Volume One’s guide to venturing places that are not indoors

Editor/Writer: Nikki Humphrey and Trevor KupferContributors: Heather Brunner, Jon Brutlag, Jeff Goss, The Hobnailers,

Jereme Rauckman, Frank Smoot, Duke WelterPhotos: Shawn Brunner, Nick Meyer, Andrea Paulseth,

Cassie Goldberg, Ron Ricci, Duke WelterDesign: Brian Moen

VolumeOne.org April 16, 2009 29

All Natural & Awesome Adventure AreasAwesome Locales to Paddle

according to Pure Water Paddlers

FLAT WATER(Spring/Early Summer)

Half Moon Lake Braun’s Bay Pavilion in Carson Park (101 Carson

Park Dr., Eau Claire) • This horseshoe-shaped lake was once was a holding pond used to supply several lumber mills along the Chippewa River. Put your vessel in at Braun’s Bay’s easy and accessible landing. Paddle past the Carson Park cliffs (very scenic) and then under the Lake Street Bridge into the bay. Watch for weeds to pop up in late summer, but return in late fall when they recede. The western arm features tower-ing cliffs, rocks, ledges, overhangs, and shallows of reeds and cattails. There are few indications of city scenes or sounds. Be on the lookout for turtles, herons, and flowering aquatic plants.

Glen Loch Lake Bridgewater Ave., Chippewa Falls • A must-paddle

in the spring. Located in Irvine Park in Chippewa Falls. Put in right above the dam off Highway 124 in Chippewa Falls. The real deal with this paddle is to cross the lake and paddle “up the creek.” See how far up you can get and enjoy the quick float back.

Paint Creek 5464 197th St., Chippewa Falls • Paint Creek is a small river

that feeds Little Lake Wissota. Put in on 197th Street near Wissota Marina. Paddle under the bridge and up the creek and you will find some nice rock formations and opportunities to find lots of wildlife.

FLAT WATER PADDLING(All Season)

Dells Pond Addison Street, Eau Claire • A man-made lake created

by a paper mill dam, and a hidden gem of paddling. Launch from Mt. Simon Park and paddle upstream into the islands. The water level in the islands will keep

powerboats in the river channel, so more room for you to canoe or kayak in the backwaters. This centrally located body of water has lots of nature-watch-ing opportunities and is conveniently located near the Starr Avenue VFW (mmm, chicken dinner). Or hang out at Mt. Simon for a picnic, some nightly sand volleyball, or a round of Frisbee golf.

Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area 13394 County

Highway M, New Auburn • Situated along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, the Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area in New Auburn offers unspoiled beauty with 17 stunning kettle lakes and many glacial features.

MOVING WATER PADDLES(All Season) *Use caution when assessing water levels*

Eau Claire River • A nice river to paddle anywhere between Harstad

Park near Augusta and above Big Falls near Fall Creek. It’s a pretty slow flowing ride with lots of turns and sidebars. The location is home to a pair of bald eagles and lots of other wildlife. Make sure you get out at the County K bridge if you don’t want to attempt a run down Big Falls.

Little Falls to Big Falls Eau Claire River, Eau Claire Co. • Ready to

hit the whitewater? The bold and brave kayak this challenging 1.4-mile stretch on the Eau Claire River. It goes quickly, but what adrenaline rush doesn’t feel that way? This is a run intended for experienced kayakers, so be safe.

Stellar Spots to Stride and Ride

Lowes Creek County Park S. Lowes Creek Road, Eau Claire • www.eau-

claire-info.com • 839-4783 • Clearly a hik-ing/biking fan favorite, and it’s no wonder why. This 250-acre park located just south of Eau Claire offers six-mile of multi-use trails, appealing to hikers and especially mountain bikers. Mountain bikers with varying levels of skill will revel in the double track (five miles, cross country ski

trail) and the challenging, twisting single-track (over six miles). The single track will take riders to all four corners of the park, winding through pine tree forests, crossing creek beds, and cruising along ridge lines. For a fun workout besides the biking or hiking, check out the Parcourse workout stations along the path. Parking pass required.

