Winter stay in Texas at Texana Lake Campground

Hi Friends,
So far we have been here just over 4 weeks and we are loving our stay at Texana Lake Campground just outside of Edna, Texas. We are getting out and discovering some very cool places. We are pretty much centrally located between San Antonio and Houston just 30 minutes from Victoria and only about less than an hour from the Gulf. Had some rain for a few days but had sun in between so thats ok with me. Edna is a very small town of about 5000 people and not much to do here. But thats ok because its peaceful and quiet and we can take a little drive if we want some fun. We like the fact we are out away from town and in the woods and enjoying wildlife all around us. Plenty of trails and acres of campground to walk and get the dogs some exercise. I can ride my bike or I can hike the trails. I did bring my kayaks with me but not really interested in kayaking with the gators. So I will have to find somewhere else to go and thats ok. The park has good wifi at different stations and thats ok with me. It works better than most others. bathrooms and showers and not much laundry facilities here and that would be my only complaint. Have to go into Edna where the laundry facilities is ok not the greatest. If you go to Victoria there is wifi and very nice laundry facilities there. Edna has a HEB grocery store and a small Walmart and a couple places to eat that are ok, nothing to write to Mom about. I love the Gym at the Wellness center located at jackson hospital. There is another gym in town that looks ok. We wewre able to join this one because Monica is a Occupational Therapist. Well thats it for now, overall we are very happy here at Texana lake Campground. If you are wanting an fun exciting place well this is not for you...Have a Great Day All...

Texana Lake Camprgound

Hello Campers, Daves Outdoor World arrived a couple weeks ago from Illinois. So far we are loving Texas weather and why not. In Illinois they received their first early snow of the year of about 8 to 14 inches and pretty cold to boot. So we are very happy to be hear. But not only that we are very happy about Texana Lake Campground as it is a very nice place. So far there has been plenty of wildlife including lots of deer to photograph and enjoy. Even seen a few Gators. Was hoping to do some kayaking but just not sure about it yet in the lake. Everyone else seems to be unafraid. With a low profile boat such as a kayak just not sure about my arms dangling over the side. Lots of trails to walk and enjoy and a nice view of the lake from the camper. We had a Great Thanksgiving as we went out to eat. Rained pretty hard today and feel sorry for the tent campers, with more to come. Happy Thanksgiving to you all out there. Enjoy your long weekends...So for now I am signing off. If you would like to follow Daves Outdoor World just go to Daves Outdoor World web page or to my facebook pages. www.Davesoutdoorworld.com  find me on social media facebook, twitter and google plus and more. Send me your pics of your Rv or tent camping or any unusual pictures of funny things that happened while camping. God Bless and Happy Camping....

University Of Illinois Hennepin Canal Survey

Hello Friends, recently I was contacted by the University of Illinois. Dr. Laura and her students were conducting a survey on the Hennepin Canal and want help in getting the survey out. I hope that all of you will help by taking this survey and passing it on to your kayaking and biking friends. These kinds of surveys and research will be used by many different organizations, groups etc. The Hennepin Canal is starting to gain a bit of momentum as more and more people are discovering this historical multi national trail system and its importance not only for people but for environment and wildlife. Daves Outdoor World has been an advocate for many years working to educate and promote the Hennepin Canal. I will continue to say that the Hennepin should be the focus in Rock Falls and Sterling. The canal has the potential to draw in tourism, new business, new tax money and more. This kind of involvement by the University Of Illinois is very importat in our efforts to preserve, educate and bring awareness to this great trail.
Please click on the link below to take the survey of the Hennepin Canal.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MC2Y35G 

Daves Outdoor World, Traveling To Yoakam Texas

Well Friends, Daves Outdoor world will be heading South for the winter. We will be leaving Oct 30th to Yoakam Texas for the winter. We will return most likely in late may to Sterling IL. It was a good year for Daves Outdoor World of  Kayaking & Mountain Biking. Hundreds more kayakers came out to kayak and bike the Hennepin Canal Feeder in Rock Falls & Sterling IL. The Hennepin Hundred Race was a success and planning for the race for next year has already begun and promises to be a great race for years to come. www.Facebook.com/Hennepinhundred . many have found the Hennepin Canal Feeder as a place to recreate and get away from our busy lives. The Hennepin Canal is 104 miles of kayaking, biking and more. Help support the Hennepin Canal as the State of Illinois struggles with financial problems and cut backs to the Illinois Department Of Natural Resources, the care takers of the Canal. www.Facebook.com/Hennepincanalfeeder  Also help support Daves Outdoor World volunteer efforts along the Hennepin Canal and other volunteer efforts by going to our web site at www.Davesoutdoorworld.ning.com and purchasing online outdoor gear from outdoor gear companies that we support. Hope to be out of here before the snow flies. looking forward to warmer weather in Texas. Follow daves Outdoor World on Twitter at Davesworld62 on facebook at www.facebook.com/Davesoutdoorworld

Historical Hennepin Canal Is The States Problem?

