, too, although that would need firm commitments and money toward it up front. Hence, I'd lean toward camping and the bunkhouse as options.

IS THERE INTEREST IN THIS?

IF SO, WHEN? I would think in 2009.... maybe early February? Let me know....”

“could be up for this”