Day Two EVENING of Volunteer Jamboree at Kettle Moraine State Forest Ottawa Rec Area

This third blog post from Monday is about the evening of our Volunteer Jamboree at the Kettle Moraine State Forest.  See the other posts before this one to catch up if you just joined us now.

Our evening started after we had our canoe trip and wandering around the park for a while.  We were invited back to the canopy tents for supper.  On the menu were big pans of pulled pork with sauce on buns, salads, fruit, roasted sweet corn (with a smiling Amanda Kutka peeling husks from ears of hot steaming corn, but my camera battery was dead so I missed the photo opp!)

Dinner was followed up by a couple huge sheet cakes of dessert ... and an invite to head on over to the amphitheater again for the evening entertainment. Oh my... my favorite... CELTIC MUSIC!!!

The band's name is Wylde Thyme, from Racine, Wisconsin.  I stole this pic from their Facebook Page:

Here is a link to their page:

Wylde Thyme Facebook Page

and 

http://www.bandmix.com/wyldethyme/

They set up on the small stage and introduced themselves. 

What a gorgeous spot in the park for a live concert... 

alongside the lake, 

under a weeping willow tree,

 with the sun setting behind

Just as the sun was setting, a few splatterings of raindrops came here and there... 

but the band started to play anyhow.  

In a few moments, we had a RAINBOW! 

Not sure if anyone over there found a pot of gold...

but the sunset in the other direction was PRICELESS!!!

The band played number after number of all of my favorite Celtic and Irish Tunes.

There was a lot of toe tapping and hand clapping along with the lively music.

I play CD's of Celtic music in my weaving studio all of the time, 

and of course I bought one of their CD's on sale in front of the stage! 

 I have the band's permission to post these clips and information,

Here is a taste of their music

I walked up behind the rows of seats after dark to snap this shot, after the sun set.

There were only a few mosquitoes compared to the night before, 

so the evening was relaxing and enjoyable. 

Beautiful natural music in the outdoor setting was a perfect way to wind up the busy day. 

And the concert ended two hours later on this hilarious note:

We headed on back to our camper in the dark,

humming and tapping our toes with the music still ringing in our ears. 

Thank you, Wisconsin Parks, for treating us with such nice entertainment! 

Day Two MORNING of Volunteer Jamboree at Kettle Moraine State Forest Ottawa Rec Area

Now I will get to the morning portion of the Jamboree from Monday.  I wanted to be sure I had all of the spellings correct of each name.  (I double checked with Steve's boss, Linda Guelig, to be sure I had them right!)  LOL

We were soooo lucky to have such nice weather.  The days were all blue sky, low humidity, and nice temps in the 70's.  We could not have asked for a better stretch of weather for our jamboree.

 Here is the link for a list of links about the campground we were at:

Wisconsin State Park Kettle Moraine Southern Unit

and here is a link for a PDF file of the campground map and grounds 

Ottawa Lake Recreational Area

Our campsite was pristine, the park was quiet and well-maintained, and we saw a lot of wonderful wildlife ... even a pair of cranes were waking us up each morning with their excited calls. Kudos to Ottawa Lake Rec Area staff for hosting such a large gathering of volunteers!  (ps they treated us all three days with free camping, free meals and wonderful entertainment)


Monday morning was started off with a continental breakfast over by the shelter B in the park. We donned our little nametags so we all knew who was who and what parks we volunteered at.

We were welcomed by a big sign, and a full spread of breakfast goodies to enjoy. We sat and chatted with folks we met last year and also new faces to meet and learn where they were from.

Because the shelter is a bit small to contain all of the attendees, they erected a couple extra tents/canopies to make sure everyone had a place in case of bad weather.  But ... tada!  We had such nice sunshine, it all worked out.

I want to take a moment to give a special thanks...

this gal was instrumental in making sure everything went off without a hitch! 

She was hands on all morning, noon and night for all of our events---

meet Amanda Kutka of Visitor Services

Her smile kept on going along with her willingness 

to rush around and make sure all of our needs were met.

THANK YOU, AMANDA!!!!!

After breakfast was done, we were ushered over to the amphitheater for our morning program... 

we sure filled the place up!  

Located along the shores of the lake, we enjoyed the outdoors and the view 

as much as we enjoyed the informative speakers who came to talk to us. 

Peter Biermeier, the Section Chief for Recreation, Planning and Development first talked about the park system and this being the 114th year of having a Volunteer Jamboree to celebrate,  He enthusiastically thanked all of the volunteers who make the Wisconsin State Parks the success that they are. He welcomed us warmly and talked about exciting new things happening in the Wisconsin State Park system.  I only caught a shot of him leaving the stage, because my camera battery needed replacing.  Dang! 

