I'll definitely go out again. I'm trying to work up to some overnights in the Adirondacks in New York. I've traveled out there a few times and found the area addicting. Even just one or two nights overnight would let me cover so much more area. So I'm starting with some simpler hikes closer to home to get my gear all figured out. On the Wisconsin River were you camping on sand bars? I've canoed on the river and set up lunch on the sand bars but never camped. I never really considered camping until recently because my experience growing up was car camping with sites packed next to each other. Backcountry camping appeals to me so much more.
The first night we camped on a sandbar. The second night on a peninsula. I have a spot in the Adirondacks that is a favorite, about 50 miles west of Burlington, Vt. It's off the North Fork of the Bouquet River. There's plenty of places to swim. There's a short window in late July and early August where the mountain run-off is warm enough to go all the way in, and that's when I love to go. Backcountry camping is my personal sanctuary. It's when I get away from all the demands of life and have a chance to be part of nature. I don't go for aggressive hiking. I find a beautiful place and stay there for a few nights, doing light day trips or just hanging out in solace. Sometimes I take a dog. Sometimes a very close friend. Or alone. That said, safety is a concern when you are in the back country and especially if you are alone. I always tell someone where I am going and when I am coming out. I give them the name and number of the closest ranger station in case I don't call when I am supposed to emerge from my wilderness quests. I also took Wilderness First Responder a couple of times so I had the basics for first aid together.