Category: USA

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Weekend at Kettle Moraine, Wisconsin

We spent long weekend at ☞ Kettle Moraine State Forest (Northern Unit), camped at Mauthe Lake campground (very nice, spacious and clean). Spent most of the time hiking, 40 km on different trails. And kayaked 7.5 km around Mauthe Lake and upstream East Branch Milwaukee River.

Kettle Moraine State Forest (Northern Unit)

☞ Parnell Tower Trail (5.5 km)
☞ Ice Age Trail from Mauthe Lake entrance parking lot (23 km)
☞ Zillmer Trail yellow-red-yellow (10.5 km)
☞ Mauthe Lake and East Branch Milwaukee River kayaking (7.5 km)

 

We also visited Long Lake and Dundee Kame viewpoint. Weather was 50/50, with rain one night and heavy downpour followed by several hours of rain, sometimes heavy – the last two days. We were prepared, our stuff did not get wet, and we had campfire every night. Surprisingly mosquito activity was only low to moderate. Our friends joined us for a day. There was a lot of damage/downed trees after 17 storms and tornados, and high water levels after heavy rains in this part of Wisconsin on August 28.

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Picnic at Ravinia

With James Conlon (conductor), Nadine Sierra (soprano), Michael Fabiano (tenor)  and Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Rossini and Dionizetti.

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Hyde Park and Palos Forest Preserve

History trail: Fermi in Chicago

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Great Smoky Mountains 2018

Our trip was timed for watching synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus), blooming flame azaleas (Rhododendron calendulaceum), mountain laurels (Kalmia latifolia) and even some rhododendrons (Rhododendron maximum). The weather was warm and humid, but only a few hours of continuous rain. Hike completed in 2018: from Elkmont to Tremont by car âžœ Spence Field 110 âžœ Mollies Ridge 112 âžœ Sheep Pen Gap 13 âžœ Spence Field 110 âžœ Derrick Knob 109 âžœ Marks Cove 28 âžœ Tremont West Prong trailhead. 88 km, total elevation gain 4000 m, 415 – 1684 masl.

We had good time hiking in Smokys, this time and in 2015 ☞ Mammoth Cave & Smoky Mountains. We enjoyed shorter side-walks as well and altogether walked 143 km, 6.8 km total ascent, on 3 longer trails including two multi-day hikes (map).

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From Tremont West Prong trailheadGreat Smoky Mountains loop from Tremont/West Prong trailhead. 88 km, total elevation gain 4000 m, 415 – 1684 masl.

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Elkmont loopElkmont campground-Little River trail-Cucumber Gap trail-Jakes Creek trail-Elkmont resort, 10.5 km

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Hiking in Smoky Mountains

☞ Hiking in the Smoky Mountains
☞ Smoky Mountains NP trail map

Smoky Mountains video clips
 
Forest floor – 52 photos
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