I live in Western Wisconsin close to some great paddling on both the Hay River and the Red Cedar River and will be hosting a Wing Night/Weekend April 21st - 23rd at my place. Come Friday night if you like, come for just the day Saturday, or stay the whole weekend.

Location:
N9572 510th Street Wheeler, WI
From I94: Take exit 41 (Menononie) go north about 9 miles, turn left on 920th ave, go 2 miles, my place is on the right.
From the North: Take Hwy 25 south to Wheeler, three block past the gas station, turn right on 510th street by the ball field, continue south, go strait at the first intersection, my place is just over the hill on the left.

I have 20 acres with lots of space for people to camp, and a large garage to hang out in depending on weather. I have a refrigerator in the garage, a nice gas grill, and a charcoal grill.

Possible activities:
- Saturday night pot luck
- Canoeing the Hay River, or the Red Cedar River
- Hiking/Mountain biking (lots of nice trails available within a mile)
- Small DIY projects (I have wood and wood working tools)
- Freezer Bag Meal preparation

Possible DIY projects:
- Canoe yoke
- Yoke pads
- BDBs
- Sewing projects (if someone is willing to lead this and bring sewing machine)
- Anything else anyone wants to demonstrate or lead

Two aerials below. I have a nice area of pines out front and lots of woods all around.

This is my place:






Zoomed in a bit:

It sounds like you're just a stone's throw from me! I have no idea what my April looks like just yet, but if you have enough interest to pull something together, I'd sure be willing to try to carve out some time and come meet up with other paddlers in the area! Keep us posted.

Sounds like fun. Can you name a city near you for map reference.

I do lots of camping in the area, and most likely will attend.
Only other spring Wingnite scheduled is in Rockford IL, and dates have yet to be decided.

butthead

Keep us posted. I do tons of sewing projects (stuff sacks, under quilts, pack alterations etc.) and would be willing to bring machines and some simple projects and/or directions/patterns for easy things and reference ideas.

I am interested in camping and I am not interested in paddling that weekend-Too many great people to get to know, good food to eat, and projects to do.

If you put this together, Grandma L was quite accurate in her description. Way too easy to over plan activities.

butthead

I would be interested; love the Red Cedar!

If you are interested in doing a small DIY project like making a canoe yoke, canoe pads, DBDs, custom fishing thwart for your canoe, let me know ahead of time. I have pine, maple, oak, and cherry boards on hand. I can source some ash if needed.

quote Grandma L: "Keep us posted. I do tons of sewing projects (stuff sacks, under quilts, pack alterations etc.) and would be willing to bring machines and some simple projects and/or directions/patterns for easy things and reference ideas.

I am interested in camping and I am not interested in paddling that weekend-Too many great people to get to know, good food to eat, and projects to do. "

Thanks Lori for offering to help with some sewing projects. Everything is optional for the weekend. I really want to learn about freezer bag meals. I have two of the low tech dehydrators and really want to start making my own food.

Right near Lake Wissota SP. A regular stop for me.

butthead

I might be interested.

I would be interested. I did go to Stout.

Depending on the date I would be interested.

Bill

I picked the weekend of April 21st - 23rd for this event in order to squeeze it in between Easter and Midwest Mountaineering Expo.

Let's hope for good weather.

Just because it is labeled private forum, does not mean it's private. WingNite Information. Will not get lost in other posts.

RSVP me!

butthead

I may take time away from building and come.

I would be interested coming sounds like fun

I am interested and it looks like you have trees for my hammock.

tony

Is it April yet? Hey, is the Red Cedar a river a guy would feel comfortable taking a red cedar canoe down??

Just a house-keeping questions - what would be the arrangements for bathrooms, water supply and electric?

quote butthead: "Just because it is labeled private forum, does not mean it's private. WingNite Information. Will not get lost in other posts.

RSVP me!


butthead"

Forgot I have tickets and a commitment (attend every year), Kenosha Beer Cheese Fest

Un-RSVP me, will miss meting ya there!

butthead

quote pswith5: "Is it April yet? Hey, is the Red Cedar a river a guy would feel comfortable taking a red cedar canoe down?? "

Both the Red Cedar, and the Hay river have sand bottoms with very few rocks if any in most sections. No real rapids to speak of. There are a lot of sweepers (trees in the water). On the Hay, we trim back the tops on the trees in the river so the river is passable. The Red Cedar is wide enough that downed trees do not extend all the way across the river.