Hi Friends,
I have heard many local city officials say that the Canal is the States problem and we cant do nothing about it! Did I hear that right? We all pay local, state and federal taxes along with many other usage taxes, boating, water usage, gas tax and many other fees and licenses on top of the taxes we already pay. I argue this is whats wrong with our country as a whole. Not taking responsibility for our own backyards and how they look. And the hennepin is literally in Rock Falls back yard. The States problem has become our problem here in Rock Falls and the neighboring cities and communities. Sterling & Rock Falls spent money, effort and time in employees salary to get the Sinnissippi Dam Walkway built. Why? Because of the connection to the Hennepin. The value of Nims Park, Centennial Park and Crystal Lake Rv Park were great ideas because of their locations next to the Hennepin Canal Feeder Trail. Arduini boat launch area park also was built knowing that the Hennepin Canal enhanced all of these efforts and was either the main reason or one of the reasons for building these parks. So why have we all neglected the very source that connects and enhances all of them? Take out the Hennepin Canal and how does all of these places look, would they have been built if it were not for the Mighty Beautiful Historic Hennepin Canal Feeder, and the beautiful buildings that line her banks. Why are we looking away and doing other projects that only seek to duplicate what the Hennepin already has in place and so much more? The River Fronts which will cost all of us millions of dollars that we do not have and will take years. With the dams in the way no boat traffic will ever get to pass by the River Fronts and into businesses like Dixon. The only way that we can get the boat traffic is to open the Guard Lock gate! To much duplication and to much money being spent in the wrong places.

Who Is Dave Druen Creator Of Daves Outdoor World?

I am the youngest of 7 children of Alice & Oden Druen from Kentucky. We lived in a small two bedroom house in a small sub division east of Rock Falls on Rt 30. My dad was employed at North Western Steel & Wire for 25 years. My mom and dad believed in God as I do and we grew up in church. After school at Rock Falls High I left for Texas for 18 years. Returned in 2004 and married my wife Monica Gallentine. She is a Traveling Occupational Therapist. We purchased a travel trailer and now travel from Sterling in the fall to Texas in the winters. My background is in Retail Sales Management & Sales. Spent many years managing for, Walgreens, Albertsons, Kroger and Convenience store supervisor over several stores.The last several years I have been self employed and currently am owner & Creator of Daves Outdoor World. I  have always been active on the Hennepin Canal and since 2004 have biked, kayaked, walked and researched the Hennepin Canal. Because of my love for the Hennepin Canal and wanting to be a part of revitalization and a renaissance of this beautiful and Historical Multi Recreational Trail that has been such a big part of my life. I created my own volunteer group. at one time there were 5 of us called the Rock Falls Canal Trail Blazers. Soon I realized I wanted to represent the whole area including Sterling and Dixon and beyond. We are all connected and need each other to create a large enough theme for tourist to want to stay for the weekend or a vacation. So I sat out to not only promote the Hennepin but the Rock River and all recreational opportunities in the 50 to 100 mile radius. During this time I joined the Friends Of The Hennepin Canal in Geneseo and attended meeting once a month for over a year or two. I have walked the west end of the main canal and learned much about the efforts of the Friends and other groups. I then also joined the Rock River Development Authority in Rock Falls that is part of the Canal & Rock River cleanups and part of the Rock Falls Trails. Former Mayor David Blanton was a member along with other city officials. I once tried to get the RRDA to team up with the Friends Of The Hennepin and things got crazy as they thought I was trying to take them over, which I was not. Just wanted them to partner together, but I was told by the new president James Marks that they did not have enough members and did not want to be part of the whole canal only their small area which I understood and moved on. I wanted to support the whole canal. I even tried to get the Friends to partner up with me and tried to connect them with other groups in our area by inviting them to town hall meetings on the creation and start of the Rock River Trail Initiative where I was asked to be the Illinois Coordinator of the Rock River Trail Organization.I tried to get these groups together along with asking the Blackhawk Hills organization to help us bring all these groups together and nothing ever happened here either. No one had the desire or will to have one group bringing many together. During this time I had many town hall meetings in Rock Falls, Sterling, Dixon with all officials from Sterling, Rock Falls and Dixon there.No one stepped up and wanted to form this new River Action Group.They all agreed that it would be good but nothing ever came out of it. Everyone went back to their individual ways. I will not get into all my travels and all the people that I met and emails and phone calls I made. I have been very active over the years trying to bring people together but no one wanted to and now you can see why many years later while we are making progress that progress could have been much faster. I am still a council member on the Rock River Trail in which in 2013 was designated as a National Water Trail . The RRTI formed partners and have had success in bringing people together. Today many have still not utilized this Organizations efforts to promote tourism and help promote their communities . After creating Daves Outdoor World because I wanted to promote Rock Falls and the Hennepin and the surrounding area including the Rock River I still have hope. Some think I am pushy or they say that I need to attend meetings, well I have and years later not much has gotten done. That's why I decided to go out on my own and I believe by myself I have been able to bring awareness, education and fun to many many people...

Rock Falls City Sues Rock Falls Tourism 2014, Today Battle Not Over? Councilman lashes Out!