Chippewa River State Trail Access points: Phoenix Park (downtown

Eau Claire), Highway 85 (west of 37), Caryville (west of Eau Claire/Dunn County line), Meridean (north of Highway O), and Tarrant Park (NE end of Durand) • www.wisconline.com • (888) 523-3866 • This 26-mile trail connects to the Red Cedar State Trail (via a 860 foot long trestle), and finishes in the town of Durand. Why not start in Carson Park and take in the sights: Hank Aaron’s statue, the Chippewa Valley Museum, and Paul Bunyan’s Logging Camp (re-created, of course). As you follow this former rail-road corridor along the Chippewa River, expect to see great riverside views, river bottoms, prairies, sandstone bluffs, and more. If you bike, focus on the great sec-tion between Downsville and Dunnville.

Red Cedar State Trail Depot on 11th Ave (Hwy. 29), Menomonie •

dnr.wi.gov • 232-1242 • Scenic, beau-tiful, and quiet! Prepare for the fan-tastic scenery and abundant wildlife: woodpeckers, songbirds, turkey, grouse, pheasants, deer, and yes, bald eagles are routinely seen! The trail shadows the steep walls of the Red Cedar Valley for 14 miles from Menomonie to its con-nection with the Chippewa River State Trail (awesomeness converges). Along the way, you’ll pass through Irvington, Downsville, and the Dunnville State Wildlife Area. Open year round.

Beaver Creek Reserve Highway K, Fall Creek • 877-2212 • www.

beavercreekreserve.org • Beaver Creek, located five miles north of Fall Creek, encompasses 360 acres of diverse habi-tat including upland woods, river bottom forests, wetlands, and savannah areas. The Eau Claire River borders it, and two

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trout streams run through the property. Begin your leisurely stroll at the Wise Nature Center and be on the lookout for deer, bear, beaver, wild turkey, golden-winged warblers, lady slippers, or jack-in-the-pulpits. The self-guided, interpre-tive trails, butterfly garden, feeding sta-tions, and boardwalks will entrance you as Mother Nature gives you a big hug. Trail fee for nonmembers and children.

Devil’s Punchbowl Paradise Valley Road, Menomonie • physics.uwstout.

edu/geo/devils_punch_bowl.htm • Devil’s Punch Bowl rocks! Literally. Hikers are drawn the unique sandstone formations. Located four miles south of Menomonie, the bowl was formed out of the Eau Claire Sandstone Formation that was part of sea deposits laid down about 500 million years ago and some trace fos-sils have been found in the rock. Spring water falls from the sandstone cliffs, and in winter that water freezes into amazingly long ice formations. Hikers descend a 41-foot wooden stairway into the Punch Bowl and walk around inside to find the scaled cliffs, stream, and veg-etation. Those who like natural oddities will love this hidden wonder.

Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area 921 Brickyard Road, Menomonie •

dnr.wi.gov • 232-1242 • Ten miles north-east of Menomonie, Hoffman Hills offers

707 acres of preserved and restored wooded hills, wetlands, and prairie tra-versed with and numerous hiking and cross-country ski trails. Bird watchers are bound to find their avian friends here and get a bird’s eye view of Dunn County from the 60-foot-high, wooden observa-tion tower. You can lunch on edible nuts, mushrooms, and berries in one of three picnic areas. Sorry, no dogs allowed!

Sweet Places to Pitch a Tent

Coon Fork Lake County Park E 25501 County Road CF, Augusta

• www.eauclaire-info.com • 839-4738 • Located 30 miles from Eau Claire near Augusta, this serene campsite has excel-lent facilities including a boat landing, swimming beach, volleyball court, play-ground, toilet facilities, shower build-ings, hiking trails, and boat/canoe rental. Choose from more than 100 sites and go for a quiet, weekend getaway.

Harstad County Park Near Augusta, take Highway 12 to County AF to

County HHH • 839-4738 • www.eauclaire-info.com • This overlooked campsite overlooks the Eau Claire River, and offers a more simple and rustic vibe for enjoying the outdoors (no electricity or running water). The campground lies in a quiet forest, and the spacious sites provide a quality environment for kaya-king and canoeing. If you want to camp and enjoy the simplicity and rawness of the outdoors, this is the place for you.

Lake Wissota State Park 18127 County Highway O, Chippewa Falls

• 382-4574 • www.chippewacounty.com • If you live in Chippewa Falls, you’ll find this campground very close to home (and it’s open year round). The park offers all the watery fun associated with a big lake, but also has lots of secluded trails for hikers and mountain bikers, a playground, picnic area, and more. It has all the amenities of home (flush toilets,

showers, electricity) and is perfect for families. Sites fill up fast during sum-mer, so make reservations on weekends.

