Looking for a fun and exciting Geocaching adventure?
A team of some of Wisconsin's most experienced Geocachers combine their knowledge and experience to put together a great weekend of comaradie and geocaching adventure at Wisconsin's hidden jewel: Rock Island State Park.
About The Island:
Rock Island is Wisconsin's most remote State Park. Cars and bikes are not allowed on the 912-acre island, making for an experience unlike any other. There are 10 miles of hiking trails, including a one-mile interpretive trail, a naturalist program, 5,000 feet of sand dune beaches, and many historical sites including three cemeteries, Wisconsin's oldest lighthouse, and the famous Viking Hall and Boathouse. The camping is considered rustic, but flush toilets, running water, picnic tables, and fire rings are provided. Firewood is for sale or can be gathered from the woods for free. There is a short hike from the boat dock to the camp site, so using a cart or wagon is helpful for hauling gear. Your Geocaching friends are always willing to help haul your gear.
About The Event:
Rock Island Getaway IX is not just about acumulating a high number of geocaches in a short period of time. (although that's also an option!) It's about also about sharing knowledge and training with less-experienced geocachers, partaking in planned activities, NOT partaking in any activities, or just striking out on your own to explore the island's geocaches and other sites. Staying at the group site is not required. This event attracts a broad spectrum of Geocachers: young, old, families, singles, newbie as well as experienced 'cachers. All are welcome. Here are some of the planned activities (subject to change):
Thursday evening: Game night ~ strategy games, role-playing games, trading card games, played either at the campsite or the big boathouse.
Friday Dinner Time: Technology Show ~ Every year, we share with each other the latest and greatest geocaching and/or camping technology that makes our lives outdoors more fun and enjoyable. In the past, we've focused on solar chargers, handheld radios, handheld GPS's and other gear. This year, we bring the HEAT to the picnic table: Camp stoves! Have a special or unique cook stove that will make everyone Ooh and Ahh? Will it charge your cell phone as well as cook your hot dogs? Show it off!
Friday evening: Summer Solstice & Stargazing ~ celebrate the longest day of the year! Gather at the boathouse for viewing the sunset, return to the campsite for the Beer and Sausage Tasting Event, and then return to the open fields afterwards for stargazing led by our resident amatuer astronomers. No city lights to pollute your view of the night sky!
Beer and Sausage Tasting Event: Friday night and Saturday night ~ our most popular event, We all contribute unique beers and sausages to share and enjoy with everyone else. Share your beverages and stories around the campfire! Other beverages, including homemade brews, wines and spirits often show up as well. We usually have a secondary campfire for the kids (monitored by the adults) where they have their own non-alcoholic beverage tastings.
Saturday Mid Afternoon: Kite Flying Exhibition and Competition ~ back by popular demand, We gather in the open fields by the boathouse for a group kite flying event. Can you keep your kite out of the demon kite-eating tree? Not all will!
Saturday Late Afternoon: Group Photo ~ We gather everyone together for a group photo to commemorate this year's gathering. Sounds simple, right? As simple as hearding cats, as we try to gather everyone from all corners of the island to a single spot at a single point in time and get them to stand still for a minute and look at the camera.
All Weekend: Various ~ Hit the island's geocaches solo, or as part of a group. Tour the lighthouse. Take a cemetary walk. Go swimming. Enjoy the talks and tours led by park staff. Sit and read a book. Be alone, or hang out with your new friends. It's up to you. You won't be bored, there's plenty to do.
More or Less: All activities are voluntary, and subject to change, addition or subtraction. We roll with the flow.
Sunday morning: Break camp ~ Are you wanting to leave on the first ferry of the day, or relax and take a later boat? It's your decision, but if you want to get back to civilization on the first boat, better break camp early!
The Small Print:
Costs: Although there's no charge to attend Rock Island Getaway IX, if you are staying at the group site, there is a small charge in order to cover the expense of reserving the site itself. The fee for this year is going to be $5.00 per person, if you are staying one or two nights, and $7.50 per person, if you are going to be staying all three nights. Any extra monies collected will be used to purchase firewood or funneled back into the planning Rock Island Getaway X in 2014.
Ferries: Unless you are arriving via boat or kayak, there are two ferry rides needed to get to Rock Island. The
Washington Island Ferry will take you from the tip of the Door Peninsula to Washington Island, and the Rock Island Ferry will take you from Washington Island to Rock Island. If you are interesting in minimizing the costs of ferry passage, ride sharing is encouraged to reduce expense.
New This Year: The Washington Island Ferry purchased the Rock Island Ferry this past winter, so you may now be able to purchase a combined ticket to cover both ferries at Northport. Due to low water levels on Lake Michigan, there may be a land bridge connecting Washington Island to Rock Island; Not much is known about this new land bridge, so you are encouraged to stick with the Rock Island Ferry for transportation. New information about this bridge or combined ferry ticket will be posted here.
Need more information? Post questions here on the cache listing page, on our
facebook page, or visit last year's event listing
HERE to get more information about this event and what happened at previous years' events.