Quarantine Adventures -- Hiking at High Cliff

Since it was nice out and the state parks were free, I convinced the hubby to go to High Cliff for a walk. The hubby isn't a big one for nature or hiking. I could go hiking or walking in nature any time. It is always nice to go outside. I've not been out to High Cliff in over a year or two. It's literally 10-15 minutes away.. probably closer than the Trestle Bridge in Mensaha.

High Cliff was pretty full when we got there in the early afternoon. I knew better than to initially park down by the lime kilns because the parking lot is small and the trails could be muddy. We headed to the upper trails. The were some parking spots available.

Yes, it was crowded but social distancing wasn't that much of a problem. People moved over to let you pass on the trail. Some people wore masks but not many.

We had a nice mile or so walk. We walked about a half mile based on the mile marker and then turned around and came back to our car. That was about all the hubby could handle.

After walking the upper trial, I decided we should go see the lime kilns. That lot was almost full and we were able to snag one of the last spots.

The lime kilns weren't too busy. Everyone walked by to get to the trail.

It was a nice afternoon. Hopefully we can enjoy the trails again.

Note: The state parks were closed later in the week because of over-crowding and vandalism. They will re-open a month later and only if people have passes.

#3640 -- Go to Heckrodt Wetland Preserve

We live near two nature centers -- 1000 Islands Environmental Center in Kaukauna and Heckrodt Wetland Preserve in Menasha. I drive by Heckrodt all the time and never had the time to stop. Today, they were forecasting rather unseasonably warm temperatures and cloudy skies. I decided it would be a good day to go on a hike on my way back from my friend's Jewelry in Candles party.

Heckrodt is smaller than 1000 Islands with only a few trails. It has a lot of boardwalks instead of just trails through the woods. If I'm going hiking, I want to hike and not just walk on boardwalks. I understand the need for the boardwalks, I am just not a big fan. I would rather tromp through the woods. The boardwalks do get slippery with the melting slush and I nearly slipped several times even in my boots.

The highlight of my hike was seeing two deer feeding right near the nature center. They were the only wildlife I really saw. Those two deer must been the same ones we saw last on the way home from basketball.

Heckrodt is nice for a short little hike. They have clearly marked trails and plenty of benches to view wildlife. I will go back again when the opportunity arises but if I want to do real hiking I will stick to 1000 Islands.

I think next time I go when there is a bit more snow on the ground and then again in the early days of spring when everything is fresh and new. Fall would be another great time to go.