Brunet Island State Park 23125 255th S., Cornell • www.wisconsin-

pleasure.com • 239-6888 • Many camp-ers are drawn to Brunet Island State Park’s quiet lagoons and channels, per-fect for fishing, canoeing, swimming, or just watching wildlife (the park is well-known for its roaming deer population). If you’re an adventurous camper, check out the Old Abe State Trail, a 20-mile abandoned railroad grade that connects Brunet Island with Lake Wissota State Park. You won’t leave disappointed.

Willow River State Park 1034 County Highway A, Hudson • www.

stateparks.com • 386-5931 • Willow River State Park has it all: you can fish for trout, canoe on peaceful, non-motorized Little Falls lake, hike 13 miles of great trails (varying difficulty), enjoy the sce-nic overlook near Willow Falls (one of the best waterfalls in the state), and rock climb the Willow River Gorge (don’t miss it!). Swimming areas and a frisbee golf are also available. If you want to learn about your locale’s flora and fauna, visit the park’s nature center. In winter, this is a great place to snowshoe. With so much to do, and being open year round, it’s definitely worth the drive!

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All living things need water. But often we don’t worry about bare necessities until we don’t have them. It’s easy to forget the harsh reality, as we routinely tap faucets to brush our teeth or scrub in the tub, that many simply don’t have access to clean water. The Uru people of Tanzania, Africa must hike for hours along dangerously steep mountain paths to transport (often unclean) water home every day. Local massage therapist Poppy Moelter wanted to help change that, so she collected pledge donations for Climb for a Cause and scaled the 19,500 feet of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the largest freestanding mountain on earth.

THE PREPARATIONSA year ago, Poppy got involved with Climb for a Cause through It Can Be Done!, a nonprofit organization founded by her friend Margie Braband. Cost was a barrier to the trip, but after some shared fly miles from her fellow climber/life partner Ron Ricci, a surprise Christmas gift from her family, and donations from friends and neighbors, Poppy’s bags were packed. To get ready to go, she trudged up the snow-covered east hill stairs and exercised regularly at the YMCA.

THE ROUTEThe Machame route followed the western and southern edge of the peak, and finished at Barafu camp, the last stop on the climb to the top. They began ascending Jan. 24 and descended on Jan. 31. On the trek up, Poppy noticed varying climates (rainforest, heather-area, moorland, rock-land) and declining flora.

THE GROUPSeven ICBD members, three porters per climber, guides, cooks, and their African ICBD host, Florentina Masawi, comprised their nearly 30-person group. Poppy thought 72-year-old Florentina was remarkable. “She moved slow, but always rolled into camp a few hours later. She wants to show her support and see the project through,” said Poppy. The ICBD group was self-described as novice climbers compared to a seriously sporty Aussie group, whose tent banner read “Three Peaks in Three Weeks.”

THE CLIMBThe rigorous climb tested Poppy’s grit. Climbers were in constant motion, hiking seven to nine hours most days. Porters ran past them to set up camp and facilitate faster eating, sleeping, and departure. They carried 40-pound equipment on their backs or atop their heads. At first, self-reliant Poppy objected. “My knee-jerk reaction was ‘what a wimpy way to climb,’ and I could darn well carry my own.” The unrelenting steepness, pace, and sky-high elevation changed her mind. Her journal read, “As I fall asleep, I offer a silent blessing to porters, cooks, and helpers.”

ROUGHING ITAlthough Poppy came to envy climbing groups with the luxury of shower tents, she really yearned for just one thing. “I would’ve handed over some serious

hard-earned wages for a clean private potty suitable for sitting,” she said. Instead, there were “long-drops,” rank outhouses consisting of an oval cutout in the floor. Needless to say, it got messy. Poppy found the visible waste along the edges of camp (due to sheer volume of use) difficult to witness and a paradox on the beautiful mountain.

SICKNESSPoppy’s “silver-lining” nature deterio-rated as she developed a debilitating lung infection in the grey wetness of Kilimanjaro. At Barafu camp, the com-bination of wheezing and “crackling lungs” left her unable to continue to the peak’s summit. Swallowing her dis-appointment, Poppy watched the group leave and saw a shooting star arc close by. “In that moment I knew everything’s good. It was a good omen.”

