Tag Archives: kayaking

Springtime in the Foothills of the Canadian Rockies

Posted on by

How do I know spring is here?

It’s the tired pup in the back of the car at the end of a warm hike up Prairie Mountain, outside of Bragg Creek (just west of Calgary, Alberta).

Taylor in the boot - of the car! (Photo credit: M. Kopp)

Taylor in the boot – of the car! (Photo credit: M. Kopp)

The flowers are starting to show their glorious colour!

Prairie crocus - one day out! (Photo credit: M. Kopp)

Prairie crocus – one day out! (Photo credit: M. Kopp)

I’m playing pickup on the river as my guy and his friends come down the Bow River from Ghost Dam with huge smiles on their faces.

Shuttle pickup for my kayaker and his pals on the Bow River. (Photo credit: M, Kopp)

Shuttle pickup for my kayaker and his pals on the Bow River. (Photo credit: M, Kopp)

“Spring work is going on with joyful enthusiasm.”
― John Muir, The Wilderness World of John Muir

The Adventurous Side of Door

Posted on by

I danced on Death’s Door – twice!

The first, as we crossed the strait heading from the northern tip of Door Peninsula over to Washington Island; the second time as we came back. My feet danced a little jig on the upper ferry deck in celebration.

Crossing Death's Door near Plum Island on the way to Rock Island. (Photo: M. Kopp)

Crossing Death’s Door near Plum Island on the way to Washington Island. (Photo: M. Kopp)

Door County, Wisconsin, named Porte des Morts for the Door of Death that is the treacherous strait linking Green Bay to the rest of Lake Michigan, isn’t on the radar of most Western Canadians. When I mention traveling to explore the tiny peninsula sticking out into Lake Michigan, friends and family look at me blankly.

“What’s there to do in Wisconsin besides eat cheese?”

Let me show you the adventurous side of the Door!

There are lighthouses to climb; 11 lighthouses in the county, although I only had time to climb the stairs of Cana Island, Eagle Bluff and Pottawatomie.

There are lighthouses to climb. (Photo: M. Kopp)

Cana Island Lighthouse (Photo: M. Kopp)

Countless bays and lakes are perfect for kayaking.

Kayaking out of Garrett Bay on the northern tip of Door Peninsula. (Photo: M. Kopp)

Kayaking out of Garrett Bay on the northern tip of Door Peninsula. (Photo: M. Kopp)

There are trails to hike in any of the county’s five state parks.

Hiking on Rock Island State Park. (Photo: M. Kopp)

Hiking on Rock Island State Park. (Photo: M. Kopp)

There are beaches with rare polished white limestone rocks to explore.

Schoolhouse Beach on Washington Island. (Photo: M. Kopp)

Schoolhouse Beach on Washington Island. (Photo: M. Kopp)

And don’t even get me started on the excitement of a fish boil!

A classic fish boil at Rowley's Bay. (Photo: M. Kopp)

A classic fish boil at Rowley’s Bay. (Photo: M. Kopp)

It’s true, Door County might not yet be on your radar, but when you get there, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to visit.

When You Go:
Details on activities, accommodations, dining and more can be found online through the Door County Visitor Bureau.