Looking for the ultimate in Geocaching fun and adventure?
The event has had several hosts on a rotating basis, with assistance from everyone! Every year, we learn new ideas to make this the most fun, exciting, memorable, (but still relaxing) event in the state. Arrival time is flexible; some folks arrive Thursday; some Friday; Some just come for the day on Saturday. Your choice!
About The Island:
Rock Island is Wisconsin's most remote State Park and by far the most beautiful. Cars and bikes are not allowed on the 912-acre island, making for an experience unlike any other. There are 10 miles of hiking trails, including a one-mile interpretive trail, a naturalist program, 5,000 feet of sand dune beaches, and many historical sites including three cemeteries, Wisconsin's oldest lighthouse, and the famous Viking Hall. The camping is considered rustic, but flush toilets, running water, picnic tables, and fire rings are provided. Firewood is for sale or can be gathered from the woods for free. There is a short hike from the boat dock to the camp site, so bringing a cart or wagon is helpful for hauling gear.
Few things have changed for this year! And that's good!
But new this year, we have decided to add a Old /Odd GPS hunt. Have an ancient eTrex or Geko? How about a Nuvi meant for automotive use? Even a GPS card for an old PocketPC, Palm, or ancient laptop? Something airplane pilots used to use? We want to resurrect our most ancient or inappropriate GPS devices for one weekend to hunt hidden caches on the island with "OLD-SCHOOL" GPS technology. (more details to follow)
After a less-that-awesome debute, the Kite-Flying competition will return for a second year. Rules for this competition are pretty relaxed, as it is meant to be a fun time. There will be some awards decided upon at the event, for Highest Flight, Longest Flight, and best Design, etc... Trash Talking will be allowed, and Encouraged. Keep in mind, that those that attend Rock Island, may be trained in Aeronautical Arts!!! Big open areas and no power lines make this a special place for kite flying! (After last year, kite flyers are encouraged to wear hard hats and safety glasses)
Rock Island's Signature Events are the famous Wine & Cheese Tasting and the Beer & Sausage Tasting. Held on both Friday and Saturday nights, everybody brings a few of their favorite or unique snacks and beverages for tasting and for sharing. Don't forget the crackers!
Rock Island Getaway is also home to the infamous GPSr hospital repair, Becky's Story Book, hanging out at the rock furniture, visiting the lighthouse, the boathouse, the many trails, some of Wisconsin's finest sand dune swimming beaches, and, best of all, sharing caching experiences with a varied group of geocachers. ALL EVENTS ARE OPTIONAL; we're here to have fun, not wear ourselves out.
We have reserved Group Site One, which is the larger group site a couple hundred yards from the Viking Boathouse. The fee for this year is going to be $5.00 per person, if you are staying one or two nights, and $7.50 per person, if you are going to be staying all three nights. Please post here to let us know how many people will be in your camping group, and how many nights you plan on staying, and make sure your GC email address works. I am going to close the reservations on Sunday, the 10th of June, as this will give me a chance to send out the final Email. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO STAY AT THE GROUP SITE. If you wish to reserve your own individual site, that's OK, too. Some folks with kayaks may prefer a shoreline site, etc...
Getting There: Take Wisconsin Highway 42 to the very end of the Door Peninsula. Take the Washington Island Ferry to Washington Island. The ferry carries people, vehicles, bicycles, and freight. Take County Highway W to the opposite end of Washington Island. Leave your vehicle or bike there, and take the passenger-only Rock Island Ferry to Rock Island. There are fees for both ferries. The 2012 Washington Island Ferry fees are $25.00 per car plus $12.00/adult passenger and $6.00/child passenger under 11. (Under 5 free) The Rock Island Karfi rates are $11.00/adult and children over the age of 11 and $6.00/child under the age of 11, (under 5 free) all round trip, and includes hauling your camping gear. The Karfi leaves Washington Island at 10:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm daily. Visitors may also take their boats to Rock Island, but caution is urged since Lake Michigan and Green Bay can be hazardous due to reefs, currents and storms. There is a nightly fee of $1 per foot of boat length for all boats mooring overnight at Rock Island. We're more than happy to share rides and vehicles to save money.
See you all There! Here's links to previous years' events; Good information contained within!
Rock Island Getaway I
Rock Island Getaway II
Rock Island Getaway III
Rock Island Getaway IV
Rock Island Getaway V
Rock Island Getaway VI
Rock Island Getaway VII