After the City of Rock Falls sued the Rock Falls Tourism to get back over 600,000 dollars and tourism records because of lack of transparency by the Rock Falls Tourism department, a member of the Rock Falls City Council lashes out with personal attacks against a local businessman Dave Druen of Daves Outdoor World when he ask for proof of how the tourism money was spent in the past, and how it will be spent in the future. All this after no audits had been done from 2008 to 2012 per city agreement. Some council members stepped down during this battle. But some are now lashing out at a business man Dave Druen for asking questions about the spending of tourism monies. Dave Druen accused the Rock Falls city and Rock Falls tourism of wasting and losing millions of dollars by not spending the tourism money on promoting, marketing  of the Hennepin Canal. He also claims that Rock Falls will be  partially to blame if the IDNR closes the 104 mile long multi trail system. The State has no money and has laid off or not hired maintenance workers to replace the workers lost. The canal use to have up 13 workers and now is down to 3 for the whole 104 miles. Druen has asked the Rock Falls tourism and city to spend the money on the Hennepin. Druen believes that the Hennepin is close to dewatering due to erosion of the banks and deterioration of the locks and the State will have no choice but to close the trail. Below are the links to the debate....

http://www.saukvalley.com/2015/08/31/use-tourism-funds-to-repair-hennepin-canal/a2bakbn/



http://www.saukvalley.com/2015/09/08/accusations-false-toward-city-canal/af4n23b/

Daves Outdoor World Blog: Jim Shuneman Attacks Tax Payers & Volunteers?

Daves Outdoor World Blog: Jim Shuneman Attacks Tax Payers & Volunteers?

HIT AND RUN CRASH, DRIVER HIDING OUT, POSSIBLE SUSPECT

Hi Friends,
The person who crashed into the side of my garage is hiding out at a girl friends house. We are waiting for this person to come out of hiding. Please share this with your friends. The driver of a Dodge Intrigue who crashed into my garage over the weekend. His front end is smashed in and he will soon need to take it in for repairs. I think he should come out....

Jim Shuneman Attacks Tax Payers & Volunteers?

I Dave Druen am responding to Jim Shuneman a City Council Member for Rock Falls. He says that I am,
1. Preposterous in my allegations that Rock Falls has wasted millions of dollars in tax payers money!
2. Jim Shuneman says I live in a fantasy world!
3. Jim Shuneman says that I exaggerate everything!

I say to Jim what is preposterous is your defending yourself and Rock Falls Tourism handling of the tourism money. That if it would have been invested properly instead of saving it and earning only 2% interest on the money and could  have earned upwards of 500% return back to the tax payers money.  increased the hotel tax collected yearly, increased the retail business to local businesses and helped to offset the continuing need to raise taxes on the citizens of Rock Falls and Sterling. By spending the money on Rock Falls tourism and tourist coming and spending money in Rock Falls we relieve the tax burden on businesses and citizens by more sales tax. But instead you and the City decided to save it where it earns little or nothing and promotes no one,  and can be spent where it should not be spent on a large business or developer like the hotel, Where are the signs in the area for recreation or pointing to trails and parks? I see them in other towns.
I find it preposterous that the Tourism Department and the Rock Falls City before Bill Wescott did not ask for the Audits from 2008 to 2012 per the agreement. I find it preposterous that the Rock Falls tourism thought that 600,000 in tourism money was theirs and no longer the tax payers!   WHAT!
So I am wrong as a Tax Payer and business man to ask questions, to dream and he says, I live in a hyperbowl. I ask where has Jim been living!!

Response to Jim Shunemans column in Sauk Valley News Opinion Page

In Response to Jim Shuneman saying I live in a fantasy world, I am preposterous, Exaggerates and deals in a hyperbowl. I just do not know where to begin. Fantasy? Hmmm lets see my fantasy must be that there was a Economic Impact Report that says if 4 locks were restored that the impact to communities would be 45 million dollars! That many men smarter and wiser than Jim said that the Hennepin is a gold mine just waiting to be tapped into. Jim needs to point out my fantasy world! On preposterous I think I can answer. Depending on what Rock Falls has spent on the Hennepin in tourism dollars and that is the question. Over lets say the last 10 to 15 years what monies by the city and tourism have been spent on the canal?  So lets say this money has been saved sitting in a bank collecting on the higher side of interest at 10% for ten years. . Ok so if for every dollar spent on tourism you spend 1 dollar you make 6 dollars that is 500% return on your money and that does not include the extra heads in the beds and the business retail that also would have been generated. Lets ask Jim to do the math here. 500% verses 10% return on the tax payers money> So if we take 10% from the 500% that leaves us at 490% loss. Equate that into dollars lost and there is where ya have millions. Not only the tourism dollars but what about the local businesses money that has been lost due to not spending the tourism money to generate visitors. So how much has the yearly hotel tax total increased since tourism department was created? How can we determine if spending 80,000 on a tourism director has benefited the city and the community? Could millions save the Hennepin, yes! This is what I posted in the Opinion section of the Sauk Valley News. Fantasy world? Well I believe that the Hennepin can be a Huge powerhouse when it comes to drawing tourist and tourism money I think the Hennepin alone if a commitment was made to spend tourism dollars to open the guard lock gate, clean the banks, clear the trees from the canal, add docks add events and promote the Hennepin the city could fill the hotels and increase jobs and businesses all from the Hennepin.Guard Lock gate opening 300,000 dredging, 100,000 cleanup 2.5 miles high end 250,000 docks 300,000 these are ruff estimates that I need to research but could be done over short time. This is a 5 year plan possibly. But first you promote events, clean up, add docks, remove trees, then the Guard Lock Gate and dredging and then the buildings. This is just a very ruff idea just to get some numbers out there. This maybe where Shuneman thinks I have a pipe dream.

