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Camp and Hike at Bong State Recreation Area Bong Recreation Area overnight 12.5 mile pack dog event. June 29-30, 2002
The Lakeshore Greater Swiss Mountain Dog club hosted their second pack dog event on June 29, 2002. The event was held at the Richard Bong Recreational Area near Kenosha, Wisconsin. This overnight event awarded all successful participants two legs towards their pack dog titles. Those working towards a Novice degree must carry twenty percent of their body weight which can only be reduced by consumption along the way by the dog or the handler. An overnight event has extra requirements, though. To receive the two leg award on an overnight event, the required distance is shortened to 5 miles per day. However, there is a much greater commitment to both the handler and dog. You and the dog must carry everything you need to survive in the wilderness overnight. Our event started by everyone meeting at the designated location on Saturday. After a short round of welcomes and introductions, the ground rules were explained, the pack weights were verified, backpacks were loaded, and off to the drop off point we went. I should point out that we were at an area that is basically known for being a lot of swamps – after a rainy spell – making for record size and numbers of mosquitoes. Add to this that Mother Nature actually dealt to us a very warm and somewhat "muggy" Saturday hike. At the drop location, we did a few last adjustment and pack check – and off we went! The first part of the walk took us down natural trails across plains and meadows (full of mosquitoes). The hills were easy and the walk not too bad. Several stops were made to water the dogs and hikers as needed. The second half of the first day was not as easy, though. The second half of the hike was straight through a swamp area, and the mosquitoes were waiting. Everyone had to make sure that all were sprayed and ready with bug repellant. The extra large dragonfly’s looked like you could saddle them and ride ‘em out! Our stop was at the designated camp area on the northeast corner of Wolf Lake, the largest body of water in the recreation area. Tents were pitched while the dogs cooled down from the walk. A fire was made from tree wood and dinners prepared for all, by all. At this point, it was decided that, based on the forecast of high heat and humidity, the next day’s departure would be early. What a good decision that was! After a night of sleeping on the ground, the heat seemed to increase by morning making for a very uncomfortable breakfast. The wind had ceased overnight and the humidity set in. We broke camp as soon as everyone was done with breakfast and the area was cleaned-up. Off we went. The second day of hiking was predominately around Wolf Lake. This included many lowlands and marshy areas that were well stocked with mosquitoes and humidity. The walk progressed slowly as much emphasis on the safety of the dogs was considered. The hikers took breaks in the tree canopies where possible. By the time the walk had completed, all of the dogs looked as if they could use a cool-down. The hike concluded on Sunday by all of the dogs taking a swim in one of the small ponds near the pick-up point. Even the "non-swimmer Swissies" decided that the water felt good after being persuaded in. They needed the swim! We would like to congratulate
all participants on successfully completing the two day event and earning the
two-legs towards their title. Additionally, congratulations to Trisha Fisk and
Greta for completing their Novice Pack dog title at this event. They have
successfully completed two ten mile events and one overnight event. Great job! The Participants were: Trisha Fisk with Greta Additionally, Lake Shore GSMD welcomed:
Participant Registration Form (Word Doc) Print this form and mail in registration Equipment List (Word doc) This is also listed below More Information (Word Doc) This is also listed below
For questions on this event contact PackDog@LSGSMDC.org About Bong State Recreation Area Once designated to be a jet fighter base, Bong State Recreation Area is fittingly named after Maj. Richard I. Bong, a Poplar, Wisconsin, native who was America's leading air ace during World War II. The project was abandoned three days before concrete was to be poured for a 12,500-foot runway. Local citizens had the foresight to protect this open space for future generations. In 1974 the state bought the land and it became the state's first recreation area. A recreation area differs from a state park or forest in that it offers additional activities not traditionally found in state parks. Appropriate to its name, Bong offers an area where visitors may fly hang gliders, ultra-light aircraft, hot air balloons, and model airplanes and rockets. Bong also has spaces to train both hunting and sled dogs, train falcons, ride an ATV trail, go land sailing, horseback riding, and hunt in season. All activities are kept separate from each other through special use zones. The recreation area encompasses 4,537 acres of rolling grassland, wetlands and scattered woodland. Directions to the park: From the north or south: Take Interstate 94 (between Chicago and Milwaukee) to exit 340 (Wi Hwy 142 – by MARS Cheese Castle). Go west (Left if coming from the south, right if coming from the north) about 10 miles. The main park entrance is about 1 mile west of Rte 75, on Hwy 142. You will have to buy a park entrance sticker at the main area to gain entrance to this park. The Event:
Remember to bring along your dog’s weight record from a vet. Alternate to this would include something from a store like Petsmart or Petco where this service is also provided.
Here is a list of suggested equipment that you may want to
consider for the event: You dog’s weight, provided in writing, by your vet, Petco, or Petsmart, dated within three days of the event date. Backpack for both your dog and YOU .Tent – alternate – no tent if you intend to sleep out under the stars. Sleeping bag -Sleeping pad - i.e.-ensolite pad or therma-rest – if desired Flashlight or headlamp and/or lantern (spare batteries) Matches (waterproof is a good idea) Waterproof hiking shoes Spare pair of shoes for around camp if desired (i.e. track shoes) Warm socks Hat Gloves Waterproof outer shell (Raingear) Warm clothing (jacket, long underwear) - leave the cotton at home! Towel (for drying/cleaning your dog before (s)he gets into the tent with you). Sunglasses Sunscreen First aid kit Snack food for hiking & lunches Saturday & Sunday Saturday night dinner Sunday morning breakfast Dog food & treats for the duration of the event Eating utensils - plates, bowls, knife, fork, spoon, cup Water bottles with sufficient water Personal items Bug Spray Fishing gear, if desired Camera equipment, if desired Backpacking stove (if you have one) Supply of doggie waste bags or a small shovel for trail buries. WHAT WILL BE PROVIDED BY EVENT COORDINATOR: RO Water filter to make water from ponds and lakes **A special thank you to Carol and Tom Scribner for assisting the coordination of this event and the use of their material. USE OF THIS SITE SIGNIFIES YOUR AGREEMENT TO THE TERMS OF USE. ©2006 Lake Shore Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club, Inc. |
