6/13/2013 1 comments

Yahara River V

Veteran's Memorial Park to Windsor Road
☆ ☆ ☆

A surprisingly scenic and riffly stretch of clean, clear water in an otherwise developed area. While a short trip, this portion of the Yahara is protected and has great landings thanks to volunteer efforts. However, there is one section where a landowner is less than friendly.



By Timothy Corcoran Bauer
A Miles Paddled contributor

Date:
May 25, 2013

Class Difficulty:
Riffles (One Easy Class I drop)

Gauge:
Windsor: ht/ft: 1.20 | cfs: 30

Put-In:
Veteran's Memorial Park, North Main Street, Deforest, Wisconsin
Take-Out:
Windsor Road, Deforest, Wisconsin

Time: Put in at 1:30p. Out at 4:30p.
Total Time: 3h
Miles Paddled: 5.25

Wildlife: Not one, not two but three owls and all in the same tree! A couple blue herons and turtles too.
Time worth driving to: 1 hour

A friend of mine scouted the upper waters of the Yahara a couple months ago but truth be told, I paid him little attention. It’s not that I don’t like the Yahara, I've had many a fine paddle on it, including my very first time in a kayak on a river (circa September 2008). But I have found myself having more of a “lower Yahara” state of mind. Ordinarily, the Yahara conjures too many congestions with too many people, usually in power or pontoon boats and usually in the Madison environs blubbering along from one lake to another.

Typically, for me, paddling is so much about escape and at least an illusory conceit of solitude. To my credit, on paper the Deforest area does not in any sense inspire escape or solitude. There’s development and people-stuff all over the place. However, to my friend’s credit, this stretch of the river is surprisingly picturesque and intimate at times, notwithstanding all the development.

For kicks and giggles, take a look at the map of this trip and compare the difference between the “Map” view and the “Satellite” view. You will notice that the entire stretch of the Yahara here is like a green sleeve (cue the music!) protected on each side as an urban environmental corridor. To be sure, it’s no wilderness and you’re seldom far from earshot or eyesight of backyards or cul-de-sacs. But it is a commendable effort in “greening” a developed community and giving the residents therein a place if not to escape from the rush of the everything else, than at least a temporary and well-deserved respite.

What I liked:
The width of the river at the beginning of the trip is nearly such that it could be brooked with a good running start (Note to self: look up origin of the phrase “jump the brook”). It’s like this for the first mile, during which you will paddle past unexpected quaintness at many turns, whether manifested as pretty trees or open fields. Needless to say, a scrappy creek boat would be better than a longer touring one.

This beginning section will be the slowest moving of the trip but there is a respectable gradient otherwise and you will find many laughing riffles welcoming you along the way. And if you like passing under bridges (and really, what’s not to like?) this short trip offers them up in abundance. Most of the bridges are part of the Upper Yahara River Trail, a pedestrian/bicycle path that wends around the river and it provides a delightful bike shuttle opportunity before or after the paddle.

There are no rapids on the trip but the current does rev itself to a quick clip at some points, which of course could be dangerous in higher water. There are a few very modest drops and only one or two choppy moments but nothing worrisome, just lively and fun! There are a few hills to course around, one of which has a very handsome exposed rock outcrop, which never fails to jazz me while paddling, particularly somewhere you’d never expect to come upon such geology hidden in plain sight.

What I didn't like:
Before I get to the main point that will likely command more attention, I do want to say this first: this stretch of the Yahara will be runnable only in early spring or after a mighty hard rainfall. There was just barely enough water for us to enjoyably paddle this section. Had there been even another two inches of water this would have been a spectacular stretch but anything less than what is noted above would be inviting misery.

OK, now the main part. There comes a time in every paddler’s life when one happens upon a cranky property owner who apparently has no other passion or pastime in life than to bark at canoers and kayakers. Such is their prerogative, I suppose. Here’s what you may well expect to encounter, based on our experience.