Hennepin Hundred Set To Make Canal History?

Hennepin Hundred! The Event Of The Year? Things are getting exciting as the race day gets closer and runners, volunteers, spectators and media personal make their way to the Sterling Rock Falls area. large crowds are expected as runners and spectators come from many miles away. Here is a clip and some information.

Hartwig and the race’s co-producer, the non-profit Trails for Illinois, hope to use proceeds from the race to improve all visitors’ experience on the Hennepin Canal Trail year-round.

“The Hennepin Canal State Trail is over 100 miles long—that’s a Wisconsin- or Minnesota-scale trail,” says Trails for Illinois executive director Steve Buchtel. “But the state starves all of its state parks and trails for funding, so even Illinoisans travel elsewhere to run and ride great trails.”

With runners traveling from 34 states and four countries, the Hennepin Hundred has already brought international attention to the Hennepin Canal, says Buchtel. “The money we raise can help Illinois improve the trail and promote trail-oriented tourism along the Hennepin Canal.”

Find more information on the Hennepin Hundred at muddrunner.com, on Facebook @hennepin100, e-mail Michele Hartwig at dirtrunner100@yahoo.com.

The mission of MUDD Ultra-running Dudes & Dudettes is to bring trail runners together for training, events, education and community service. More information is available atmuddrunner.com.

Trails for Illinois is a statewide non-profit organization whose mission is to connect Illinois and its communities to a network of non-motorized trails. “We want your home to be your trailhead,” says Buchtel. More information is available at trailsforillinois.org and on Facebook @trailsforillinois, or e-mail Steve Buchtel at steve@trailsforillinois.org.

Exciting Times in the Tri Cities!! Crystal Lake Rv Campground & Resort.

Wow there are a lot of things going on, and I mean exciting times for Rock Falls and surrounding area. I will be attending council meetings the remainder of time that I am here until Oct 30th. I really want to support and to voice my opinion and tell them what all my friends want also. Even if you all cant make it, I can. P.M. me or connect with me and tell me your opinion so i can forward that on to those that need to hear it most. If you tell me I will be sure to let them know your feelings. I guess I have to get with the process.I just hate how slow it moves and at times lack of just getting something done so others can see that something is being done. A little of something is better than nothing. People just want to see things happening. It can be very small things that do not cost much money. Anyway I think we are getting closer to what I believe we have and what we can be!!

Crystal lake Campground & Rv Resort now ready to accommodate Motor Homes and Rv's... With Full Hookups, large spacious sites and beautiful large private bathrooms, showers and Club House you will get first class all the way. beach and lake to do some swimming and a Go Cart track to keep the kids entertained and well, even the adults, lol. Food and plenty of water toys for the kids and family to play on. Want to go bike riding or kayaking, well just with in walking distance is the Historical National Multi Trail Hennepin Canal with over 30 miles of biking and kayaking. Oh ya and take your fishing pole along to because there are some big fish with your name on it just waiting for you. You and the family will have hours and days of fun in the sun with plenty of places to eat and historical places to see. Even Hotels near by right on the trail in case family wants to come visit, but they don't have a Rv, no problem.See ya soon....

For My Lady Anglers - What the Heck is an FUD?

For My Lady Anglers - What the Heck is an FUD?

Sign The Petition, Save The Hennepin Canal

https://www.credomobilize.com/petitions/stop-the-neglect-save-the-hennepin-canal

Rock Falls Tourism Money What does it mean?

It means it can be a Economic Stimulus package for local businesses! We can increase this money by spending it. Tourism money was meant to be spent. Rock Falls has a 5% hotel & Motel tax that we all pay when we stay there. That money can be used to promote tourism like , recreational or Arts, Culture, historical places and much more. It is documented that for every dollar spent you make 6 dollars back and more at times. So if I can spend a dollar and make 500% back why would I not spend that money. At the same time I can make even more money! I wish we could do that in our own finances. But most banks and investments only return about 1 to 6% maybe. So if I told you Mr. Citizen you could make 500% on every 6 dollars you spend over 1 to 6% what would you choose? Would you instead save it? Heck no! If also, I told you that the local businesses would also make money and be supported, WOW and that we could relieve you, the tax payer of some of the tax burdens you are incurring now, then what would you say? Then if I told you that very same money would create jobs and businesses, then what would you say? By not spending these tourism dollars we are saying no to all that my friends. A small town of Rock Falls size has so so much power! We have a huge advantage here! Promote Sterling trails, Westwood, Main Street etc and even Dixon if ya want. Maybe not that far as they have Hotels too....lol. I argue do not save this for the big deal with a big corporation and then also give them huge tax breaks and then end up with a empty building a few years later. Invest in us and tourism! My Mom always said David don't you go out looking like that, clean up before you go out and see people. Well the same goes for our city. Clean it up, take ownership like you are presenting us and our community to the world and asking them to come visit us! You will have so much fun and so many exciting things to do and be welcoming as a city and as a people. Be proud of what we have tell others and share it with them. We are the salesmen and women. We must be excited about our own place and our own town because others can see if we are excited or ashamed! The atmosphere and attitude must change from a hard working tuff steel town to active recreational river community. Then we will start to see things change....

