One of the first comments or questions that come up when we meet viewers is: "You must travel a lot, huh?" Well, that is certainly true. You can't discover a state from an office. For a little perspective on what our travels encompass, come along with me during one of my recent trips around the state.
Day 1: Ashland
Miles today: 311
Miles total: 694.5
Seventy degrees is standup paddle boarding weather in Ashland. I spent the morning with Dave and Katie Gellatly. They're an energetic couple who make standup paddle boarding an enjoyable sport. It was great to hear why the Apostle Islands are the best place to standup paddle board. Long ride home to see the family went faster than usual now a few hours of packing.
Day 3: Eagle River and Sayner
Miles today: 45
Miles total: 1,724
The Paul Bunyan Festival in Eagle River is a pure slice of the northwoods spirit. Discover Wisconsin co-host Collin Geraghty not only watched a skilled chainsaw carver but when I asked Kenny if Collin could make a few cuts, he offered a chance for Collin to carve his own bear. The shops are almost as varied as the different counties in Wisconsin. One store has the gifts and food sampling of Door County. Another store has the fashion fit for Milwaukee. Even another store has the bait and tackle for Hayward. After a little shopping, you have to try the Paul Bunyan Fest specialty: A heaping pile of roast beef on a bun with potato salad and a cookie.
After a great afternoon, it was off to Sayner and the Plum Ski-ers Water Ski Show. Collin got a chance to co-announce the show. Wow. Those kids are talented. There are no try-outs... it's just come, learn and have fun. Some of Collin's wardrobe choices were questionable, but you have to watch the episode for that. The evening was capped off with a delicious and filling meal at the Sayner Pub.
Day 4: St. Germain and Eau Claire
Miles today: 192
Miles total: 1,816
After a full day on land yesterday, it was time for some fishing on Big St. Germain Lake. The lake is home to any fish you want and grows them big enough for you to keep them. It has been almost twenty years since Discover Wisconsin co-host Libby Amato fished with her grandfather, so she had some growing pains. You will have to tune in to see how many fish we caught...
After a delicious lunch at FIBBERS, it was off to Eau Claire and some sunny and warm weather.
Day 6: Eau Claire and River Falls
Miles today: 130
Miles total: 1,946
Sunshine and warm temperatures mean tubing time in Eau Claire. Discover Wisconsin co-host Eric Paulsen was up for the relaxing challenge. (However, he probably needs to learn how get into the tube a little dryer.) A great group of people came along for the picturesque ride. The Chippewa River had its fair share of people cooling off for the hour and a half drift.
The second half of the day was spent in the lovely city of River Falls. The jaunt is a little more than an hour through farm land and interstate. The first stop was Veteran's Park in the heart of downtown River Falls for Music in the Park. The quaint venue allows for close interaction with the varied artists on Fridays and Saturdays through the Summer.
The night gets finished off with a little playoff baseball. The River Falls Fighting Fish, a Wisconsin Baseball Association team, won two games to host a semi-final game at their own park. The stands were packed and the standing room was fourteen people deep.
Day 8: Eau Claire and Eagle River
Miles today: 156.5
Miles total: 2,295.5
When you head out to catch a musky you head out on the lake early. That means when you want to talk to people trying to catch a musky you have to get out on the lake even earlier. The lake was refreshing in temperature and a little misty... perfect weather to catch a musky. The best part about the Musky Open is that if you aren't out on the water there is a big prize awaiting you at the end of the tournament.
- Jerimiah Junkers is a producer for Discover Wisconsin, which airs Saturdays at 10 a.m. on FSN Wisconsin's outdoor block.
Day 1: Ashland
Miles today: 311
Miles total: 694.5
Seventy degrees is standup paddle boarding weather in Ashland. I spent the morning with Dave and Katie Gellatly. They're an energetic couple who make standup paddle boarding an enjoyable sport. It was great to hear why the Apostle Islands are the best place to standup paddle board. Long ride home to see the family went faster than usual now a few hours of packing.
Day 3: Eagle River and Sayner
Miles today: 45
Miles total: 1,724
The Paul Bunyan Festival in Eagle River is a pure slice of the northwoods spirit. Discover Wisconsin co-host Collin Geraghty not only watched a skilled chainsaw carver but when I asked Kenny if Collin could make a few cuts, he offered a chance for Collin to carve his own bear. The shops are almost as varied as the different counties in Wisconsin. One store has the gifts and food sampling of Door County. Another store has the fashion fit for Milwaukee. Even another store has the bait and tackle for Hayward. After a little shopping, you have to try the Paul Bunyan Fest specialty: A heaping pile of roast beef on a bun with potato salad and a cookie.
After a great afternoon, it was off to Sayner and the Plum Ski-ers Water Ski Show. Collin got a chance to co-announce the show. Wow. Those kids are talented. There are no try-outs... it's just come, learn and have fun. Some of Collin's wardrobe choices were questionable, but you have to watch the episode for that. The evening was capped off with a delicious and filling meal at the Sayner Pub.
Day 4: St. Germain and Eau Claire
Miles today: 192
Miles total: 1,816
After a full day on land yesterday, it was time for some fishing on Big St. Germain Lake. The lake is home to any fish you want and grows them big enough for you to keep them. It has been almost twenty years since Discover Wisconsin co-host Libby Amato fished with her grandfather, so she had some growing pains. You will have to tune in to see how many fish we caught...
After a delicious lunch at FIBBERS, it was off to Eau Claire and some sunny and warm weather.
Day 6: Eau Claire and River Falls
Miles today: 130
Miles total: 1,946
Sunshine and warm temperatures mean tubing time in Eau Claire. Discover Wisconsin co-host Eric Paulsen was up for the relaxing challenge. (However, he probably needs to learn how get into the tube a little dryer.) A great group of people came along for the picturesque ride. The Chippewa River had its fair share of people cooling off for the hour and a half drift.
The second half of the day was spent in the lovely city of River Falls. The jaunt is a little more than an hour through farm land and interstate. The first stop was Veteran's Park in the heart of downtown River Falls for Music in the Park. The quaint venue allows for close interaction with the varied artists on Fridays and Saturdays through the Summer.
The night gets finished off with a little playoff baseball. The River Falls Fighting Fish, a Wisconsin Baseball Association team, won two games to host a semi-final game at their own park. The stands were packed and the standing room was fourteen people deep.
Day 8: Eau Claire and Eagle River
Miles today: 156.5
Miles total: 2,295.5
When you head out to catch a musky you head out on the lake early. That means when you want to talk to people trying to catch a musky you have to get out on the lake even earlier. The lake was refreshing in temperature and a little misty... perfect weather to catch a musky. The best part about the Musky Open is that if you aren't out on the water there is a big prize awaiting you at the end of the tournament.
- Jerimiah Junkers is a producer for Discover Wisconsin, which airs Saturdays at 10 a.m. on FSN Wisconsin's outdoor block.