A smidge more than midway through the trip you will have to reconcile the most obtrusive of deadfall blockages (Note: there are several in this 5-mile segment). Because I am stubborn and strong-willed and paddle mostly in a 9-foot crossover boat, I was able to forcibly propel/scoot my way over most of the obstructions. And as always, we did a fair amount of hand-sawing and trunk-tossing to better clear some of these clogged spots. But there’s one that requires a full-on chainsaw crew, which of course happens to be right beside the backyard of a curmudgeon shockingly quick on the draw to yell at us. He never threatened us (with what he would've, I don’t know) but considering that the law is on our side here but he was a real stick in the mud.

As often is the case in such confrontations, logic and fact-based argument do not prevail. Fortunately, we were a party of three, our ages ranging from 36 to 52, all of us well-meaning stewards of the land who’d sooner hug than cut down a tree. I still don’t know what his bugaboo was. All we were trying to do was a) paddle a public stream and then b) portage around an obstruction because circumstances required doing so.

Here is a short list of what we were not about but maybe he thought we were: picnicking on the 2-foot-wide muddy bank strewn with poison ivy; camping out that night in the crops; breaking out the boombox blaring Miranda Lambert while littering a case-full of Coors Light cans all over the place; or busting out a little impromptu foosball tourney.

All we wanted/had to do was portage over a fallen tree! Because his property line extended on both sides of the river I can only deduce that he felt that he owned the river…? Or that the moment we stepped foot onto dry land (when in the mud, I use the term “dry land” loosely) in order to portage we were trespassing. He advised us to take out and portage further upstream, actually pointing to some tree I could not possibly account for (anymore than someone pointing to a star at night and asking “see that one there?” Um, no… because there are thousands that look just like it!) and then walk through a field with our boats entow. Which of course begs asking the question, wouldn’t we then be trespassing on someone else’s land, in this case flagrantly trespassing now since we’d be cutting through woods or fields? But we placated in order to make nice and just be on our way again, which I must say is probably the best course of action to take, logic or ego aside.

But so we’re clear on this point, here is the law:

Public, navigable waterways in Wisconsin are defined as “lakes, rivers, and streams [that] have a bottom (bed) and side (bank), and enough water to float any boat, skiff, or canoe of the shallowest draft on a reoccurring basis. Occasionally, barriers such as wood or plant debris may impede actual navigation but waters are public even when multiple portages are required to get around obstructions. A waterway does not need to be regularly used for recreational or other general purposes, but is a public waterway based on its capacity to be navigable and public.” (Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources) Additional info here.

Bam!

If I did this trip again:
I will indeed, but only with more water.

***************
Related Information
Yahara River I: Stebbensville Dam to Murwin County Park
Yahara River II: Stebbensville Dam to Rock River
Yahara River III: Stebbensville Dam to Murwin County Park
Yahara River IV: Murwin County Park to Janesville
Miles Paddled Video: Yahara River III
Good People: Friends of the Yahara River
Guide: Paddling Southern Wisconsin
Map: Yahara Borders Trail
Overview: Wisconsin Guides
Wikipedia: Yahara River


Map:


View Yahara River V in a larger map


Shuttle Information:
4.2 miles, mostly on a dedicated pedestrian/bike path that hugs the river. 2.6 miles on the main road, whether by bicycle or car.


Photo Gallery:































6/03/2013 0 comments

Groupon: Brittingham Boats Canoe, Kayak or Paddleboard Rental



Another Groupon, this one closer to home. Brittingham Boats is offering a kayak, canoe or standup-paddleboard rental for half off. There is also a kayak or canoe outing with lunch for two being offered.


Canoe, kayak or paddleboard half-day rental.
6/02/2013 0 comments

Groupon: Canoe, Kayak or Paddleboard Rental from Dells Watersports



Dells Watersports, located on Lake Delton has a couple nice deals. The first, a half-day canoe, kayak and paddleboat rental. The other, a standup paddle board rental and a 90-Minute paddleboard lesson. If you haven't paddled around Mirror Lake, we highly recommend taking advantage of this deal.


Canoe, Kayak or paddleboard half-day rental.