Unlocking The Journey On The Hennepin Canal

Cruising The Hennepin Canal from Dixon IL to Sheffield Il at the Visitors Center some 45 miles away. This is a excellent video describing how this can be done and comparing to other canals that are very successful and their economies are doing Great! The Hennepin has so much potential but yet it has been neglected and is neglected today. As time runs out for this Historical Canal many are working hard to save it. Daves Outdoor World is a advocate and supporter of this dream and the canal. A impact study was done a few years ago that said if the locks were restored that businesses and communities along the Hennepin would see an impact of 35 million dollars and more. So Why Not? Why are we not investing in this multi trail system that can make money for the state and all the communities along her banks? One again what a waste and what mismanagement of a beautiful green space, water trail, bike trail, snow mobile trail, equestrian trail and so much more. Time is running out. The IDNR could come in at any time and say they cannot keep up with it and close it, any day. Once they do that you know it will be very hard to change that. Help us to save the Hennepin Canal for generations to come. Go to www.friends-hennepin-canal.org

Rock Falls Tourism Hotel Tax, Where will it be spent?

Hello Friends,
This is a topic that needs to be talked about and needs our attention. Rock Falls has over 600,000 dollars in Hotel Tax waiting to be spent. Other cities that have Hotels also have this money. How should they spend that money? Where should they spend that money? Who will benefit? As you all know I am a Hennepin Canal & Rock River advocate. I believe both these waterways are our ticket out of some of the budget and money problems we have in our cities. With manufacturing pretty much gone and never to return as it once was for us here in the Rock River Valley its time to turn to our main resources for help. Water and Trails generate activities which in return generate interest which generates money. Recreational activities and sports draw people to an area, make it attractive to live in. Recreational sports create a buzz and excitement a lively atmosphere a playground so to speak. Most of all it creates tourism and tourism creates jobs and money. My focus is the Hennepin Canal finished in 1907 today it is over 108 years old and is on the National Registry Of Historical Places. With a feeder Canal of over 30 miles of water feeding the main canal of 75 miles of water the canal has over 104 miles of bike, kayak, snowmobile  and equestrian trails and could be used in the winter for ice Skating and more. The feeder canal has no portages, no dams, no locks to portage around. So you have 30 miles of unobstructed waterway and bike trail to enjoy, you do not find that just any where. the canal was made for a relaxing, peaceful journey of kayaking or biking with trees and land on both sides and a shelter and canopy of privacy. I believe if the tourism money is going to be spent it should be spent here right in our back yard. Why hear Dave? Well we have everything we need already in place and all we need to do is create events and promote them and people will come. We have a niche in Rock Falls that no one else has. Starting with the Guard lock Gate at the Rock River we have a Landmark here. Restored and opened would be a major Historical Attraction, a working 108 year old gate that would open up and allow boaters and kayakers to pass through. As these boats move down the canal feeder they will have parks to stop at, Crystal Lake Campground with Go Cart Track, lake, beach and Rv Camping. Moving down the feeder you will be able to stop at the restaurants, hotels, walmart and then cruise on down another 2 to 3 miles before coming to the Buell Road culvert. Most would have to turn around but some could continue on for 30 miles ending up at a beautiful large opening like a lake at the main canal. This section of the feeder canal from the Rock River to IL 40 would allow for Rock Falls to compete for boat traffic business and money. Right now the dam stops boaters from passing by our River Fronts and Dixon is now drawing all the boaters and we are not competing at all in this area. We are missing thousands of dollars or more here. With the dams in our way this is the only way. Draw the boaters into the Hennepin. This is why I think the tourism money in Rock Falls should be spent where they could team up with the State and Sterling who has connected their bike trails to the Hennepin. For many many years Rock Falls has not invested in the Hennepin as far as I know. There has been volunteer organizations such as the RRDA that were a big supporter and advocate of the Canal,. Mowing, landscaping, bathrooms, tree removal and trimming should be the first order of business and tourism money spent here. Once cleaned up then create events people will stay in the hotels and more money will be generated. Creating events that will put people in the hotels in return will allow you to spend more on other upgrades and restoration projects and continue to build from there. By gaining the boat traffic and business the Guard Lock Gate and other projects could be paid for in no time.