Climbing for a Causelocal massage therapist scales Mt. Kilimanjaro for charityBY NIKKI HUMPHREY

VolumeOne.org April 16, 2009 32

If you’re inclined to use your rec-reational time fishing, you probably already know there’s a wealth of opportunities within a short distance of downtown Eau Claire. People wade for walleyes during the spring run at the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers, casting lures in the shadow of the Royal Credit Union building in Phoenix Park. They hoist muskies and bass from both rivers within a couple blocks, before the inner tube hatch begins. They chase panfish and bass on Half Moon Lake, Lake Altoona, and Coon Fork Lake near the county park outside of Augusta. And they tell you of the great walleye fishing on Lake Wissota.

If they’re me, they probably don’t tell you much about the miles and

miles of trout streams to be fished around here, but I can offer a few oblique hints. These streams offer healthy populations of native brook and wild brown trout, and abundant public access. Not only does the area offer a wealth of fishing opportunities, it also offers good learn-to-fish opportuni-ties. By the time you read this, UW-Eau Claire’s Learn to Fly Fish class will be over, but it will most likely be offered by the Outdoor Recreation Center (to students and non-students) again next spring. UW-Stout’s Introduction to Fly-Fishing class is also under way, with certified instructors from the local Trout Unlimited chapter. Wisconsin’s Free Fishing Day is June 6, when cast-ing instruction and equipment will be available at Braun’s Bay in Carson Park Numerous trout streams can be found in Eau Claire, Chippewa, and Dunn counties. The DNR’s trout regu-lations booklet and its stream maps on its website suggest something like 470 miles of classified trout waters. But

“classified” doesn’t necessarily mean “fishable” in all cases, so it may help to talk with DNR fish biologists, sports shop operators, and members of clubs like Trout Unlimited to find out more about the blue-ribbon fishing holes in our area. To the south and west of us lie the state’s most fishable and produc-tive trout waters, an area from Pierce and Dunn counties down to the Illinois border roughly bounded by I-94 and the Mississippi River. That area was missed by the last glacier and is absent of glacial gravel or “drift,” so is called the Driftless Area. It is marked by clear, cold, trout streams and abundant public access. For more, see tu.org and search “Driftless.” Last season, I turned mostly into a loco-piscator, trying to see how much trout fishing I could do within a one-gal-lon radius of my Eau Claire home. Could I look for local opportunities, save gas, and have a good time finding trout? Even after 20 years of exploring, it turned out I hadn’t scratched the surface – fished the depths might be a better term – of the available resources. This season, I’ve mapped out at least two dozen new – at least new to me – spots to fish. I can even bike to one within the city limits of

Eau Claire. So, you can learn, and you can find water, and fish to pursue. What better ways to savor these waters close to home?

REFLECTIONSDespite setbacks, the experience was worthwhile. Poppy enjoyed the gorgeous terrain, crisp, clear evenings, a safa-ri, and visiting the students who were receiving a well. Following their daily water trip left a deep impression on her. “It takes hours out of their day and stud-ies. It’s tough.” She hopes anyone climb-ing Kilimanjaro will help a cause they believe in. “If each of the hundreds of climbers going through put in a little effort, they could really make a difference.”

To learn more about It Can Be Done! and the Tanzanian Water project, visit www.itcanbedoneafrica.org

The Reel Deallocal expert breaks down fishing in the Chippewa ValleyBY DUKE WELTER

Map Guide to Improved Trout Waters of Wisconsin (www.WhereaAmIPubs.com)

Trout Streams of Wisconsin and Minnesota by Jim Humphreys and Bill Shogren (available at the library)

Guide to Wisconsin’s Trout Streams by Steve Born & more (available at the library)

MORE FISHING RESOURCES

MORE

Amazing pics of the scenery and wildlife on Kilimanjaro.

see MORE

VolumeOne.org April 16, 2009 33

Hey all you Indiana Jones/Jack Sparrow/Frank Smoot wannabes out there, I just found out about a secret world that exists right here in our com-munity and across the globe that might be of interest to you! It has been around for a while now, and has gained quite a following, but I just recently became an active member. No, I am not referring to Skull and Bones, the secret society made famous by that movie with the Dawson’s Creek guy. It isn’t quite that secret. What I am talking about is geocaching (pro-nounced geo-cashing).

