Chicago keeps calling us or say it has become our second home since we always stay back with Ashi and Ari(The Mukherjee couple again). We are totally obsessed with them. But this year it was a special meeting since the couple has got a radiant sunshine, Armin born into their house and it was his first b'day. Definitely we were now excited to fondle and play with him making this even the more memorable moment in Chicago.
To make it more grand we along with one more couple and Ani's very good friend cum mentor who recently flew from Germany planned a trip to Wisconsin, Dell. the place is Waterpark Capital of the World, located north of Madison and near Lake Delton in short it is a Disneyland for Midwesterners. There are multiple waterparks galore, golf course attached to some of the resorts and numerous adventure park in the downtown area to spend away the whole week.
Day 1
We booked a cottage in Spring Brook, Wisconsin. To make it a budget holiday i will suggest going in group hereby splitting the cottage rental and bring foods from home. The cottage has got everything from burner, barbecue and fridge so no need for outside eateries. We just packed almost everything we could in our three cars to last for our three days stay. In case you are not sure about the packing list click the above link to read the amenities they provide.
We stayed in a 4 bedroom cabin at Northern exposure Lakeshore Drive. Warm and cozy the inside looked this was definitely my first time in a cottage. I was so thrilled with excitement as i looked everywhere to see bears painting and mule deer rustic wall decor which called to mind tales of three bears and Godlilocks.
With so much to explore around the cottage and porch we spend that evening indoor. The basement came equipped with snookers, table tennis, pool and air hockey.
Quite a place!
Day 2
The next day after marinating chicken wings and salads for barbecue in the evening we grab quick burgers and soda from the resort canteen. The day was well reserved to enjoy a boat tour favoring the pleasing sunny day. Driving up to the downtown, which was one mile away we were all in hefty spirit for coming adventure. But when the boat tour came up with so many varieties - Original Duck's Tour; Army Duck's Tour; Captain Ron's Jet Boat Tour; Original Jet Boat Tour; we were almost confused.
After inquiring and marking the pros and cons of each tour we did the Upper River Tour.
As everyone sit back in their comfort seat watching the sunlight streaming through the Wisconsin river glistened, it was more enjoyable to watch little Armin relaxed in his throne as he absorbed the day light warmth and guffaws of laughs.
Witches Gulch
The tour docked at two places for people to get off and walk around and enjoy the land sites. The first stop was the Witches Gulch and it was stunning. We were able to walk through the landscape up to a souvenir store that also had restrooms.
Standing rock
The second stop was at Standing Rock. Henry Bennett made this site famous by taking this famous photo of his son jumping across a gap between two rock formations (Stand Rock).
The guide fascinated us as she pointed her fingers up to witness a German Shepherd dog make the leap. You have to be quick to take your own stop-action photograph, because the dog makes the leap only once. I was just lucky to simply watch the feat at the most relaxed to see that there’s a net below the gap to catch the dog incase it doesn’t make it. But our guide assured us that no dog has ever fallen. Earlier tourists used to do the leap but then it was eventually shut down.
So i guess i was free to leap in my own comfort space.
By evening we were back to our cottage and while the men got themselves busy with barbecuing me and Ani were happy cuddling and playing around with Armin. He is always jolly and too friendly to adapt himself with the surroundings.
Day 3
The last day of the trip, we chose to do light activity. Exhausted from the previous night barbecuing, drinking and playing cards(which went crazy in the middle as people lose their wits) we pick up walking around the downtown. I cooked chicken chicken for the day while Aritra prepared mutton gravy for the dinner. With satiated belly and all in active mood we drove down to the market place.
We didn't mind getting tattooed as it was so cheap and of course it was temporary to last just for four days. Surprisingly i still had it for more than five days.
I am very happy with my dream while Ani has been very bad!
With a blink of an eye the days passed, smiles got captured, friendship grew vast. And if i recall the sunrise in the woods, or the rustling of leaves in the still night, the rustic smell of cottage, i realize i have returned home mind so fresh and heart all young with a longing to go back again.
Tips before you go
-Pack as many food and drinking water you can or buy it from local grocery. Bring extra toilets paper and soaps.
-Tour the Dells boats. Make sure that you arrive early to your boat tour time because the seating is first come first serve. In the event that you're unhappy with the seats available, you can always wait for the next tour since the tickets can be used for any tour time throughout the day.
-Taste yogurt at The Frozen Bear
-Get a vintage photos of yours.
