During strawberry season we had guests that commented on what a great time the family had at the farm “over near Barneveld”. They had little kids and I bet they had fun picking and eating berries out in the sunshine. Just down the road you’ll find the Bures Berry Patch, sounds like a good plan.
Archive for the 'Uncategorized' Category
08
Jul
09
Great Produce at a local farm!
15
Aug
08
Another fungus
This looks similar to what we’d call “chicken of the woods” and we’ll need to keep an eye on it to see what it turns out to be. This is the first time I’ve seen it growing directly in the dirt, the “chicken of the woods” that we’ve seen has always been growing on a tree or stump, ususally a red oak. But there is a red oak directly above this one.
13
Jun
08
June 2008
We’ve had lots of rain in the area, but we’re up near the Military Ridge, so the Cabin and the yard is always nice and dry.
The canyon however, is full of rushing water, and there are many little waterfalls everywhere.
We have way more fireflys than mosquitoes!
02
Apr
08
It’s not REALLY about the cabin.
The cabin is located just to the west of Canyon Park Road, not at the end of the road but an end of the road (some old maps show the canyon road extending to the north, probably merging with Evans Quarry Road). Originally the cabin was used just in “season” and was designed as kind of a park ranger station.
When you enter the original cabin area one of the things you’ll notice is the inscription over the fireplace, it states By Nature All Men Are Brothers. The rest of the fireplace is constructed of stone that is native to the park. These stones have been arranged symmetrically and some hold fossils. The oak floor in the same room was milled from trees on the property. The logs in the original cabin area where manufactured and delivered from Door County, Wisconsin. The logs have been milled with a concave edge and tongue and groove, so they are tight and sit properly. There is a sample sitting on the mantel. Check it out.
But why is the cabin here? Just take a look around. There are giant white pines, spectacular cliffs, 15 or twenty springs, a pond (dam; circa 1933) and a little cave. All of these features combine to make the park a destination in itself. You can take a walk on the Loop and down through the canyon and back in about an hour. We recommend it!
30
Jan
08
Driving from Chicago.
Last year, several of our guests mentioned that they wish they had come on a Thursday. On Friday the traffic is bad and road construction really complicates matters. We heard that “driving from Chicago” on a Friday afternoon or evening was a bit of a chore. More than once the trip took more than five hours. It seems that leaving the city on a Thursday would be a great idea! And returning on Monday is probably a good idea.
01
Sep
07
Star Gazing & Dark Skies
We love to stay out by the campfire until late and watch the stars and planets spin overhead. The skies are very dark and the Milky Way seems so close that you could jump up and touch it.
The view of the horizon in all directions is limited, but we don’t miss much. We’ve seen comets and meteor showers, spectacular northern lights displays, and satellites are easily spotted zipping along overhead.
All of this can be seen with the naked eye, and a good pair of binoculars is the next step tool for beginners and kids. You don’t need a fancy telescope to be an astronomer!
A book that will help you learn the names of the constellations, planets and stars is an essential tool. The internet is a great resource to find out where and when to find objects in the sky. Each new find will lead you on to more discoveries.
After you learn to find your way around, and how to spot interesting objects with your binoculars, the next step is a small telescope. With our inexpensive small telescope, we have observed the Moon, the rings of Saturn, the moons of Jupiter, Mars, stars and planets.
The Iowa County Astronomers website is an excellent local resource on Dark Skies and viewing conditions in our area.
Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine April 2000 lists many Wisconsin astronomy resources
and The Madison Astronomical Society has a page of links that will keep any novice or expert Astronomer busy for hours!
25
Jun
07
From Chad
Canyon Park: A World Within Worlds
The descent that starts you on this glorious little haven is one of expectations, awe and sheer wonder. The gravel Canyon Park Road that leads you to this paradise seems to welcome you as you traverse the path. It is almost as if you feel the stresses and the day to day grind we imagine ourselves in, floating away, like a layer of skin, left at the door.. As you start your final retreat into the incredible sight opening up quite literally in front of your eyes, you cannot help but notice all of the grand residents of this magical canyon welcoming you to their indigenous gifts. A feeling to be remembered, that is quite certain.