Paddleboard rental or 90-minute class offer.
5/28/2013 0 comments

Baraboo River IV

Haskins Park to Highway 113
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This very short trip down the muddy waters of the Baraboo offers a little excitement with its countless riffles and brisk current as it passes through its historic downtown and legendary museum grounds.



Date:
May 23, 2013

Class Difficulty:
Riffles + Class I

Gauge:
Baraboo: ht/ft: 8.76 | cfs: 473

Put-In:
Haskins Park, Baraboo, Wisconsin
Take-Out:
Boat Landing, Highway 113, Baraboo, Wisconsin

Time: Put in at 11:50a. Out at 12:55p.
Total Time: 1h 5m
Miles Paddled: 4.25

Wildlife: Three deer, ducks and geese.

What we liked:
Forgoing the North Freedom to Haskins section due to it's generally flatwater and muddy existence, we've learned to appreciate the fun part of the Baraboo by paddling this section every so often. This is a great (and quite literally) little paddle, being a short 4.25 miles. With bike shuttle, it can be conquered in an hour-and-a-half.

It's been over three years since we last did this trip but it was very similar paddle to that last one. The water was high and flowing at a swift rate so the dramatic Class I drop just before the Walnut Street bridge was kicked down a bit. Very manageable for even slightly-experienced paddlers.

The put-in at Haskins Park offers many options, although watch out for geese droppings, they're everywhere. And the banks are muddy.

I don't remember the water being so riffly last time but from the put-in to just past the Circus World Museum, there are yards and yards of riffly sections to greet you. After the museum, the riffles are less but it's still quite pretty.

As mentioned, the Class I drop wasn't anything too dramatic. It's always affected by the high water. In lower water, it's a little more fun but all-in-all, this was a great riffly trip.

For being so short and flowing through the city, I didn't expect to see much wildlife but I spotted two deer on a bank and one in the crevice of the really pretty island just after Circus World Museum as well as ducks and geese. Also, I'm not sure if a black squirrel exists because I either spotted one or the little guy just went swimming.

The take-out is excellent offering lots of parking but again, muddy.

I really love this trip and the historic city of Baraboo. Paddling through the Circus World Museum is always a highlight where you're just as much of an attraction being a canoer or kayaker as is the museum itself. Of course, a stop at Monks for a post-ride beer is always in order after the trip and is a perfect finish to a great day.

What we didn't like:
There really wasn't much, except maybe the excessive geese droppings? Also, as mentioned, one of my favorite parts is paddling between Circus World. There wasn't any circus music playing from the grounds like past paddles. It always adds to the experience even if it's not for our benefit.

If we did this trip again:
This is a great little paddle. If you have a few hours, it's a wonderful way to spend a couple hours and a great excuse to visit the beautiful Baraboo area. I'll be back.

***************
Related Information
Baraboo River I: Village Park to Highway 113
Baraboo River II: Haskins Park to Highway 113
Baraboo River III: Union Center to Wonewoc
General: American Whitewater
General: Riverfacts
Guide: Paddling Southern Wisconsin
Overview: Hunt Fish Camp
Overview: Wisconsin Guides
Video: Wisconsin Paddles: The Baraboo
Wikipedia: Baraboo River


Map:


View Baraboo River in a larger map


Shuttle Information:
The bike shuttle is a simple little jaunt. There is a short time spent on Highway 113 without much bike path access but once in the city, you can ride the sidewalk alongside Circus World to a trail that cuts through the city alongside the beautiful river. It ends on Second Avenue and then it's a matter of Shel Silverstein-ing it back and forth as the sidewalks end and switch back-and-forth all the way to Haskins.


Photo Gallery:




The put-in at Haskins.


Shaw Street bridge.


Caption.


Ochsner Park bridge.


Second Avenue bridge.




Muddy, riffly waters.


Broadway Street bridge.


Right before the Class I (river-left).


Walnut Street bridge.


Circus World Museum bridge.
















Manchester Street bridge.






Highway 113 bridge.


The Take-Out at Highway 113.


