Day in the Dells

We went to Wisconsin Dells today to go to a waterpark and to just see the sites. It was tough to go to the Dells without taking a moment to see the devastation left by the draining of Lake Delton. We had seen the news, the video, and pictures of what happened to Lake Delton, but seeing it in person gave a whole new appreciation for the power of nature and the unfortunate circumstances faced by those with property, homes, and businesses on that Lake. We drove all around Lake Delton where we could get visible views including going near the area where Highway A collapsed and caused the drain of water out of Lake Delton and into the Wisconsin River. It was like visiting a wake. The lake was empty except for tree stumps and absolutely stupid tourists, and their children, walking around in the remaining puddles of water--where sewage was dumped--when the lake drained. It is scary to think this was such a freak occurrence--one that could happen to us. Lake Delton is a good sized lake--about 270 acres. To put it into perspective, consider if the lake that we camp on was washed away (Lake Sherwood, 250 acres).

After paying homage to Lake Delton, we went to Riverview Park and Waterworld. Tickets were only ten bucks each so it was cheap. Since the boys are barely walking, and since they sink like rocks (not very good bouys), we figured there was no sense in going to Noah's Ark or Family Land. We had a good time in the children's areas. The Wave Pool was shut down in memorial of Lake Delton. Melissa and I went down a few waterslides. The slides were pathetic, but we still had a good time.

We went to dinner on the way back to the camper on Castle Rock Lake at Carlson's. Carlson's is a decent Wisconsin-style restaurant with a great salad bar. Just be aware of the deceptive spelling in the menu. Only in Wisconsin will you find a fine-dining restaurant with the audacity to serve Lobster, Alaskan King Crab Legs, prime cuts of meat, and, in certain dishes, "Krab." Now what is "Krab"? Go to Carlson's, read the menu, order a dish with Krab and find out (hint, it is imitation crab meat). For example, Carlsons will include large shrimp, good-sized scallops, cod and Krab in their seafood sampler (bad news, it is mostly Krab--about 75% Krab to go with my 3 shrimp, 3 scallops, and 3 small snippets of cod). It is not to say that Carlson's did not warn you, since the menu says the seafood sampler includes Krab. Additionally, Carlson's house speciality, the Seafood Newburg, is also loaded with Krab. More like "Krap." Either way, if you are going to eat at Karlson's (not Carlson's anymore), then consider ordering something without the Krab. Also, the cheesey baked potato is just a baked potato with hot cheese sauce dumped on top--truly the product of culinary vision. The view at Karlson's though, is very nice, and a good stroll on the beach is always nice after dinner. We will probably go back--but no Krab.