A Driftless Drive in Wisconsin

[Darter02]

This past weekend my wife and I had one of those rare Saturdays all to ourselves sans child. So we went for a jaunt in the Jeep. Transplants from Western PA we currently live on the edge of cell phone infrastructure just west of Madison. I'm not kidding, there was a long period where just walking to one side of the house meant no cell service. The area we chose to live in is called The Driftless Area, which is basically just where the massive glaciers DIDN'T bulldoze everything flat.

So what's this have to do with Jeeps? I'm finally getting to enjoy rolling around these ridges in my Christmas miracle Wrangler without worrying about ice. Just a couple of weeks ago the Arctic sledgehammer of winter finally stopped after months of beating us down. Driving ANYWHERE was crazy! (I'll admit Jeeping it up freshly fallen, deep snow to the top of Blue Mounds was fun! And the doughnuts in the unplowed parking lots, their entire circumferences pilled high with months of plowed snow banks!)

Anyway, this past weekend we finally had a chance go just go for a lazy cruise. I've been capturing images and videos as I go. If it's cool I'll share them here on this thread as a new season of exploration in my new mount. I know it's not the usual super exciting, defying, high stakes thrill of rock crawling, but it may be different enough just to be eye-catching?

It's not uncommon for me to drive all the way to the Mississippi, rambling scenic roads the whole way, and only seeing one or two other vehicles on the road. So chill...

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[Snayte]

Nice pictures. I live in Eau Claire and we take trips with our camper down to the driftless area on occasion. The drive up the Mississippi is also very nice. We just got a new JL Sahara (replaced a JK) and I cannot wait for nice enough weather to get out with the top down again.

Welcome to Wisco!

 

[ozzysjeep]

Nice shots. Thanks for sharing!

 

[KDB]

Welcome to WI!
I live east of MSN and will do the same, simply drive the back roads of SW Wisconsin in my JL. Did the same with my JK as well, just driving a jeep makes one smile and the JL is sooooooo much of better driver than the JK.

 

[Darter02]

Today I took a jaunt just off the edge of the Driftless to a knoll that is essentially still part of the same terrain. It's just an isolated ridge. On it sits a Deer Park Buddhist Center & Monastery. It's where the Dalia Llama sits when he's here in the region. On fact I once found myself in his presence but that's a story for another day.

Anyways, I had to go speak with one of the monks about some stuff I'll be doing for them this summer. I figured the unique nature of the location warranted snapping a few cell pics to share. Even though it was a misty day the drive over was nice. There's a straight road that goes for most of it. My Jeep doesn't seem to have any wander to it as some folks post. Very relaxing cruise.

 

[Gadsden11]

That is a beautiful area of our state!! And I second the great river road along the Mississippi!! Great winding roads, eagles, and the locks and dams are neat also. Great pics!

 

[Darter02]

After a morning that began with chaos I found myself wrapping up business by 9am. I abandoned my office, concluding things via text as I loaded up my Jeep. I drove towards the Mississippi but veered of the highway on a random exit. I rolled along ridges and down through winding, hidden ravines. I hardly saw a human soul. There were times I'd be banking up a sinuous climb and all I'd see is bright blue sky. It felt like flying almost. Eventually I randomly found myself at a Snow Bottom State Natural Area. There I took a casual hike along deer paths until I made my way to the top of a rocky knoll. It's been a long time since I've just up and went rambling. I may have to make it a habit again?

 

[Snayte]

What does your hood graphic translate to?

 

[Darter02]

What does your hood graphic translate to?

It's the name of an ancient dragon from Asia. Apalala was able to tame his own heart yet retain and preserve his nature. Though I'm not Buddhist I've spent a lot of time among the Tibetan Monks here in Wisconsin. This particular myth happened to catch my imagination just when I was deciding to name my Wrangler.

The script is Sanskrit and the decals where made by Don of Pixel Decal.

 

[Darter02]

Here's a few more random shots taken on yesterday's jaunt.

 

[Darter02]

Brigham Park.

It was a foggy morning on the Blue Mounds as I drove to work. I spend two days/week working on the grounds of a National Natural Landmark. I'll often leave for there early so I can relax at one of the parks that adorn the hills. And if you're curious where I labor, it's in a Cave.

 

[Darter02]

April was a very busy month for us. Aside from some quick jaunts around the Mounds I've been sticking close to home. I've also been busy working on my Wrangler. I'm hoping to have it all done sometime this summer. I thought I'd at least share some of this transition from winter to spring. It's snowed here as recently as two days ago!

The view from the East Tower.


The drive up Blue Mounds from about 1/2 way up. It's not a big hill but it's still the highest point in southern Wisconsin.

 

[Darter02]

It's been a very busy season. I have been meaning to post photos. I'll have to just see how many I can to this thread. All I know is that I love my Wrangler.

Me and my toy. I'm slowly modding it when I can. This was taken before I had a new suspension installed.


My wife & I like to go on "Sunday Drives." In Wisconsin it's not just deer you have to avoid.


Between photo gigs I love just running around the Driftless. I especially love the winding ridgeline roads.


I love it when I have to roll through old moraines to get to a meeting.


I can drive for hours and rarely see other cars.


There aren't a lot of Jeep trails, so we explore the area looking for scenic places to pause for a moment.


My baby... Still need wheels, and lights, and...

 

[Rogues Gambit]

You actually got me interested in heading out there now, though I always did wanna go cross country anyway

Just started following you as well btw, now to reread whatcha got here

 

[Rogues Gambit]

Oh Snap, crackle and pop, it's manual too, that's too awesome, Ron

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