the dells

​It is easy to be snarky about the Wisconsin Dells. The main drag through the region is a series of huge, garish, and tacky family attractions. We had been told it was the waterpark capital of America, but the slides, roller coasters, and mini golf courses are now dwarfed by oversized multi faceted “experiences,” escape rooms, and arcades. If buildings could scream, they’d all be shouting at the top of their architectural lungs.
 
Fortunately, the natural surroundings are still there, on the fringes. We are staying at a modest but quiet lakefront resort. Today we took a boat trip on the upper dells of the Wisconsin River. The river is lined by a large deposit of Cambrian sandstone, a rock that forms beautiful and deep chasms. We walked into Witches Gulch, which was very cool. 

​Then we stopped at Standing Rock, the location of H. H. Bennett’s famous first stop-action photo of his son making the 5’8” leap. It took his son 17 tries before he got the perfect image. Visitors are not allowed to the top of the rocks, but the tour company trains dogs to make the leap. And there’s a safety net.

​We tried to do a short hike but the trail no longer matched the description. So we returned to the lakeside and spent time in the pool, hot tub, and sauna.