Geocaching is an activity where you are given coordinates, or clues for the coordinates, and then you use a GPS to locate a little “treasure.” You wouldn’t know it, but these treasures are hidden everywhere you can imagine. They are in places you go everyday, such as Phoenix Park, by Banbury Place, Lowes Creek Park, by Luther Hospital, cemeteries, and even Eleva, just out of eyesight. Geocaching has proven to be a great activity for me and my husband, Shawn. You might say we are one of those cou-ples comprised of two opposite people.

Yes, opposites attract. Ha! Ha! Never heard that one before. Shawn is the one who always wants to go hike, go camp, go on adventures, go to Peru, go, go, go. I, on the other hand, am quite content at home with my pets, pajama pants, and a glass of wine watching reality TV. But I do also like to spend time with Shawn, so we are always trying to find things to do that both of us enjoy. Geocaching is just that. Shawn gets his adventure outdoors and I get to solve a puzzle, be a little detective if you will. Plus, really, who hasn’t had some dream about finding a buried treasure? You might compare the two of us to Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson in Fool’s Gold, minus the blonde hair, millions of dollars, good looks, and bongos (even though I know for a fact Shawn would like to have a set to play in our backyard for the paparazzi). On our first adventure, we went to Mount Simon. There actually is more than one cache hidden there. When you first go out, you really have no idea what you are looking to find. I even thought that a gross pillow case hanging on a stick might be the cache until Shawn told me not to touch it and assured me that it wasn’t it. All you know is that it is supposed to be where the coordinates say. This really isn’t as easy at is sounds, though. We looked everywhere imaginable – under benches, inside logs, inside dis-carded McDonald’s cups. In our defense, I swear, the GPS that we were using that day was the same GPS that Columbus used when he was searching for the new world. Eventually, Shawn realized that he would have to go down the wooded hill to get to x marks the spot. Unfortunately, I had to stay behind and hold onto our crazy dogs, Sippi and Duke, that had been locked in the house all day. After what felt like hours, and calling out his name many times, and a barking fit by Duke at a runner, Shawn emerged from down below holding a box. He had found it! And we got to sign the log to prove it, so don’t try to say I am making

this up! I think that is all that was in this particular box, but in others you can find anything. One of the most popular items is, and I’m not sure why, happy meal toys. There also is an avid geocacher leaving Menasha Pom-Pon Team ribbons – that team must have been great, given all of the sparkle and shine ribbons we have found. Too bad I never got the chance to see them in action. I must warn you, now. You will not always locate the cache. And if you are anything like us, you will blame the per-son that hid it for giving the wrongcoordinates or claim that someone must have taken it. Also, you will find things you wish you would never have seen, touched, or stepped on. On one par-ticular outing, Shawn nearly picked up something that would make you want to wash your hands for three days straight. I won’t tell you what it was, suffice to say it is something you wouldn’t ever want to find used by another human being in a place where people “sleep” for eternity. If you are at all interested, go to geo-caching.com and check it out. On that website alone, there currently are more than 10,000 geocaches in Wisconsin. It will keep you busy for days. Plus, you can, for a brief time, know what it would be like if you found a dusty, delicate map in your grandpa’s attic showing you where to find treasure hidden by Blackbeard. Even if you aren’t rewarded with a chest of golden coins at the end, you feel full of pride that you were able to find something that most people don’t even realize is there.

TRY IT!Geocaching Treasure Hunt Saturday, May 16 • Lowes Creek County Park • 9am to 2pm • $15 for Eau Claire residents, $25 non-residents • ages 16+ • www.eauclairewi.gov/pr • This first-ever Eau Claire Parks and Rec event serves as a geocaching workshop to learn how it all works, as well as a treasure hunt. GPS units pro-vided. Taught by JC Madorin.

