Firstly, bear in mind that this is my very first entry here; please pardon any roughness of delivery.

I actually have more than “a” tip.

O.K. then, here we go:

1. Walk around (not just drive). Even in the Winter, and/or in the rain. The Land will speak to you through your feet, your breath, and in ways I cannot describe that you alone will happily discover.

2. Visit the old-fashioned looking coffee shops, even if you aren’t going to eat the donuts. But be ready for funny looks from the old codgers who inevitably will be stationed there. If you behave yourself (more or less courteous, etc.) you probably will blend in enough to hear things that will grant you an authentic feel of the place. Ditto for visiting the resale shops (especially the ones run by the female elders of the community who run things covertly and actually do know it all, pretty much).

3. If at all possible, rent a boat somewhere (all entry points have their virtues) along the Kickapoo River. Then canoe down the Kickapoo River. It’s generally a shallow, pretty safe river (granted you employ good common sense water travel practices and all). The views, smells (well… excepting the rare whiff of cow doo-doo, which isn’t so bad even so) and sounds (watery echoes off of rock faces, for example) are fantastic. Then, if and when you are ready for bigger stuff—try your hand on the Wisconsin River (be VERY careful here; it’s a powerful, tricky waterway).

4. Visit the Farmers Markets. Viroqua, WI has one now that’s open year round. Eat the locally grown and produced stuff that you buy there (yum!). Wander around and chat with the locals, and be sure to enjoy watching their wonderfully healthy-looking, kids (in Viroqua, the majority have enjoyed mother’s milk and 100% natural chow, and lots of outdoor exercise all their lives) cavorting happily about.

5. Although I do not like having to say this, it’s vital;
watch out for ticks!! Deer ticks, that is; the extremely teensy sort that can infect you with Lyme Disease. Be obssessively particular and thorough in your daily “tick search”, on yourself, your kids, and your pets. Stop by or otherwise contact Community Pharmacy (State Street, Madison, WI) for accurate, helpful information about deer ticks in preparation for dealing with these nasty little beasts. Dress with care as advised, use the repellants suggested. We have a gazillion of these things hanging out in the bushes, trees, even grass just about everywhere around here (only place I’ve seen ‘em worse was in Miami, FL). But IF you are wise and careful, the tick situation need not spoil or even (over much) get in the way of your enjoying the Driftless Region.

See you on a winding path, at a Farmers Market, or on the river :-)!

MmeTootoo
Pine River Watershed
Driftless Region