So yes, on the Red Cedar river a guy would feel comfortable taking a red cedar canoe down the river as long as he can avoid an red cedars that are laying in the water.

quote Grandma L: "Just a house-keeping questions - what would be the arrangements for bathrooms, water supply and electric?"

Most excellent question Lori.

Water: We have two outside facets available and a mud room sink just inside
Electric: Several outside outlets and lots of windows in the garage to hang an extension cord out of if needed
Bathrooms: Two in the house, and I have a small shed where I was planning to setup a portable toilet. Various size trees are available also for those who are comfortable with that option. I will mark my tree so everyone knows.

quote Tony: "I am interested and it looks like you have trees for my hammock.
tony"

Sorry, all the trees are reserved at this time.

Id be up for this, not that far a drive from the cities and always wanted to paddle the red cedar.

I am going to try and make this wingnight....I had thought I was going to Rockford, Illionois, but niece graduating that day....so, planning on this one!

I will keep you posted as time gets closer, but am putting on calendar for now.

SunCatcher

I might be able to make this too

Sounds good - I will mark the calendar.

Giving this a bump. We are about a month out. I have been paddling the Hay river since Feb. Was just out last weekend.

For anyone interested in a sewing or woodworking DYI project, let Lori (sewing) or myself (wood) know.

I will be looking for an RSVP in a couple of weeks also to try and get a general number.

Thanks, hope you can attend.

At this time - I am planning to attend. The weather might be the deciding factor.
I am currently working on a pattern and prototype for a "lazy slug" hammock As well as a new under quilt using a Costco down throw. Input and ideas from the group for sewing projects would be good conversaton and possibily even productive.

Right in middle of my turkey season if I shoot my tom early I might make it

I'm in for sure, coming up Friday will be there late in the afternoon.
Heading home Sunday after Breakfast.
Looking forward to seeing everyone!!!

SunCatcher

quote Tony: "I am interested and it looks like you have trees for my hammock.


tony"

What he said! The Not sure though if this will work out for me but I like the idea so I am a maybe!

Pretty sure I'll be in too probably Friday late afternoon til Sunday morning.

Bump

3 weeks away.

Anyone interested in paddling that normally rents, I have boats for people to paddle. 2 Grumman sport boats, 1 aluminum canoe. I also have access for several other canoes.

quote IceColdGold: "3 weeks away.


Anyone interested in paddling that normally rents, I have boats for people to paddle. 2 Grumman sport boats, 1 aluminum canoe. I also have access for several other canoes."

I am bringing my solo

SunCatcher (Paul)

2 weeks out. I will be out paddling again today.

I had planned to be at this event but sadly I will not make it. My father died last week and I will be travelling to Columbus (Ohio) then for his memorial service. Thanks for the invitation, and I hope everyone has a good time.

Bill

Looking forward to using my new Pares Hammock :)

quote WHendrix: "I had planned to be at this event but sadly I will not make it. My father died last week and I will be travelling to Columbus (Ohio) then for his memorial service. Thanks for the invitation, and I hope everyone has a good time.


Bill"

Sorry to hear about your father Bill. Take care. Another time.

One week away. The weather is looking great right now. Hopefully it holds.

Still hoping to come out. Wife informed me about granddaughters birthday. But they those every year.

quote WHendrix: "I had planned to be at this event but sadly I will not make it. My father died last week and I will be travelling to Columbus (Ohio) then for his memorial service. Thanks for the invitation, and I hope everyone has a good time.


Bill"

Sorry to hear... safe travels and hope you can meet up sometime. We do one now up here in junction with the fourth if you want to meet some. Got a fun fireworks display and I'm working on my neighbor to wheel his cannon down to fire off. Careful about falling asleep by the fire at these things though. Tony as in screen name Tony woke up and found his fingernails painted. Fun people. Sorry your missing other Tony's event. Suncatcher will keep it pretty lively.

Wow, just a week away... I'll make it for a chunk of it.

So, if I come boat-less; who wants to share one of ice-colds aluminum canoes?

quote pswith5: "So, if I come boat-less; who wants to share one of ice-colds aluminum canoes? "

I have a royalex Vagabond, a Kevlar Prism, and a Kevlar Champlain. We should be able to get you into one of those.

