Adventure is Out There!
Spontaneity is something perforating or occurring as a result sudden impulse without premeditation. The act of spontaneity is when my husband and I had the best adventures. We just got in the car with the furry babies and drove. No plan, not really a destination – just us, the dogs, and about three days worth of clothes. Adventure isn’t hanging off a rope on the side of a mountain or living among lions. Adventure is an attitude to experience everyday things. We thought we were just having fun, but it turns out we created memories together that make me smile every time I think about it or look at the photos.
My favorite adventure would have to be when we went up north. It started in Black River, Wisconsin and from there we drove a few hours more to Sister Bay, Wisconsin.
Like sharing a meal, being spontaneous is also magical. We learned more about each other in three days than we did in the year we had been together
Black River Overlook – I94 Rest Stop
First Stop: Black River Falls, Wisconsin
My husband’s family originated in Black River before moving to their home in Beloit. We stopped to walk the dogs and stretch out our legs at the Outlook off of I94.
We were living in Wheeling, IL at the time. My husband was studying hard to obtain his funeral director’s license and I was working two jobs at the time. This was a must needed trip for us. I remember he looked over to me and asked “do you have anywhere to be today?” I told him “no”. Within two hours we were packed with the two dog-os (we only had Hank and Abby at the time) and heading the four hours north to Black River Falls.
I am a city girl, but I always wanted to move out an live on a farm away from the hustle and bustle of rude and annoying human beings. This spontaneous trip was just the thing we needed to recharge our batteries and catch up. It can be strange being in a relationship at times – with our busy schedules, some days were a “hi” and a “bye” for us. I would work, he would go to school, and vise versa. We lived together, but barely saw each other. I was glad he woke up that morning and said “lets get away from everything. I want to take you up north.” And that is exactly what we did.
To this day, we always talk about this adventure. It is one of our favorite moments together.
Onto Part 2 of the adventure…
Above and below: Alex and I over at the Outlook off of I94. Left to right: Hank smiling back at us and Abby paying no attention,
We thought we were just having fun, but it turns out we created memories.
As we were driving through town, Alex showed me the iconic Old Bridge over black river that has been there since the 1920s, and is still in use. The iron deposits and tannic acids from the trees in the forest gives the town and river it’s name, Black River.
We pulled over to take some pictures of old army machinery. It was as if we stepped back in time. The history in Black River was remarkable.
Army National Guard Field of Honor
They had a little bit of everything here – a retired helicopter, an 1897 Model “French 75” that was commonly used in World War I, and a missile that I’m sure when it is not bolted to the ground, is taller than me (left). The Field of Honor was a monument to Black River Falls’ veterans of World War I & II, The Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Plaques around the field noted the veterans’ services and gave us more insight to American history.
We were here for maybe ten minutes, but soaking up all of that history and standing next to powerful artillery was just amazing. There’s something about it. My dad was in the army, so I always had a fascination with it.
Wisconsin, in general, has so much history. The “French 75” was used by Jackson County (Black River) soldiers and was manufactured in America. It’s crazy to think that there is that much American history right in our back yards. We don’t always realize it until we stop to read their stories.
After this part of the adventure, we went to the Black River State Forest. That is Part 3 of the adventure…
Black River State Forest
After a four hour car ride with two dogs, we finally arrived to the place Alex was talking about earlier that morning. There we were, four hours away from noise, work, school, and other stresses – just me, him, and the furry babies. Our little family.
We walked around for a couple of hours soaking in the scenery and enjoying the time we finally were able to spend with each other. Like I said, relationships can be weird and spending time together can be difficult, even when you’re living together. This was something that we both needed.
Despite the mosquitoes (and there were a lot!) Part 3 of the adventure was fun. We left the state forest, sweaty, gross, and absolutely content. Our last stop was at an old cemetery (this is totally normal for us because of who we are). His family originated in Black River so we were able to see his ancestors there. It was a little strange, not knowing someone who shares your last name, but fascinating at the same time.
I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. For example, his family started where they did and eventually moved to Beloit, WI where he grew up. Alex could have enrolled to any mortuary science school to obtain his license, but he choose the one in Wheeling, IL. I chose to switch jobs where we met at the funeral home. See? Everything happens for a reason! If you are patient, everything will work itself out. Adventure is always out there.
The rivers running through the town is what gives the town its name. The river used to be called “Neosheprah” or “Dark River” by Ho Chuck Native Americans that lived there. It would later be called La Riviere Noire (The Black River) by French explorers. The dark color of the waters is due to the natural tannic acids that leach from the oak and tamarack forests and sphagnum moss bogs in the 200-mile long river’s watershed, according to Black River County. Click here to learn more.
Sister Bay, WI
Our adventure concludes with us driving another four hours northeast to Sister Bay, WI. This is by far my favorite part of the adventure. I fell in love with Sister Bay so much so I’m pretty sure I will retire up there. For those who have not been to Door County – 10/10, would recommend.
A road trip is not a road trip unless you make stops along the way. I had never had real Wisconsin Cheese Curds or Beef Sticks. We saw a sign off of the highway and stopped at a little shop in Larson, WI. I would be lying if I told you I did not eat that whole bag of curds by myself. No joke.
We stayed at the super dog friendly Open Hearth Lodge (seriously super friendly! They gave us dog treat, bowls, and blankets!). Outside our door was a weenie bench which made us laugh because Hank is a little Dachshund.
We had dinner at the Boathouse on the Bay, buying sweatshirts and t-shirts to commemorate the moment, and ice cream at a local ice cream shop. Our last stop of the evening was at a Pirate Mini Golf place that had funny pirate jokes written everywhere.
By the end of the evening, even though the temperature had dropped and we were cold, we were so happy. It was a little hard leaving the next morning. We always talk about going back up north and this time staying for a few more days. It was an adventure we will always remember.
Alex and I at The Willis Tower in Chicago
Chicago, IL
I am from Chicago land area. It was my backyard growing up. But, I had never been to the Willis Tower. Alex had been there twice and he is from Wisconsin. So we went there together! The Sky Deck was actually the spontaneous part of our adventure.
We stayed at the Felix Hotel (would not recommend unless you like paying hotel pricing for sleeping in a slightly smaller dorm sized room). We ate at Fogo de Chão. For those who have never been, it’s another “10/10, would recommend” for me. It is a Brazilian steakhouse and they hand you a circle when checking in. One side is red and the other side is green. People walk around with plates of food and will stop by your table if your green circle is visible. Red means you’re done or need a break. It was wonderful. We left fat and happy.
Later that night, we went to a rooftop bar at the hotel next to us (I can’t remember the name) and later made our way to the Hangge-Uppe bar where we met one of Alex’s buddy at mortuary school and his girlfriend since they were in town for a wedding.
Overall, it was a great night. The ride back home was a little brutal. We had drinks at the restaurant, drinks at the hotel bar, and drinks at the Hangge-Uppe bar. We forgot we were going to visit my aunt and grandma the next day so that was an interesting day for the both of us. I wouldn’t change anything about that night though. I went to the Willis Tower for the first time!
Kassandra Simplot 