Next up was Paul Sandgren 

who is the Superintendent of the Southern Kettle Moraine Unit.

He pulled out a map and gave us an idea of the wonderful things we could do and see in the area.. and invited us to fully enjoy the entire park which encompasses five campgrounds and many trails, springs and many opportunities to explore. There sure is a lot to do in this large park system that stretches for many miles and has a lot of facilities available. 

This is Kurt Thiede who is a Regional Administrator.  

He talked a lot about the IT improvements of the DNR website, 

and new state park developments. 

Next up on the docket was Kimberly Currie, Deputy Director of Parks... She lightened up the crowd with a cute joke about her bosses and a camping trip.  It was a good opener.   ....she told of some statistics ... did you know that THIS year the Wisconsin State Parks has had the HIGHEST attendance ever in their history?  Wisconsin State Parks rank 3rd in the US with camping occupancy and fifth in the US for overall park attendance?  Wow.. those are some impressive figures with only 81 parks in the entire state.    

Then Chris Pedretti, Section Chief, spoke about IT and tech issues, and how the park website is changing and making information more accessible. I think Kimberly Currie jumped in here with the news of a photo contest that had been held on Facebook, which enabled the DNR to have a slew of new park photos to use in the future promotion of the State Parks.

Paul Zajackowski, NR Program Regional Manager spoke about capital improvements and repairs in the park system.  Did you know the average age of any building in the state parks is FIFTY years old?  There are over 5000 campsites in the 81 parks, and most of the equipment, buildings and structures are over 30 years old.  This was of interest to Steve, being  the Facilities Maintenance Specialist Advanced at High Cliff State Park.  They try so hard at his park to repair and butter up the aging buildings and make them as user friendly as possible. 

The various speakers shared that although they are trying to keep up properties and finding funding to repair and replace things as needed... we also have to advocate and ask for funds (politically) to improve and grow.  New properties, new facilities and expanding existing parks is a focus for the future.   

Jason Fritz was next up, he is the Chief Ranger and also the NR Region Program Manager who spoke about Ranger duties and keeping park patrons and volunteers safe and able to enjoy the parks to their fullest.  Some questions were asked about the new "concealed carry and open carry" policies etc. and the volunteer staff was assured all situations would be addressed and handled by the rangers and wardens on site.  Camphost Volunteers can safely rely on their park policing staff to take care of all issues that would arise. 

The last speaker of the morning (before Peter Biermeier took back the mike) was Joe ... now forgive me for messing up his last name.  I thought it was said as Rhewrie or something like that.  But the Northern Highlands Campground Manager is listed as Joe Fieweger.  Either way, let's just call him JOE, okay?   He spoke about working in the largest state forest in Wisconsin.  The Northern Highlands Unit has over 800 campsites, 18 campgrounds, and is always looking for more hosts.  Soooo we were a good group to hit up for next year! LOL 

My personal overall impression of all of the speakers this morning was GRATITUDE....  for us, the volunteers.  Because without us, the work preformed and executed could never, ever be done by paid workers in the era of tight budget cuts and diminishing funds for the park system. Without the many hours of the volunteers, and the Friends of the Park organizations throughout the state and the many extra hours put in by valued employees, the Wisconsin Parks are a success! 

Peter Biermeier then took over the microphone and invited us to all take a break and head on up to the canopy tented area to watch a slideshow presentation about Old World Wisconsin. 

Jennifer Van Haften from nearby Old World Wisconsin came to do a presentation about her facility, 

which was built on lands donated by the DNR.  Old World Wisconsin is a "living history museum" to learn about life back in the late 1800's and the settlement era of Wisconsin. They have paid staff in costume to re-enact life on the farms and small village in Wisconsin back in the day.  They even allow teens to intern for work, and let children help with chores! They help to maintain historic breeds of farm animals, heirloom plants and garden vegetables and have various farms and houses to explore with live docents in costume to help educate the visitors on early life in Wisconsin. 

from Wikipedia:

Old World Wisconsin is an open-air museum located near Eagle, WI. Opened in 1976, the museum is owned and operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society. It portrays housing and the daily life of immigrants in 19th century Wisconsin. 

Although the museum wasn't open during our stay at Ottawa Lake, 

we were invited to come back and see what the museum has to offer throughout the year.  

I had been there long ago, and would love to go back sometime. 

More information can be found on their website at

 http://oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org/

After the presentation was done, we were invited to join up for lunch in the main pavilion.  The group lined up for sub sandwiches and all the fixens... followed up with a big huge chocolate chip cookie!

This is where the morning ends...

and my previous blog about the canoeing afternoon 

was posted right before this one. 

