The Walker House has gone through many owners since it was first built in 1836 in Mineral Point, WI. In November, 2005, Joseph and Susan Dickinson purchased the Walker House property and re-opened its doors in August, 2008 to the public with the idea of bringing back to its former glory as a Cornish Pub.

Within the past month, the Dickinson have announced that they have been forced to shut the doors on this historic location due to a number of problems.

This small romantic 150 year old pub features a 42 room hotel, facilities to produce great food including a water-cooled walk in cooler and two dining areas, one with a fireplace. Because the Walker House building was built into the side of a bluff, the dining hall also has two eat-in caves. When this location was open earlier this year, they served hand-crafted local beers complimented by an excellent locavore menu. Ironically, because of the Dickinsons’ restoration efforts the Walker House is more up to date than most new buildings.

Joseph & Susan are currently looking for a business partner to help save the Walker House. Are you instested in old buildings, history and have a knack for the beverage and restaurant industry.

For more info: Walker House, 1 Water St, Mineral Point, WI 53565, 608-987-1660, http://www.walkerhousemineralpoint.com/

There are three caves at Gov Dodge which I have hiked to with my family. Officially though, there are only two caves on the state park trail map. The third cave is smaller than the other two and hard to find off the Pine Cliff trail.

There are over 40 miles of hiking trails at Governor Dodge SP which I do not plan on hiking all of. The trails that we have hiked are some of the most beautiful walks in my life. The Gold Mine Trail will take you to one of the two official caves and is easy to find just off the Twin Valley Lakes campground entrance. The Horse Trail (Interior Loop) is like the shortcut to and from the big cave. To find the big cave (there are many other ways) locate the Meadow Valley Trail which you can pick up from the Cox Hallow Beach, at the end of the parking lot past the concession stand. Head twards Twin Valley Lake using the Meadow Valley Trail. After a looooong walk, pick up the Cave Trail to the right and look for the “Cave” sign. You’ll find it.

Canoe day to-bring list:

(these are just my items, Beckster is bringing items to compliment this list)

• eat before I leave
• pick up Beckie @ 8am!

Lunch

• PBJ’s
• Apples
• Cheese
• Raisins

Dinner

• Bagels
• Cream Cheese
• Chips
• Green salad with asian miracle dressing

Drinks

• two Windy City Cup blue water bottles
• Capitol Brewery Amber in cans, 12 pk. minimum

Dress

(these are items outside my regular garb)

• hat
• Tevas
• Muscle T
• Raincoat / rain pants
• leather hiking shoes

Supplies

• rope or strap for canoe tie-off
• pocket knife
• silverware
• blue overnight framed back pack
• cheese slicer
• small cutting board
• cloth napkins
• blue cloth cooler
• Ice
• life preserver vests
• flashlight (for the cave)
• tobacco and other vices