Before the sun crests the ancient bluffs, you find yourself standing knee-deep in the cool, gently flowing waters of the Wisconsin River. Across the river, the opposite bank is veiled in swirling mist, lending an air of mystique to the morning scene. The distinctive calls of cranes echo through the mist, heralding their arrival as they emerge from the fog bank, soaring gracefully overhead before disappearing into Avoca Prairie, the expansive tall grass prairie that stretches east of the Mississippi. Meanwhile, a large bass breaks the surface of the water, its playful splashes disrupting the calm, sending baitfish scattering in all directions. With determination, you adjust your grip on the rod and make a precise cast just upstream from the commotion, hoping to entice the elusive catch.
As the sun climbs higher, its rays casting a golden hue upon the bluffs, the opposite bank comes into clearer view. Amidst the shallows, a doe and her fawn leisurely graze, seemingly undisturbed by the presence of your camp. Gathered around a crackling fire, you and your companions share tales of the morning’s fishing adventures over steaming cups of coffee, each recounting the one that got away with a mixture of frustration and amusement.
With the warmth of the midday sun enveloping the landscape, the younger members of your group gravitate towards the river’s edge, armed with plastic shovels and pails, eagerly building sandcastles in the shallows. Laughter fills the air as tiny minnows dart around their feet, tickling their toes. Tempted by the refreshing waters, you join in their merriment, while others seek respite from the heat in the shade of towering maples near the riverbank, retreating to the comfort of the tent for a well-deserved nap.
As evening approaches, hunger draws everyone back to camp, where the tantalizing aroma of a locally sourced meal sizzling over the fire whets appetites. With bellies satisfied and chores attended to, you settle in to watch the breathtaking sunset paint the sky in hues of pink and orange, gradually yielding to the deepening shades of blue and purple. As stars begin to twinkle overhead, you retreat to the cozy confines of the tent, where windows in the roof offer a glimpse of the night sky. lulled by the soothing melody of the river, sleep comes easily to each member of the camp, content in the embrace of nature’s tranquility.