The Greatest Show on Earth.
5/27/2013 0 comments

Plover River

Jordan Park to Iverson Park
☆ ☆ ☆

Characteristically similar to the Wisconsin River to which it flows, this popular section of the Plover is a relaxing and easy paddle for canoers and kayakers of all skill levels and is bookended by two great parks in Stevens Point.



Date:
May 19, 2013

Class Difficulty:
Flatwater

Gauge:
n/a

Put-In:
Jordan Park, South of Highway 66, Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Take-Out:
Iverson Park, Main Street, Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Time: Put in at 11:50a. Out at 1:55p.
Total Time: 2h 5m
Miles Paddled: 7.75

Wildlife: Ducks and (lots and lots of) turtles.

What we liked:
My reason for wanting to paddle the Plover River was one of curiosity and stirring up old memories because the last time I paddled the Plover was the first time I ever paddled. This was the place of my first-ever canoe trip, over twenty years ago, a family trip with my younger sister and three other families and their kids. Although some parts of the trip are more vivid than others, it's left a lasting memory and I really wanted to visit it again all these years later with my new perspective on paddling.

I had thought about this trip often but I didn't even really know exactly where it was we paddled. After some simple investigation, I soon found out that it was the popular Jordan to Iverson section. I vividly remember the park that we took out at - it was busy, people were swimming and I remember it being really pretty. As it turns out, that was Iverson Park and it's just as pretty as I remember.

It was also on this trip that one memory was made that trumped all others. My Dad, who isn't the tradtional outdoorsmen-type, (but has on occasion had a flair for the dramatic) had enough frustration with portages and I guess nature in general, that when the banks of Iverson Park appeared, in a trip-defining (and ridiculous) act, he jumped out of the canoe and swam to shore, never being happier to be on land than at that moment. It was quite the spectacle and is obviously the memory that I (and I'm sure everyone with us) remember to this day.

It's even funnier now knowing that it was only a two-hour paddle. By his reaction, you would've thought he had paddled eight hours or crossed the Atlantic or something.

The put-in at Jordan Park requires a (roughly) 75-foot hike down to the water from the parking lot. There is enough grass to drag your boat if you don't feel like carrying it. It's a pretty put-in flanked by a large metal bridge. Upstream from the put-in is a dam that carries water down a gigantic tube from Jordan Pond. There are a lot of fallen rocks to climb about and explore.

It wasn't until I had hauled my boat down the path and set it in the water that I noticed a couple people putting in upstream by the dam and above some gentle rapids. I had seen the driveway on the north side of the river while shuttling but it looked like it was private. My post-paddle investigation revealed that it looked to be OK to put-in there since I didn't see any Private or No Trespassing signs. In fact, there was even a garbage can there, indicating that it does get used. That is the only riffly area on the Plover and would be quite a nice entrance to the river for future trips.

This is a great canoe river and a beginner river for sure. The current was swift and there is potentionally a lot to get hung up on but it was all very manageable. There are a lot of down-trees but it's one of those cases where even if it looks like there isn't a clear path from a distance - there is. Just follow the current and they'll open up before your eyes. It's obvious that some care has been taken to cut blockages and I assume that the local outfitter, Nature Treks, located in a cabin at Iverson is responsible for keeping it clear which is great because there were no portages despite a lot of deadfall.

This stretch of the Plover is a solid two-hour paddle. There are no bridges or other obvious access points until the homestretch so once you've put-in, you're going the distance.

The river feels surprising remote for being located so close to the city of Stevens Point and it's quite clean, save for the occasional beer can. You'll no doubt find some fellow paddlers along the way too. It's not until way late in the paddle before you even hear traffic from the coming Highway 51.

One of the things I remember differently from paddling back in the day is the size of the river. I remember it being very small, almost creek-like which really isn't the case (being so small myself at the time, you would have thought I would've remembered the opposite, but whatever). It's of the wider variety, like the Yahara River.

