devil's lake state park

yesterday, my friend danielle and i ventured out to devil's lake state park. an absolutely gorgeous park about 45 minutes away from madison...totally worth the drive! there are numerous hiking trails surrounding a lake that you could only see in movies. we decided to take a trail called balanced rock, which was rated as "difficult, with bluffs and beautiful views of the lake." ok, so here i am in a little sun-dressish-type shirt and sandals...not really prepared for a "serious" hike. i almost didn't do it (i don't know if you guys know this or not, but i'm not really the out-doorsy type), but i'm glad danielle made me. the view was absolutely amazing, and it was one of the most interesting trails i've ever seen...huge rocks forming the whole side of the mountain (picture avalanche or fallen rocks) where you had to look very closely to find the narrow steps that had been carefully placed to disappear into the view.

(sorry, i tried to rotate this pic. couldn't figure it out, oh well.) anyways, the fear of falling caused the adrenaline to rush, and we made it to the top and also got to see the real "balanced rock." on the way up, we encountered some climbers that had literally scaled the side of a huge rock (on top of other huge rocks) to construct a "climb site"...crazy! talk about adrenaline! anyways, it was very cool and maybe next time we'll decided to repel with the best of them (haha, only if i can remember to wear more of a hike-y outfit and bring my carabiner).

so, this is a pic of my "i conquered the mountain pose" and the balanced rock...pretty cool, eh?) who knew?? after the climb we attempted to swim, but since i am used to hotter sw mo climates, i about froze and got out of the water. but overall, had a very enjoyable afternoon of lounging, people watching, and eating potato chips (my favorite part, really). we are going back soon (1. because it's beautiful, 2. we had to pay $35 for a state park permit) to try a new trail called CCC and rent a canoe (since the water is too cold to swim in). after we left the park, we went into a nearby town baraboo, wi. if that sounds familiar to you, it is the historic, original site of the ringling bros. circus. there is a huge museum, and although i don't really like circuses i am going back soon...so keep your eyes open for pictures of that.

lastly, on the way home we stopped at a roadside souvenir shop (i LOVE souvenirs) called mousehouse cheeshaus...HILARIOUS! probably constructed in the 60s or 70s, very tacky. inside there were about 10 teenagers running it; selling souvenirs, making sandwiches, and knowing everything there is to know about wisconsin cheese. i didn't buy any cheese, but i did get an awesome coffee mug and keychain...next time i'll save my money for cheese, i'm sure it's delicious!

well, unfortunately i have to go clean my apartment. thanks for reading, and stay tuned (??) for more exciting stories about my adventures in madison!!

(oh, ps i am still working at the hospital and liking it. but news about the current patients at the hospital don't compare to devil's lake and mousehouse cheeshaus!)