Cache-ing Inhow I, an indoor gal, fell for geocaching, an outdoor activity BY HEATHER BRUNNER

Good luck finding it and drop us a line if you do! Email: mail@volumeone.org

Coordinates:N 44 48.659W 091 30.125 CLUE:

Beside big twins grown together, where the third wood would tether

VolumeOne.org April 16, 2009 34

EQUIPMENT/LICENSESAce Hardware 2618 Birch St., Eau Claire • 836-7788 • www.acehardware.com • Several camping accessories available. Some fishing equipment coming soon. Anybody’s Bike Shop 411 Water St., Eau Claire • 833-7100 • www.anybodysbikeshop.com • It’s all about the bikes: road, mountain, hybrids, kids, new, and used. Repairing your bike is their specialty. Choose from a variety of accessories.Bad Cat Bicycles 327 E Main St., Menomonie • 231-2453 • www.badcatbicycles.com • Sells custom-built bikes (road, mountain, hybrids) and kids’ bikes, too! All services and repairs are done in-house (safety check, ba-sic tune-up, overhaul) with free quotes.Bill’s Sport Shop 620 N Bridge St, Chippewa Falls • 723-9033 • Sells primarily fishing and hunting equip-ment (licenses). Does rod and reel repairs.Dunham’s Sporting Goods 1501 N Broadway St., Menomonie • 235-0750 • A one-stop shop for equipment related to fishing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and hunt-ing, with snowshoeing gear available seasonally.Eau Claire Bike & Sport 403 Water St, Eau Claire • 832-6149 • www.bikeandsport.com • Beyond doing repairs, this downtown shop sells bikes, biking accessories, and other sporting goods.Farm & Fleet 2583 S Prairie View Road, Chippewa Falls • 723-1806 • www.farmandfleet.com • Farm & Fleet carries gear for fishing, hiking, canoeing, kayak-ing, biking, camping, horseback riding, and hunting.Gander Mountain 6440 Sculy Road, Eau Claire • 833-7500 • www.gandermountain.com • This store’s equip-ment goes beyond its “hunt, fish, camp” slogan, also offering gear for canoeing, snowshoeing, kayaking, and geocaching.Gordy’s True Value 111 W Columbia St., Chippewa Falls • 715-726-2510 • www.gordyscountymarket.net • Sells canoeing equipment (life vests, paddles), hunting equipment (rifle scope mounting), and fishing equip-ment (line winding, live bait year round), and hunting and fishing licenses.Kmart 2424 E Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire • 834-2938 // 409 E Prairie View Rd # 3735, Chippewa Falls • 726-1320 • Kmart has hunting and fishing equipment (licens-es sold), camping equipment, and a full line of bicycles and bike accessories.Menards 3619 S Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 832-3344 // 3210 N Clairemont, Eau Claire • 830-0011 • www.me-nards.com • Carries ice-fishing and camping equipment, as well as seasonal hunting gear such as deer stands and specialized clothing. Mouldy’s Archery and Tackle 2863 S Prairie View Road, Chippewa Falls • 723-3607 • www.mouldys.com • This muskie pro shop is the home of the “Hawg Wob-bler” lure. Sells terminal tackle (hooks, bobbers, live bait). True to the name, you can find archery equipment, too (bows, arrows, targets, tree stands).Northern Safari Army Navy 1612 S Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 833-1942 • www.armynavywisconsin.com • This military outfitter also carries camping, survival, hunting and tactical gear. Some kayaking accessories available.Outdoor Adventures 9658 151st St., Chippewa Falls • 869-3129 • www.huntandfishtrips.com • The world-wide hunting and fishing authority. They specialize in arranging customized fishing (freshwater, saltwater, fly) and hunting (big game, upland, waterfowl, turkey) with lodges, guides, and outfitters located around the globe. Pinehurst Hardware Hank 3031 N Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 835-7341 • www.pinehursthardwarehank.com • Sells biking equipment, camping accessories, fishing equipment (worm bait, lines, lures), hunting equipment (knives, ammo, cleaners, no guns), and licenses (hunt-ing, fishing, DNR approved).Riverside Bike & Skate 937 Water St., Eau Claire • 835-0088 • This aptly-named riverside shop carries canoes, kayaks, and bikes.Rodd-N-Bobb’s 630 Lamplighter Court, Eau Claire• 833-8030 • www.rod-n-bobbs.com • Rodd-N-Bobb’s is simply alluring! A family-owned fishing tackle and supply company operating solely online. The leading manufacturer of lighting devices and day and night fish-ing products. Scheels 4710 Golf Road, Eau Claire • 833-1886 • www.scheels.com • A comprehensive place for all your fish-ing, hiking, canoeing, snowshoeing, cross-country ski-ing, kayaking, biking, camping, geocaching, and hunt-ing needs. Experts in the store will be happy to share techniques and advice concerning these topics. Simple Sports 326 E Main St., Menomonie • 233-3493 • www.simplesports.us • Bicycling equipment available on site. They can also order supplies for additional sports, including climbing, canoeing, and kayaking.

