I’ve had a lot of weird experiences on this cross-county motorcycle trip, but my wild night in Badgerville, Wisconsin might top them all. I spent the night in Badgerville RV Park, just off the freeway, and next to Kegonsa State Park. I was assigned a cute little spot next to the fish pond.
The neighbors
As I was setting up I met the neighbors, Dave and Tami. I couldn’t help but notice that they, and most of the RVs in the park, had decks and sheds. Turns out that instead of buying a weekend cabin like many of us do in the northwest, people in that part of Wisconsin buy a year around spot to park their RVs, and then they proceed to customize it with decks, fences, sheds, and so on. As a result, most of the weekend residents know each other. They also have their own golf carts just for driving around the RV park.
A typical RV “cabin” in Badgerville RV Park
The bar
Next to the office was a cute little bar, and I had some computer work to do that required WIFI, so I figured that was as good of a spot as any to get my work done. I sat there working for about 2 hours and it was nonstop entertainment. I met Jan, who had lived in the park for 15 years! She was the first to arrive and one of the last to leave. I also met Big Joe, a large guy with a fun sense of humor. who insisted on buying me a drink, and another drink, and another….
The bar at the campground
A nasty storm
One thing I never do when I’m traveling alone is get wasted. I realize that it is the quickest way for a solo female traveler to end up in all kinds of trouble. So, I drank my drinks very slowly. Joe however, did not. He kept buying shots for everybody, including me, but I gave my shots to other people when he wasn’t looking. During our time in the bar a wicked storm came out of nowhere, and we watched the impressive lightening strikes, torrential rain, and forceful winds from the comfort of the bar. Before long the inevitable happened. Big Joe got drunk, fell off his bar stool and got the giggles. It was pretty hilarious!
One of many damaged tents after the storm
Designated “driver”
Once the storm subsided, Joe wanted to drive his golf cart back to his campsite to make sure everything was okay, but I insisted that I drive him instead. The bar tender and another guy helped Joe to the golf cart and then used a truck ratchet strap to secure him so he wouldn’t fall out. That is how I ended up being a golf cart designated driver for a complete stranger at Badgerville RV Park.
Big Joe feeling happy
The party
When I got to his campsite, his group was throwing a 50th birthday party, so I got invited to join the festivities. I met the two matriarchs, who had been best friends and neighbors for over 40 years. Green Bay Packers memorabilia was everywhere, and the drinks were flowing generously. At some point, I managed to break free and find my way back to my campsite. Everything was wet and my camping chair was gone, but I had a good buzz so I went to bed anyway and decided to deal with it in the morning.
Goodbyes
I slept like a baby that night and in the morning Tami and Dave were kind enough to make me coffee and give me breakfast. I found my camping chair about three feet into the fishing pond and managed to rescue it. While I dried everything out and packed up I watched a group of softball players fish for Bluegill in the pond. They caught several fish by the time I left and squealed with joy as they tossed them back in. I climbed on my bike and waved goodbye to my new friends. I won’t soon forget my wild night in the small town of Badgerville, Wisconsin!
The fish pond