Outdoor Recreation Show

Hi Friends, this weekend August 22nd at 10am to 5pm we will be launching the first recreation show of its kind with hopes of continuing every year. Its sure to be a fun and entertaining show with a variety of vendors coming out. Illinois Conservation Police, Illinois Department Of Fisheries, Illinois State Police, Illinois Paddling Council, Trails For Illinois, Td's River Edge Sports, Universal Hover Craft, Hennepin Marine, Bitner Marine, Ken Nelson, Gieson Motor Sports, Navarro Custom Canoes, Rocktown Adventures, Crow Valley Campground, Yak Yak Sisters, Dixon Prop Shop, Rock River Trail, Daves Outdoor World, and more will be coming out for this first year avent. Looks like the weather will hold with some light rain in the forecast about 30%. Moonlight Bay & Marina Restaurant & Bar will be open for business. Should be a Great Day on the Rock River at Moonlight Bay. Come on out for the day and hang out and mingle with the vendors and organizations and ask questions and even check out the kayaks and paddle boards to test... Please tell your friends and encourage them to come out..

 

Another Kayak added to my rental line...

Daves Outdoor World

Outdoor Recreation Adventure Show

Hello Friends, do not miss our first Outdoor Expo! August 22nd 10 to 5pm at Moonlight Bay & Marina in Sterling IL. All vendors and the public is free. The Bar & Restaurant will be open with a DJ for music.Universal Hover Craft out of Rockford IL has said that they would love to come out and we are waiting until Friday to get word. Gieson Motor Sports will be out with their ATVs Motorcycles and some personal watercraft. Ken Nelson Jeep in Dixon, Hennepin Marine, Sinnissippi Rod & Gun Club, Illinois Paddlers Association bringing their Dam Simulator, Trails For Illinois, Illinois Bow Hunters Association, Fishing Guides, Hunting, Kayaks, Cycling and more. We will keep you posted as the vendors sign up. Remember after the show will begin Venetion Night on the Dixon river front. A lighted boat parade and afterwards fireworks. So all in all we think the two events combined will make for a great time for all. So come join us and tell your friends...

Outdoor Life

Post Outpatient Surgery/Ready to resume activities!

Good Morning Friends, as you know I just had outpatient surgery, feeling great and seeing the Doc today to get his good graces and release. All the meetup group activities will resume next week.  Kayak Rentals are all back in swing and ready to rent. Renting on the Hennepin and the Rock River. For more information see my web site at www.Davesoutdoorworld.com

Kayaking The Hennepin Canal In Rock Falls IL

Kayaking The Hennepin Canal on a Beautiful Day

kayaking the Street after flood.(3) Dave's Outdoor World / Kayaking

(3) Dave's Outdoor World / Kayaking

Daves Outdoor World, Rock River Water Trail & Hennepin Canal Feeder

Daves Outdoor World

Kayaking the Rock River Trail to Crow Valley Campground

Well Friends it was a great trip kayaking down the Rock River with friends. We started the day out at Lawrence park in Sterling on the Rock River, a small island just west of the lower dam in Sterling IL. Lawrence Park is a great place to fish from and also has a boat launch area on the North side of the Island. We launched from here and went to Crow Valley Campground about 8 miles down river with the current of about 4 mph. Took about 3.5 hours just floating not much paddling. There were some spots that got shallow and rocky and a couple of the kayakers got stuck and had to walk a bit. If you know the Rock you can go along the sides to get by. We went along the south side of the river. It was a beautiful day of about 80 degrees with a soft wind.  As we kayaked down we saw several Eagles, Pelicans, Blue Herons and other Ducks and birds. There was a stretch of water as you come around the ben where you point south that the wind picked up and made the water look like rapids for a short distance, pretty cool. If you plan on taking this trip to Crow Valley you will have to contact the owners of the park and get permission to come a shore and there may be a fee as this is a private campground with tent camping. www.Crowvalleycampground.com  The next Campground is Prophetstown State Park also directly on the Rock River a few miles down also with tent camping and Rv sites. In town you will find some of the best Pop Corn around and some good food and other things are available, about 1 mile away or so. the trip was very relaxing and enjoyable as it was a relaxed paddle down stream nothing to strenuous. really a great trip for a family and kids as you float and steer.lol. be sure and bring your camera and binoculars as you will most likely see the beautiful majestic Eagles as they are making a come back along the Rock River. there are a few houses along the way so bring plenty of water and sun screen as some of us got quite a burn. Be sure to always look on You tube on my Youtube channel for video of all my trips and events. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzCKZqvJ2QUFumOCsq3eMfw 
You can also go to www.Davesoutdoorworld.com to check out outdoor gear, kayak rentals and more and join us for kayaking and biking events here in the area.
Until next time get Outdoors and enjoy life... God Bless...