If the sights and the raw energy of the plot were not enough, the delightful hosting done by Mr. And Mrs. Jeff and Lynn Martin was warm and receiving. Jeff did not hesitate to pull himself from his work to take an hour or so and show me around the 44+ acres of raw ancient life. He pointed out a looped path on the top of the property that shows a really remarkable Northwest view. The bottom part of the property is a real treat to have been among. The steep path down helps greatly to build up this amazing feeling of what awaits. With the nature of the watershed and the hundreds of underground aquifers in our area, the place bolsters natural springs oozing from every crevice it seems. The pond that you meet in your initial few hundred feet is really a treat in itself. It is a natural stop for many waterfowl on their instinctive travels. There is a place to relax, enjoy a fire and a picnic while listening to the trickle of water over the man made dam. Blissful.
There are so many areas to make camp independent of the tremendously rustic and homey feel of the cabin. I fell asleep to the steady, soothing and surreal sound of the spring fed creek that elegantly flows crystal clear water through the canyon. That same creek can be a savior as you wash your face and feet in the morning. It exhilarates you, and fills you with intense renewed energy for the daily exploration. This is a truly magnificent place to make a camp for biking, hiking or just ecological exploration.
The foliage is vast. I was completely overwhelmed. Granted, my knowledge of foliage and the wildlife that inhabits it is not that extensive, however, after one day and night at the Canyon I have decided it will serve as a perfect classroom. The stories to be painted by the large, almost god-like trees are amazing. There are trees growing between rocks, on top of rocks, out of rocks and just about any other position you can imagine. They are simply amazing. Anyone who appreciates the sheer size and evolutional history that has to accompany these gargantuan trees will be deeply pleased upon seeing the “Father Pines” looking over you, protecting, and singing. The wind affects every single tree different, as it whistles through the canyon. A symphony of leaves and branches electrify the atmosphere in a song that would please the deaf. Often it sounds like a steaming locomotive approaching; sometimes you can notice a subtle whisper of the tops, dancing and intermingling in a song of great grace.
The climate is profound. The climate boasts green lush vegetation everywhere you turn. I will be spending the next few weeks researching to find out what I saw and remember. That is after less than 24 hours of enjoyment. At night the temperature dips a few degrees lower than its elevated counterpart on the top of the canyon. In the sunny morning of this past Saturday April 28, 2007, it was surprisingly humid and warm. It immediately reminded me of a rainforest. The water was falling and being absorbed by all of the life. It did not get to maybe more than 68 or 70 while I was there, but the Canyon floor was humid and alive with 80 degree heat.
Recreation holds a great place within the Canyon. If hiking an explorative hike throughout the lush 45 acre land is not enough, there are numerous areas where a mountain biker might be able to navigate some pretty technical and treacherous riding. Conversely, for the relaxing bike ride, the property wonderfully cloaks a bottom and a top trail to view the property. It also is under .5 mile from the Military Ridge State bicycling trail. If that isn’t enough to make one want to relax with the moon illuminating the canyon bottom, there are unbelievable rock faces and cliffs that are begging the rock climber to top rope from the thousands of anchor points. On top of the land by the cabin is a spacious area to throw a Frisbee around or just sit on a lookout cliff and marvel at the unfathomable sights to behold. There is also a swing set and an area where the little ones can entertain themselves. Let us not forget our best friends of the furry type. Dogs and pets alike would be enamored by the size of the “park” they get to play in.
In my mere 18 hours on this property I was amazed and overwhelmed. I did not get to trek the cave, or see the large rock structure at the Northern most corner of the property line. I did not get to walk the North ridgeline or climb the many cliffs. There is not enough time to enjoy all of the wonders this remarkable world holds.
Time is not an idea or a realm here. Tensions are lifted, your muscles relax, all automatically. This area of our great state is known, but this area is one of our lucky gems, hidden away for a select few to discover and re-discover. It is a place boldly opened by a family with a gift to share. I encourage anyone looking to enjoy Mother Nature at her most divine to visit this vast Canyon Park and feel the indigenous spirit pass through your soul, leaving you changed for a lifetime.
Reserve now, spots will fill quickly!
21
Jun
07
Concierge Services
We know that it’s sometimes difficult to get organized and have everything you’d like when you off on a new adventure. Sometimes it’s tough just knowing what you need.
We can help with that! We can make arrangements with local vendors that provide high quality products and services. If you need provisions or services for a weeks stay, a large gathering or a weekend getaway we’d be happy to assist.
We want you to have a great time when you’re at the Canyon. So, if there is anything that you’d like help with, just let us know and we’d be happy to discuss your ideas with you.
Some of things that we’ve thought of include groceries, tents; of any size, catering, bonfires (you know, bigger than a campfire), speciality camp firewood, outdoor cookin’. We can also provide a chef, outdoor cook, a naturalist, a massage therapist, woodcutter and other services. Oh yeah, live music, too.
