WHO? Geocachers, Families, Friends, Recovering Muggles
WHAT? Canoe Float Trip and Sand Bar Camping Event
WHERE? Wisconsin River S. W. of SauK City
WHEN? August 17th & 18th
WHY? We enjoy camping and canoeing as much as caching, combining these into a different type of event for others to enjoy.
HOW? Canoe, Kayak, Tube, Raft
At this writing there are only 5 caches along the river, one is a great earth cache with interesting local info a great views. These also can be done by car. Many fine caches are placed around the area.
GC3T4P9 GC46YQT GC2R981 GC4C0FW GC3R8Z6
Camping is free. The river at this time of year is usually very calm running only about 2-3 mph, most of the banks and bottom are sand and you can stand up as much of it is just a few feet deep. The river holds many islands and sandbars are everywhere. Many migratory birds use this route, turtles watch as you go by and other wildlife can be viewed. The absence of city lighting provide great star gazing plus the lack of traffic noise brings on the calm. Great way to kick back and unwind. The fishing is very good too.
The flotilla will push off just after 9am from the route 12 bridge in Sauk City, stopping for breaks/stretching/caches as needed. The camp will be on a sandbar (with few bugs) about 10 miles downstream, allowing for stops you should arrive around 5 pm.
Formal part of event starts after set up. We welcome "Float by Cachers" who can't stay the night. We will raffle some geo-goodies, provide some roasted sweet corn and smothered in butter Perogies. Swap some swag and share geo-stories.
Sunday morning we'll have breakfast and break camp. Only a few miles to the take out landing on River Rd in Arena for our shuttle back into town. This should allow most of us to return home at a reasonable time. If you wish to spend the whole day Sunday on the water you could go down to Spring Green, the next landing. In fact there are over 90 miles of river with landings about every 12-15 miles. Next year may be a 3 day - 2 night float.
I’m a outdoor enthusiast not a professional trainer or guide. Although this is calm water without rapids/white water it has it’s dangers. If this is all new to you please get proper guidance first and/or partner up with someone who has experience. It is a wilderness area were rescue is not available immediately. There are no facilities along the river here. Cell coverage for some carriers is spotty. We will cancel at last minute for very high water or strong storms, otherwise we go rain or shine.
If you have all your own gear a public launch is across the river and you can spot a vehicle at the take out spot – see additional waypoints above.
There are several canoe rental outfitters in the area. The core group owns and rents equipment. For shuttle service and other items we highly recommend Wisconsin River Outings (WRO) in Sauk City for their top notch equipment and personnel. Check out their web page, they have a wealth of information on it.
If you need to rent gear/shuttle service you may want to do so in advance.
NEW as of 7-26/27, Scouted the river. Campsite is on a sandbar on the down river end of an island, best to approach from the left (south) side of the island. We will display a GONIL banner or some type of flag to mark the spot. I'll try to be on site by mid-afternoon. Should the site already be occupied we will set up down river on the right (north) at the next available spot. New coords will NOT be posted in time as we will not know until later afternoon. Also note-at Arena Landing does not allow over night parking.
Glass, Fireworks, Styrofoam and wood from out of the area is banned, there are very large fines - expect to be searched. Firewood is scarce on the sand bars, if you could bring a bundle with you, great it makes for a nice campfire.