Daves Outdoor World

Daves Outdoor World

Daves Outdoor World

Well Friends, so far the weather has been crazy since we got here from Texas. First the rain, then the cold and then very windy. Very hard to kayak or bike in that stuff. Looking forward to the warm weather. Been kayaking a couple times on the Hennepin Canal and I always seem to forget how peaceful the Canal is. Love kayaking the Hennepin. Been out on the Bike trails and nothing really has been done since they paved the Sterling Trails last year. The Rock River Trail is still actively engaged in getting signs out along the trail. Soon you can purchase a membership online through paypal for memberships. Still looking forward to getting over to Crystal Lake RvCampground and seeing how the progress has developed.  Tent camping will be available there. www.Crystallake1.com  Events coming up are the River Chase June 27 and 28... Tampico Days 27 and 28 looking forward to seeing you out there, always a lot of fun.have not heard anything from Dixon as of late after the new elections. Still looking to get docking in place along the River Front. The New Hotel in Rock Falls is still in the early stages and moving slowly. Well as I get out into the communities I will be reporting and sharing pictures and video from the trail....

Update on Daves Outdoor World

Hello Friends,

Its been awhile since I posted in my blog, but now that I am back in my hometown of Sterling and Rock Falls IL. Its good to be back home. There is a lot going on this summer and cant wait to get involved and have some outdoor fun. The Illinois 40 bridge just south of town is being worked on and be going on all summer. If you want to kayak north of the bridge on the Hennepin you will have to launch in another area but the south Hennepin feeder is a great place to kayak and I actually like it alot better. Be looking for RRTI Rock River Trail signs going up along the trails and road as we are working to get these up. Check out the new Rock River Trail web site and please go to the facebook page and give them a like. I need to get out and see how Crystal Lake is coming along along with some of the other businesses. Have been working on my house and catching up with some maintenance and soon I will be ready to get out on the trails and see what been going on. Daves Outdoor World will be renting kayaks this year again and organizing my meetup events of biking the local trails and some camping. The goal has always been to get people outdoors and healthy and active and on the trails. Please help support Daves Outdoor World by purchasing your outdoor gear supplies through my web sites. The River Chase Boat Races will once again be held this year at Seward Park on the Rock River. June 27 28 lets hope the weather is good. Well friends time to sign off for now, just wanted to let you all know what I was up to. Cant wait for My 2nd put it on your calender as we will be kayaking at 10am and then biking at 4:30 hope to see you all then...

Daves Outdoor World Blog..

Just checking my new feed...See if the pictures show up

Daves Outdoor World in Sterling, Il

Daves Outdoor World in Sterling, Il

Soon to be leaving Texas for Home.

Another couple days and we will be leaving for Illinois. Moonlight Bay is where we will be staying for the summer, hope all of you will stop in and visit with us. Moonlight Bay has some good food and plenty of refreshments. See ya soon...

Good Morning Friends
A few more days and we will be leaving Texas for Illinois and the Hennepin Canal and Rock River Trail in the Sterling Rock Falls IL area of my hometown. Time for some kayaking, biking and camping. very excited about this year and meeting new friends and participating in these events. The new meetup group seems to be drawing attention from many out of town who are looking for something new. Cant wait to show them around and take them out on the trails. The Rock River Trail is continuing its goal of getting signs all along the Rock River Trail and as you are out look for the biking, road and kayaking signs that have been posted. We can always use feedback and pictures from the trail. Any suggestions or comments can be sent to Davesoutdoorworld@gmail.com. Remember maps of the Rock River Trail can be found online now at Rockrivertrail.com of the whole Rock River. Check out the new web site and information that is available. The big news is the new Campground in Rock falls, Crystal lake Rv Park and Campground. They will be starting off with about 40 new Rv sites and they will have tent camping available. With a beautiful lake and beach lots of water games and activities including a complete Go Cart track, food, music, club house. The Campground is right on the Hennepin Canal and only about 1.5 miles south of the Rock River. Crystal Lake will also be offering kayak rentals. Go to www.Crystallake1.com for more info. Crow Valley Campground now has new owners and with improvements to the park which is located right along the Rock River with pool, store, tent camping is another place where Campers, bikers and kayakers can stay and enjoy family and friends and the Great Outdoors. Things are looking up for recreationalists who are looking for a place to stay and enjoy the great trails that the Tri Cities has to offer. Looking forward to getting back and getting out on the trails...

Three Dudes And Their Journey Down The Rock River Trail

Already a year almost since these guys kayaked the complete 320 miles of the Rock River. I was thankful to get to kayak along side them for a few miles of their journey...

Help Do Your Part..

Hello friends, just a reminder, conserve and preserve when and where you can, it really does make a difference...