Sounds great. I am going to see if I can get going early enough to come out Friday before dark. If not I will get up and on the road by 5 am Saturday . thanks for the hospitality

Ws hoping to make this, but my Mom's garage beckons. Repairing/repainting it for her.

This sure sounds like fun. Wish I lived closer

Sorry to be a party pooper - but the family has other plans for me. Maybe next time. I regret having to miss the first camping of the season. Take pics and post.

Just a little bump, only a day a way

quote Tony: "Just a little bump, only a day a way"

See ya soon!

SunCatcher

Weather is looking fantastic.

I will be home about 4pm Friday afternoon. If you arrive earlier than that, my son will be home, so just give a knock at the door, introduce yourself to the Golden Retriever (Emma), and find a spot to setup.

See you tomorrow.

Tony

I hope to be rolling in right about 4:00. Maybe a hair past. Is there a firepit?

Yes, a small one down the hill in the front yard and a rock pile on the hill to expand the fire ring as needed.

I'm out for this one, it's prom weekend and I won't be able to slip away maybe next time

I'm planning to come as well. Cya guys this afternoon.

We had a nice evening. Paul promised us French toast and sausage for breakfast.

We plan to head to the river about 10am if anyone is planning to come out and paddle.

My plan was to get up and drive down for some french toast. I can't hardly move today... dang!

Post pics!!!

We are still here if you are close!!!!

My starter went out, I should have known as it did act weird a few times. Stayed home in the snow. I don't drive my little truck too far. Once to Duluth because my white truck don't fit in ramps to well. Was feeling kind of crappy but still responded to an atv accident. Just fyi... the Northwoods atv trail is not open mainly because it crosses potlatch and blanden land. Closed until may 15th. $400 fine per wheeler. That call kind of did me in. But it was fun to go out and get our new side by side muddy on her maiden voyage.

What a great spot. And the host and hostess couldn't have been nicer! Had some good food and good conversation. Nice paddle down the Hay river. Hope we can do this again. Tony (icecoldgold) helped me cut out a yoke. Nice. We told jokes and stories around the firepit. And to top it off the weather was great.

Thanks for hosting Tony had a great time. Paddling on the Hay River was awesome. Hope to do it again next year.


tony

Thanks for hosting Tony had a great time. Paddling on the Hay River was awesome. Hope to do it again next year.


tony

WingNight Wheeler, Wisconsin on the Hay River Picture Album below.

Thank you To Tony (IceColdGold) and wife Kelly, their son Jonah and Tony's Sister Betsy. Oh and also the dog Emma! Jonah paddled with his cousin Nate and Emma the dog.
Tony (aka tony) was there, Pete (pswith5) Dan (Kiporby & dog Molly) Paul (aka SunCatcher)
small group but a ton of fun. Very Gracious Hosts!! Nice place for a WingNight!
We set up Friday Night, and ate and had a nice fire and a few drinks. Big Breakfast, and then around 10 we paddled about 10 miles about 4 - 5 hours. We took our time and had a nice lunch break on the Hay River. Came back to house cleaned up canoes, (and Emma the dog) and then had a Great Dinner and another good campfire.
Thank you to Tony, Kelly and Sister Betsy for hosting us!
SunCatcher

Photos Of WingNight and the Hay River

Great pictures Paul, thanks for sharing them.


tony

Yes those are great photos! The river looks really nice.

I'm glad everyone had a great time and the weather was nice.

Thanks guys for the nice comments. It was really great to have a few people out and paddle my little slice of western WI.

Hey Dan
What kind of camping pad was that you had with the little hand prints?

An exped down mat

I looked up Exped with down but could not find one with the hands on it - where did you purchase it?

quote PaddleBug: "I looked up Exped with down but could not find one with the hands on it - where did you purchase it?"

Those are the models with the internal pump.

Hey Tony, are you still looking for a small bear barrel?

quote pswith5: "Hey Tony, are you still looking for a small bear barrel? "

ok, I got my June 1 through 4 done. I told your sis i would sell her a cabelas dry bag. Tony, you also said you were interested in a Garcia barrel. Either of you still interested or even signing on lately? No envelope in your profile that I can see.