Spring Street Sports 12 W Spring St., Chippewa Falls • 723-6616 • www.springstreetsports.com • Specializes in bikes (all-terrain, BMX, cyclocross, specialized, Fisch-er, etc.), bike racks, biking equipment, and accessories. Sells bike racks for vehicles. Carries skis, snowshoes, and snowboards in winter. Also do bike repairs.Target 3649 S Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 838-0196 • www.target.com • Target’s sporting goods department carries equipment for fishing, hiking, biking, camping, and geocaching. Thompson’s True Value and Variety 319 E Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire • 834-1239 • Sells camping equipment.Wal-Mart 3915 Gateway Dr., Eau Claire • 834-0733 // 180 Cedar Falls Road, Menomonie • 235-6565 // 2786 Commercial Blvd., Chippewa Falls • 738-2254 • www.walmart.com • Fishing, hiking, biking, camping, geocaching, and hunting gear are readily available, and special items such as canoes and kayaks can be ordered online. Wissota Adventure 19234 74th Ave., Chippewa Falls • 723-1310 • www.wissotaadventure.com • Sells an array of canoes, kayaks, and paddles for your water adventures.

RENTALBeaver Creek Reserve Highway K, Fall Creek • 877-2212 • www.beavercreekreserve.org • A nature center which carries an extensive line of field guides and rents out skis and snowshoes seasonally. Environmental Adventure Center 105 Hilltop Center, Eau Claire • 836-3616 • www.uwec.edu/recreation/EAC/ • Maintains largest inventory of outdoor equip-ment in Eau Claire. Rents tent and camping accessories, canoes, kayak (plus accessories), winter sport equipment (plus snowshoes), and fishing rods and reels. Equipment available on a first-come, first-served, daily, weekend, or weekly basis to UW-Eau Claire ID holders only. Loopy’s 10691 County Highway X (Bus. Hwy 29), Chip-pewa Falls • 723-5667 • www.723loop.com • Rents ca-noes, kayaks, and inner tubes all summer long. Riverside Junction Junction of Eau Claire River Bridge and Highway 27, Augusta • 456-2443 • www.riverside-junction.com • Offers canoeing and kayaking on the Eau Claire River including trip planning and drop off/pick up, and rental.Stout Adventures 41 Sports and Fitness Center, Menomonie • 232-5625 • www.urec.uwstout.edu/adven-tures/equip.html • UW-Stout has an amazing outdoor rental collection! University ID holders and community members with driver’s licenses can rent hiking, camp-ing, canoeing, kayaking, winter sport (skis and snow-shoes), and rock climbing equipment daily or weekly. Geocaching GPS now available for students.

TRIPSEnvironmental Adventure Center 105 Hilltop Center, Eau Claire • 836-3616 • www.uwec.edu/recreation/EAC/ • Offers many fun outdoors trips!Outdoor Adventures 9658 151st St., Chippewa Falls • 869-3129 • www.huntandfishtrips.com • The worldwide hunting and fishing authority. They specialize in arrang-ing customized fishing and hunting adventures including pack trips and rafting.Riverside Junction Junction of Eau Claire River Bridge and Highway 27, Augusta • 456-2443 • www.riverside-junction.com • Offers canoeing and kayaking on the Eau Claire River including trip planning and drop off/pick up, and rental.Stout Adventures 41 Sports and Fitness Center, Menomonie • 232-5625 • www.urec.uwstout.edu/adven-tures/equip.html

CLASSES/WORKSHOPSBeaver Creek Reserve Highway K, Fall Creek • 877-2212 • www.beavercreekreserve.org • This nature cen-ter has workshops on topics varying from plant life to spelunking. Gander Mountain 6440 Sculy Road, Eau Claire • 833-7500 • www.gandermountain.com • They offer occasional classes on hunter’s safety and fly-tying, to name a few. Riverside Bike & Skate 937 Water St., Eau Claire • 835-0088 • Sometimes teams up with Pure Water Paddlers for educational sessions.Simple Sports 326 E Main St., Menomonie • 233-3493 • www.simplesports.us • Occasional bicycle maintenance classes available. Stout Adventures 41 Sports and Fitness Center, Menomonie • 232-5625 • www.urec.uwstout.edu/adven-tures/equip.html

Outdoor Listings

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