The Future Is Bright For Recreationalists In The Tri Cities

Well looks like the election results are in for the Tri Cities. Dixon IL has pretty much cleaned house on council members and the mayor. They will start fresh with a new slate. lets just hope that they continue to build towards the Rock River and the River Front and docking. Dixon has spent time and money, some their own on all the River Front building and creation and promoting it and losing some money due to theft. That being said we can only hope that they continue with the docking for the River Front as I and others believe this is the finishing touches that are needed to generate business from the  boaters and recreationalists. Also to create parking for boaters and make it easy for them to participate in going into town and filling the restaurants and bars. Dixon has long been an innovator and advocate of the Rock River with beautiful parks and trails on the River . Many of us see what has been done as paying off in tourism and visitors to the Ronald Reagan boyhood home  for years to come. While the tourism, River Front and main street have been working hard to promote the River Front it is paying off..We all on the west end of the Rock only hope that Rock Falls and Sterling will have the vision to continue with what Dixon has done here.The Rock River is a very valuable resource that many many cities and states are working to take advantage of after the manufacturing industry lost millions of jobs. Tourism is becoming the main source of generating business, income and jobs in our communities now and in the future. Tourism works and there is much proof of it in many communities throughout the united states. Things are improving for kayakers, bikers and those that come to the area and want to camp. Crystal Lake in Rock Falls is putting the finishing touches on the new Rv Park and is going to be a huge factor in bringing tourism and visitors from out of town and keeping them here. Situated along the Hennepin Canal and only about 1.5 miles or less from the Rock River this Campground will be a huge hit for those that are passing through kayaking and biking in the area. With a beautiful sandy beach, water games, Go Carts, Rv camping, tent camping, food, music and kayak rentals this is the place to stay and bring your family and enjoy the outdoors. See www.Crystallake1.com  Also New owners Scott & Rindy Wohlstadter took over Crow valley Campground just west of town directly on the Rock River with pool, Rv camping, tent camping, store, and more...Check them out at www.Crowvalleycampground.com  The Sterling Trail system from the Dillon home was paved and finished last year and adds about 2.5 miles onto the Hennepin Canal to Hoover Park. last year Rock Falls and the Fire House ministry scraped and blasted the old lock tender buildings on the Hennepin and painted them and did some much needed clean up, planting and beautifying along the Canal Trail with docking and some resurfacing of the bike trail in the future. The Rock River Trail is continuing its efforts to bring all of us a world class water trail, bike and road route with maps of the complete Rock River for recreationalists showing portages and dams with signage popping up all along the trail last year and this year. in 2013 the Rock River was designated as a National Water Trail thanks to the hard work of many volunteers. Please help support the Rock River Trail by volunteering, donating and spreading the word. You can go to www.Rockrivertrail.com   for more information on the Rock River Trail and support..

Well friends there is much to be happy about and progress is being made, but we need your support and help, please donate your time or money to these great organizations and businesses. Daves Outdoor World was created so that I could better promote the Tri City area recreational resources, businesses, organizations and recreationalists who love to get out and enjoy the Great Outdoors and live and love life!  Together We Can Do Great Things!

To support Daves Outdoor World and our recreational communities and volunteers purchas your outdoor gear online through these great outdoor gear companies that I have selected to offer great gear at good prices.
www.Davesoutdooworld.com 
www.Davesoutdoorworld.ning.com
www.meetup.com/Daves-outdoor-world-mountain-biking-kayaking 

Hello Friends,
Been spending some time designing my blog spot today and finally think I got it right. First please check out my web sites where you can find Outdoor Gear Supplies and outdoor informational links on Daves Outdoor World.com. On Daves Outdoor world Community you have a way to connect with other Outdoor Recreationalists who love the outdoors, biking, kayaking and camping. Chat with others and make friends. Daves Outdoor World Meetup group is about getting involved and joining our group to kayak, bike and camp with others out on the trail, join up and make new friends and see new places. The Rock River Trail blog will keep you informed of all things along the trail and along the Rock River Trail.

Daves Outdoor world Community

Hello Friends, we are not far off from our first Daves Outdoor world Meetup Group events. We will start the day out on Saturday May 2nd with kayaking at 10am for 2hrs and about 5 miles as we kayak up the Historical 115 year old Hennepin Canal which is one of only three canals in the United States with water running through out her banks. At 4pm the same day we will start off our biking meetup group at Hoover Park in Sterling IL and ride the Sterling trails along the Rock River and over the Sinissippi Walkway Bridge where we will connect with the Hennepin Canal trail system. If you do not have a kayak there are kayaks to rent for ten dollars from myself or Crystal Lake Campground, call ahead to make sure they are available. This year will be Daves Outdoor Worlds first full year with most everything in place and ready to go. I will focus on educating and bringing awareness to the trails and recreational fun, Historical sites and businesses in the area. Thee will be a new Campground opening in April 2015 www.Crystallake1.com right on the Hennepin Trail and 1.5 miles south from the Rock River. Tent camping will be available as this campground is one of the best you will see. With lake swimming and beach front, Go Cart tracks, Rv camping and more all right off the Hennepin Canal Trail. Crow Valley Campground also has tent camping about 7 miles west down the Rock River nestled along the Rock River Trail. So plenty of tent camping available for anyone who wants to tent camp. So this year looks to be another fun filled summer. Daves Outdoor Worlds goal is to get people out and enjoying the great outdoors and getting much needed exercise kayaking, biking, camping and more. There are beautiful bike trails all along the Tri City area of Rock Falls, Sterling and Dixon and pleanty to do and see if your staying the weekend.For outdoor gear and supplies go to Daves Outdoor World web sites and click on the company banners, all have awesome gear for all your needs. Daves Outdoor World is your place for outdoor kayaking and biking information, check it out..

www.Davesoutdoorworld.com

www.Davesoutdoorworld.ning.com

www.meetup.com/Daves-outdoor-world-mountain-biking-kayaking 

Daves Outdoor World