Had I not already known that the Plover was a tributary of the Wisconsin, I'm pretty sure I would've guessed it. Its characteristics are very similar to its larger counterpart but on a smaller scale. The color of the water is a slight malty-red in the shallows and Lake Eerie-green in the deeper areas. The sandy bottom, grass banks and even the way the trees lay fallen in the river look familiar and much like the Wisconsin, you'll often encounter huge random banks of sand cutting into the hillside. And though the river is generally shallow as it tapers toward the banks, just like the Wisconsin, it will suddenly get deep without warning.

Despite being near the city, the environs are rather wild, so I still expected to encounter a lot of wildlife but I saw very little variety. A total of one duck was tallied but there were turtles (the size of tires) galore. I literally lost count as they were everywhere.

The take-out at Iverson is great. I chose the beach but you could really take-out anyplace. The parking, however, isn't ideal. You'll have to plan your take-out based on comfort and figure out how far you want to drag your boat. I chose the beach so I could paddle under some bridges (and I'm a beach guy). I ended up dragging my boat a ways but put my flashers on in one of the closer No Parking areas to load up.

As mentioned, Iverson Park, the one I often thought of, is one of oldest and largest parks in Stevens Point and it's remarkable. It's clear a lot of planning and labor went into manicuring the river to the benefit of the city. Upon it's entrance under Main Street, the river splits into different directions with rip-rap lining the walls and it winds through the park in different directions under a variety of beautiful stone and metal bridges. In one direction it creates the swimming area (which is also where the beach is located that I took out) on its way to McDill Pond and eventually, about a mile downstream, the Wisconsin River.

Point has really embraced the river where it meets the city, making it a beautiful destination (it reminded me of how the property owners have manicured their properties surrounding the Crystal River in Rural, WI). This is the park I remember so clearly but have never visited before or since. For a city park, it's a gem.

Also, I noticed (stone or tile) letters embedded in the hillside of the park entrance declaring "City of Wonderful Water". For being born in Point, I never heard the moniker "City of Wonderful Water" so I had to look that one up. I assumed it was phrase that just never caught on.

It turns out it their tap water was declared "Best in the Nation" one year. I would also like to think that it's Point's location, surrounded by beautiful lakes, creeks, the Plover and of course, the Wisconsin River that flows right through it. Iverson park is just one example of their love for the water and I actually thought that was a fitting declaration of the area, it is pretty wonderful.

What we didn't like:
I can't think of a single thing. I really enjoyed this paddle.

If we did this trip again:
This was really a paddle down memory lane for me. Taking what I know of rivers and creeks and comparing it to my memory of this river, Iverson and of course, my Dad making that historic jump in the river made this a really interesting and special paddle for me.

It wasn't quite like tracing the wake of Lewis and Clark but it was cool to relate my knowledge of creeks and rivers to a canoe trip I did as a kid over two decades ago and it sure was fun. And just like my first paddle, I recommend this for first-time paddlers to make some memories of their own.

This section probably deserves more of a three-and-a-half star rating instead of three but since we don't half-star paddles, I'll leave it there. It's really a great entry-level paddle by canoe or kayak.

***************
Related Information
General: Hunt Fish Camp
General: Wisconsin Travel Best Bets
Good People: Plover River Alliance
Guide: Paddling Central Wisconsin
Guide: Paddling Southern Wisconsin
Outfitter: Nature Treks
Wikipedia: Plover River



Map:


View Plover River in a larger map


Shuttle Information:
The bike shuttle was easy. There is a very short stretch up the hill on Highway 10 but from there is it's a flat ride through some neighborhoods and then a couple elbows through a more rural setting. I considered and really wanted to take the Green Circle Trail route which is another option but you spend more time on Highway 66 which wasn't appealing to me.


Photo Gallery:




Jordan Park dam.


Water is carried down from the pond to this second dam.


Alternate put-in next to the dam. Riffles below.


Bridge at the put-in.


Put-In.






Tires getting some sun on the beach.








Common trees to negotiate.






Highway 51 bridge.




Main Street bridge.


Iverson Park bridge to swimming area.


Take-Out on the beach.


Catching some sun.












Truly.