The next blog will deal with the evening entertainment! 

P.S. PLEASE EXCUSE ANY INACCURACIES AS FAR AS NAMES AND FACES, BECAUSE I TOOK NOTES AS FAST AS I COULD ON MY SMART PHONE, AND MAY HAVE SOME MISTAKES! 

Day Two AFTERNOON of Volunteer Jamboree at Kettle Moraine State Forest Ottawa Rec Area

I am posting the afternoon session before the morning session... because I am double checking name spellings on the morning post and don't want to incorrectly identify anyone. 

After a nice lunch put on by the staff (sub sandwiches, chips, watermelon and big chocolate chip cookies.... we had our choice of four or five different activities to partake in from the jamboree planning committee.  We chose the canoeing and kayaking around the lake... 

Our instructor was a very capable and knowledgeable young gal by the name of Carrie... sorry I didn't get your last name!   This is Carrie and she works at Kettle Moraine Southern Unit at Ottawa Lake Rec Area. 

We helped untie and unload the canoes and kayaks from the rack....

Notice that we were blessed with another BSPC Day 

(Blue Sky Puffy Cloud Day) 

All of the canoes and kayaks were lined up along the edge of the boat landing.

Soon everyone was jacketed up, 

and after a brief instruction plus Carrie's assessment of our canoeing and swimming skills... 

we were to line up and get set to take off.

Since I was the only one who brought along a camera 

(sealed in a zip lock bag when not in use) 

So there are going to be a LOT of pics by request of various camphhost volunteers,

They are going to come here to my blog and save their photos.

We all got on board ...

Steve and I chose a canoe because we have owned one for years 

and knew what we were doing. LOL

We all paddled over to the first buoy and waited for everyone to arrive. 

Carrie explained that Ottawa Lake is a "kettle" lake.... formed by glaciers long ago as they dragged their huge ice formation across the land.  The big chunks of ice, covered in dirt and sludge later melted and left holes or "kettles" in the land.  The lumps left behind are called Moraines.  Thus, that is how The Kettle Moraine State Forest got it's name!  

This lake is spring fed, so it is very clear, but not very deep.  It's only about 27 acres, and the deepest part on one end is 16 ft deep.  Most of it is shallow and most of the edges are surrounded with cattails and reeds.

Off we all paddled to the next buoy to learn some more about the lake. 

This time it was about the fish.... 

mostly walleye, perch, blue gill and most recently long nosed gar 

which was introduced to keep down the bluegill population.

My handsome man piddle paddled me around the lake...

After the third buoy stop 

(and I am sure it was after Carrie assessed each of our abilities to handle our boats) 

we were allowed to venture forth on our own through the waters and around the rest of the lake. 

Some of the folks stayed near shore and circled the perimeter

Some rested and relaxed and chatted among themselves.

We paddled over to explore the cat tails, and look for fish among the vegetation below

We floated on over near a bird house, I assume it's for wood ducks? 

It was such a beautiful day for a paddle around the lake. 

There was a slight breeze and the sun was shining in between the puffy clouds.

We handed off our camera to another couple to take a few shots of US! 

We sold our last canoe when we sold the house up on the Oconto River...

perhaps we should think about getting one again?

Floating over near the big fishing dock, we found some lilypads with one little yellow flower still sticking up.  The petals were pulled in tight, but it was still a flower and I made Steve paddle around it twice until I could get a decent shot of it. 

Something we found among the weeds was this Kong Dog Retriever Toy....

I wonder who might like that?

Finney: "Hmmmmm Hey Duke, come look.... what could this be????"

Duke: "Ya think we can eat it?"

Ooooh TUG OF WAR!!!

I will put more in the next blog about the evening entertainment! 

Day One of Volunteer Jamboree at Kettle Moraine State Forest Ottawa Rec Area

We had a pleasant drive down highway 67 to southern Wisconsin today.  This was the first trip with our motorhome since Steve put on the new Koni shocks all around.  It made a big improvement on the handling, especially on the cornering.  Less dipping and rocking from side to side when making wide turns. We cruised along on a lovely BSPC Day.... (Blue Sky Puffy Cloud Day)

We were greeted warmly at the gate to the southern unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest... Ottawa Lake Rec Area.  We got a full packet of information, ID tags, and a neato tote bag to haul all in.  We were directed to our free campsite and got set up.  What a great site!  We even have a little pavilion structure over our table.

Once the doggers had a chance to sniff and check out our campsite, we got our potluck contribution going in the crock pot. (little smokies in BBQ sauce with grape jelly)   We wandered on over to register and join in with the other campground hosts from state parks of Wisconsin.  

