One story of the area attributes the illusion of deep
shadows beneath the nearly unbroken canopy of
these forests and the eerie feeling projected by the
“black forest” as the reason for the early name, “The
Shades of Death.” Other people, however, say the
name resulted due to the warlike Native Americans
who occupied this natural stronghold along Sugar
Creek and the legend of an early settler being killed.
Another story that contributed to the gloomy name
claimed that a young settler’s wife buried an axe in
her wicked husband’s head. Finally the “Shades of
Death” name, considered unsavory, was dropped to
simply “The Shades.” These examples of the legends
and folklore of the area are often topics for campfires
at naturalist activities.

 

The results of a government survey of 1815 noted
as landmarks a series of natural springs in a ravine
area that played an important part in the history of
Shades. In 1886, the Garland Dells Mineral Springs
Association was organized and land was purchased
and rented to develop a health resort and recreation
area named “The Shades.” In 1887 a 40-room inn was
built on the location of the shelter house near Devil’s
Punchbowl (this inn has since been razed because
of fire damage and maintenance costs).

 

The person who had been named the “Father of
Shades,” Joseph W. Frisz, purchased stock in the
Dells Mineral Springs Association in 1909 and gained
complete control in 1916 of this Association. Frisz
safeguarded the natural areas and dense forests,
while purchasing additional tracts of land, until the
late 1930s. Shades scenic park comprised 2,200
acres. The park boasted the scenic inn set in a grove
of mature oak trees, hiking trails, swimming, fishing
and natural spring water.

 

In early 1947, the park was purchased from Frisz’s
heirs by a holding company until a public subscription
campaign (“Save the Shades”) raised the purchase
money. Shades became the 15th state park and was
hence saved from the timber cutters, who would have
used the majority of the oak timber for whiskey barrels.

 

 

The above copied from the free brochure (available in the link or in person), but 1/2 of which is printed upside-down, on the web site.

 

 

"They have a very distinct gate that I find very pleasant to watch."  Yes, they seem to "glide" along, as if their paws never touch the ground.

 

 

We had a GSD when I was a teenager.  She was the best dog.  Her name was Apache.  My previous philosophy was "small dogs aren't real dogs"!  But since then I've found myself owned by a miniature Dachshund.  He just turned 13, weighs about 14 lbs and has been the best dog I've ever had.  He loves to go fishing with me.  I love to catch small brim.  I will take them off the hook and put them on the floor of the boat and Willie will pick up the fish (very gently) and will drop the fish back into the water.  Most amazing thing I've ever seen.  One of these days I HAVE to get it on video cuz most people don't believe this.  He sired 8 puppies with our female and we still have 5 of his pups (who are 7 years old now).  We were stunned when Gretchen delivered 8 healthy pups since this is quite unusual for her breed.  3 of the boys are our regular camping companions.  I can't imagine having another breed now.  These guys don't know they are little dogs.  But I will always have a fondness for the GSD breed.  They are beautiful and I love to watch them move.  They have a very distinct gate that I find very pleasant to watch.

 

Dixie is my 3rd GSD (in succession).

 

First was Kyna (pronounced Kee-na) black/silver, American bloodline

Second was Kenda, black/silver, also American bloodline (who played a part in earning me the moniker "wierd guy with a wolf")

And now, Dixie (Dixie Vom Kolenda) black/red, West German Sieger bloodline

 

As you might guess, I'm an enthusiast of the GSD breed.  All of mine have been just wonderful companions.  Here is where I got Dixie - they have some interesting info on the breed, if you are interested

 

 

and if you click on the GSD facts tab, you'll go here:

 

 

Yes, I've had my sanity questioned several times for spending that much money on a dog but, Dixie will be my last GSD so, I splurged!  I will be in my mid 60's when her "time comes".  I would be in my late 70's, at that time, should I get another.  I doubt that I could physically (and gently) carry another, at that age, for that dreaded "last trip to the Vet".

 

With the above said, however, I like all dogs.  We humans could learn a lot from them.  Being a fellow K-9 lover, no doubt, you understand.   

 

 

 

 

It's time for a shower and for Dixie and I to start thinking about supper.  Later, relax around the campfire.

 

 

Tomorrow it will be time to pack up and head off to that place we're all familiar with.......

 

 

 

And no....there's no hook up for your tank rinser...you'll just have to slosh!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Fallen trees, muddy creek beds and perilous rock overhangs are of no concern for my best buddy K-9 adventurer!!!  Adventure awaits!

 

However, we eventually learn that when one goes down, one must sooner or later go back up.

Being ever considerate of the needs of my friend, I pause from time to time to let her catch her breath.

 

Here we find ourselves looking down at Sugar Creek.  However, after a couple of hot/dry summers, there's not much of a creek at all.  Normally, this is a favored destination of canoe enthusiast and I have done so a few times myself.

 

 

It's time to leave the dried up creek behind and forge ahead....

 

 

What wonders might await around the next bend in the trail????

 

Yes.  It is a Yaesu ATAS 100 (motorized screwdriver) that is mounted to a 12' extending painter's pole that fits quite well in my spare tire bracket.  The other end is connected to a Yaesu FT847.  I have a lot of fun playing on the Ham bands - when not out hiking, etc.

 

One day, when I become silly rich, I'd like to mount a Tarheel antenna (so I can work 80 meters, too) to either (1) above my existing crank up batwing TV antenna or (2) install a second crank up assembly for just the radio antenna.

 

 

But, it's time for Dixie and I to hit the trail and see what wonders and adventure awaits us.  Downward we descend.....

 

 

until we arrive at our first erie wonder....the Devil's Punch Bowl!

 

 

I don't know these people.  Perhaps they scared off the pointy eared, pitchfork wielding fellow.  A few brief pleasantries and it is onward down the trail...........

 

 

The property/area has an interesting history - more of which I'll try to post later.  However, it was originallly referred to as "The Shades of Death".  Folklore attributes this to a couple of possibilities: (1.) The bloody battles of warring Indian tribes and/or (2.) A homesteader's wife who buried an axe in her wicked husband's head!  (women can be so lacking in understanding & sympathy sometimes   )

The name was thought to be "unsavory", so it was shortened to "The Shades" and is presently just called "Shades".

 

Here I am - arriving on Friday afternoon:

 

 

There is a water fill station (above) and a dump station.  As a side note, someone (here on the forum) noticed my hitch bar was set up with a 2" rise..........this is why.......the camper sets rather high (it's a 2 stepper to get in).  If you look closely, you'll notice water pouring out of the water fill port.  I was taking pictures, instead of turning off the water, as I should!

 

There's more pictures and narrative to come.  But, for now, I'll leave you with this caution/caveat: