The Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1885-1886, 1886-06-05
THE "MAGIC NORTHLASD."
A Trip to the Picturesque Wilds Of
Northern Wisconsin.


an ARGUS representative accepted the
kind invitation of Captain Tom Fuller, of
the c.. M. & St. p. road. to accompany
him on trip of recreation to northern
Wisconsin. The scribe was yearning for
a jaunt in the open air, and where could
he better crafty that desire than in the
new northwest, the land of picturesque
lakes and rivers, interminable forests,
and nature in all her originality?
Our objective point was Pelican lake,
two hundred and thirty-five miles north
of Milwaukee, on the west shore of
which. Mr.. Ernst Grosskopf, well
know young gentleman OF Milwaukee,
and one of our party, was the possessor
of several acres of land and a shanty, in
which we were to live. Sleeping cots
were kindly furnished by Landlord
Youngs. of the Kirby house, Mil,
waukee, where Mr.. Phil Cook. of
Rock Island, is the obliging day
clerk. The great Milwaukee, Lake
Shore & Western was to bear us TO our
destination, having built its branches
into several different sections of the State
of Wisconsin and Michigan, until it
finally reaches Ashland, on Lake Superi>
or. For three hundred and ninety miles
the road has steadily pushed its way
across wide fields. by the side of lakes
and rivers and through dense forests. to
its northern terminus. Leaving Mil
waukee, at the station overlooking the
waters of Lake Michigan, the broad
track of the handsomely equipped road
follows the near shore of that vast body
OF water for few miles, and
later. after gaining higher ground
leads through gently rolling hills
Reaching Hortonville junction one hun
dred and thirty four miles from Milwau-
kee, the character of the country begins to
change Heavy forests are visible in the
near distance; the farms are more scat
tered; there are fewer towns along the
way, and it is fully apparent that the
later developed sections of Wisconsin
have been reached The road now leads
through forests that every moment be
come more unbroken.
AT Eland junction large frame build
ing bore the inscription Fuller House, !"
but it was in vain that the genial cap
tain requested the conductor to allow the
train to stop long enough for him to
make the acquaintance of his namesake.
This was particularly rough on Fuller,
who had not yet broken his fast. Mile
after mile we speed along through the
very heart of dense forests. until we
reached Pelican lake, the entrance to the
great fish region.
We also visited the Eagle Waters,
about thirty miles north of Pelican. where
followers of Isaak Walton can not fail
but be in their glory. Eagle River sta
ton, where we left the cars, is nearly in
the exact center of the lake district The
Eagle river is stream of rather meager
proportions, but possesses many interest
| ing features One of the favorlte pas
times at this point was trip mapped
out for us by our host, Mr.. A. A. Denton,
of the Denton house, the leading hotel of
the place, who kindly allowed his clerk,
Mr.. Fred Conklin, to act as our guide, .
capacity in which he is as nearly prof,
cient as in looking after the wants of the
wayfarer who seeks accommodation at
the motel. The plan carried out was to
row up the Eagle river through Yellow
Birch, White Eagle, Muskallonge, and
Catfish lakes, and in the evening we
found team waiting at the latter place
to convey us home: Many sportsmen
camp out on the shores of some of the
lakes and to such as do, Mr.. Denton
provides cook, cabin and the common
articles of food necessary to render life
enjoyable.
The species of fish caught IN the Eagle
waters are the Muskalonge, termed the
"wolf of the waters" pike and bass The
former is decidedly lively fish, and bears
close resemblance to the pickerel, only it
is far larger and much more stubborn
fighter. The forests are composed
largely of pine, white barked birches and
hemlocks. The clearings are dotted with
backened stumps, and the woods them>
selves bear the marks of frequent con-
fiagrations. The lumber trade is the
great and only industry, and the rough,
but honest lumberman the principal in
habitants. While these sons of the woods
may handle each other roughly some,
| times, well behaved strangers always
| receive courteous treatment at theil
| hands.
Altogether the trip was a delightful
one. Splendid fishing, beautiful and
varied scenery, and hospitable treatmen
making it all that could be desired. Tt
all wishing few weeks solid enjoy.
ment. we say HE yourselves to the seclu-
sion of Northern Wisconsin over tn,
Milwaukee, Lake Shore s. Western rail
way, and drink in the beauties of natur,
undehled.