There were some silly little contests like guess how many acorns were in a jar, or a line of animal pelts to identify (I got the opossum wrong!- who knew they were that thick and lush?)   One of the leaders had brought a huge variety of heirloom tomatoes which we had taste testing of about 10-12 different kinds! 

Soon the potluck started and we were treated to two big long tables of contributions... and we ate our fill and then some nice desserts to top it off.  Some door prizes were drawn and our own Steveio won something!!!  A nice knit hat and a camping cookbook.  How great was that?

We took a short walk after dinner along the water's edge for the next part of our program.  What a view.....

We were then ushered over to a nature program in the amphitheater.  The guest speaker was a woman named Leslie Keuhl and she was speaking on behalf of a non-profit group called "Wildlife In Need Center" located at W349 S1480 S. Waterville Rd. Ste B, Oconomowoc, WI 53066  262-965-3090 and their website is http://www.helpingwildlife.org/   She is their Wildlife Education Coordinator. 

Leslie showed us some amazing animals... many which were rescued and made healthy but cannot be returned to the wild. Many because they are too imprinted on humans and don't know how to be a wild animal anymore.  Each one had story and is now filling the role as an Animal Ambassador to teach people what to do and NOT do when an animal needs help.  If you don't know what to do, it's best to call them first and find out before you interfere and make matters worse. 

Some of the animals were amazing.... and had such stories! 

Meet Jewel the Ornate Box Turtle... only a small number remain in Wisconsin any more.This is a turtle that lives in the ground and not in water.  In the winter it has to dig itself down below the frost line to survive.  (6 feet or more in Wisconsin) 

Someone actually removed this protected endangered turtle from it's natural habitat and tried to sell it to a pet store!  The pet store owners recognized it as an endangered species and turned it over to the authorities. During it's journey, it had been dangerously exposed to other turtle species and other possible contaminates that even if they knew where it had been captured from, it could not be returned for fear of infecting other turtles.  

Next on the list of Animal Ambassadors was Meadow... a young Bull Snake.  Leslie explained she could eventually reach about 8 feet and get thicker as she gets older too.  The snake had such lovely markings and was really accustomed to being handled.

The previous snake had been named Slither that was used as an Animal Ambassador, but she had gotten arthritic and didn't enjoy being handled much anymore.


This next guy was a real character!  His name is Waldo the Woodchuck!  Someone actually had the audacity to make a PET out of him in a campground for a summer, having him in their motorhome and eating people food while laying on the couch!   He has no idea he is woodchuck and really thinks he is a dog.  At the end of summer, the people were going to leave him behind and go home.... so the poor guy was eventually brought to the center for protection.   Leslie was bribing him with almonds to hang out for us, and he was grunting and making the funniest sounds each time the bowl of treats was too far away.  As long as the bribes were forthcoming, he was happy to pose for us.

 He reminded me of a grumpy old man! 

As the program went on, the sun was sinking further in the sky... 

and I could not resist snapping a few pics

It was peaceful and calm.... 

what a pleasant place. 

The next animal on the docket was a Kestrel bird called a Sparrow Hawk... her name is Grace.  She had a broken wing/shoulder and had to be rehabbed.  She was not able to fly fast enough to hunt on her own, so she is a lifelong resident of the center now... and will set on the glove and watch and look around at us (thinking we could all be "food"?)

The final star of the show is a lovely impressive Great Horned Owl named Dakota.  He was a real HOOT!  LOL  He was mumbling and grumbling and hooting at Leslie as she took him out of his carrying box.  What a massive animal and soooo intimidating when you looked in his eyes.

Afterwards Leslie let us come up closer for a photo op, and at the same time I got her permission to post these photos and information for her organization.

Their website states:

Wildlife rehabilitation is the treatment and care of injured, diseased, or orphaned indigenous wildlife, and the subsequent return of healthy viable animals to appropriate habitats in the wild.  At the Wildlife In Need Center we answer over 10,000 phone calls from people asking for advice or help with wildlife issues and admit over 3,000 animals annually.  We also conduct educational programs in schools, for scout groups, and for church and civic groups.

The Center is run primarily by volunteers and a very small staff, operating 365 days a year.  We receive no funding from county, state, or federal governments.  We run extensively on private contributions, primarily from individual donors, but also from corporate foundations and private foundation grants.

After the program was over, the sun had set. 

We were invited to come sit around a group campfire with some of the other host from other parks. We shared hosting stories, favorite campground stories, and other bits and pieces... and a few jokes too.  By 10 p.m. we were ready to toddle off to bed.

Tomorrow will be a busy day...  

Continental breakfast at 8

Morning programs and speakers

Box lunches 

and then we are booked for a canoe trip!