The Hiking Outing at Whitewater Canyon on September 17th introduced many of us to the spectacular nature of the bluffs above Whitewater Creek in far southwestern Dubuque and accompanying counties. Ten participants including a few newcomers hiked with Dubuque County Conservation Officer Brian Preston to the edge of an ominous drop-off, catching a glimpse of two deer bounding across the creek FAR below just as we arrived. The group was able to make its way down to the creek for a close-up view. This area will be a magnificent addition to the public domain once all the necessary funding is obtained. While our Sierra Club Group cannot make the financial contributions that many other wildlife and hunting groups can muster, just $5 from each of our Group members could produce over $1500 for the cause. Wouldn't THAT be something?!!
Five Group members were also able to canoe and kayak through the canyon on a near spur of the moment basis due to barely high enough water on August 22. Come to the December 27th meeting to see a few photos of the area taken during the hike and water trip.
The Halloween/Turkey Dinner weekend activity at Dick and Jane Worm's Faraway Farm was highlighted by helping track a deer hit by a bow hunter early Saturday, Oct. 29. The blood trail led us on a rugged hike through previously unexplored nooks of the high ridge, but the still moving deer was not located until early Sunday after the Saturday tracking (chase) was called off.
Four students and four teachers and parents from Roosevelt Middle School accompanied a few Sierrans on an extensive hike to the Mississippi River and around the perimeter of Faraway Farm and adjoining environs hearing of fossils, early settler quarrying, "Heads of the Dead", Big Bluestem prairie grass regeneration, etc. Learning to use an acorn cap as a loud whistle and the carving of pumpkins were other activities before attending the Turkey Dinner Fundraiser.
The Yellow River State Forest Hiking and Backpack Camping Outing on November 11 - 13 ended just before the cold rain and wind blew in on Saturday afternoon. Sunday plans had been scrubbed due to conflicts :) but an early start on Thursday made up the difference. Hikes to new areas and chilling coyote howling at two previously unvisited backpack tent sites were notable highlights.
Five Group members were also able to canoe and kayak through the canyon on a near spur of the moment basis due to barely high enough water on August 22. Come to the December 27th meeting to see a few photos of the area taken during the hike and water trip.
The Halloween/Turkey Dinner weekend activity at Dick and Jane Worm's Faraway Farm was highlighted by helping track a deer hit by a bow hunter early Saturday, Oct. 29. The blood trail led us on a rugged hike through previously unexplored nooks of the high ridge, but the still moving deer was not located until early Sunday after the Saturday tracking (chase) was called off.
Four students and four teachers and parents from Roosevelt Middle School accompanied a few Sierrans on an extensive hike to the Mississippi River and around the perimeter of Faraway Farm and adjoining environs hearing of fossils, early settler quarrying, "Heads of the Dead", Big Bluestem prairie grass regeneration, etc. Learning to use an acorn cap as a loud whistle and the carving of pumpkins were other activities before attending the Turkey Dinner Fundraiser.
The Yellow River State Forest Hiking and Backpack Camping Outing on November 11 - 13 ended just before the cold rain and wind blew in on Saturday afternoon. Sunday plans had been scrubbed due to conflicts :) but an early start on Thursday made up the difference. Hikes to new areas and chilling coyote howling at two previously unvisited backpack tent sites were notable highlights.