Hipcamp with Scottish Highland Cattle

“What is a hipcamp?” I asked as I had no idea! Da Viking explained, “It’s like an outdoor B and B. Campsites are on people’s land.” I was still having difficulty picturing the scene, but I would be finding out soon as we headed to Wisconsin. Our desitnation was Willow Pond Farm on Craig and Cindy’s property. Boy, were we in for a treat!

*Scottish Highland cows were unlike any cows I’d ever seen before. Having the opportunity to be near them and feed these bovine treats gave me an experience I’ll always carry with me.*

After departing from the Badger car ferry we headed north from Manitowac, Wisconsin. Craig and Cindy’s “Willow Pond Farm” was entrancing. Their menagerie of farm animals gave this ‘city girl’ a whole new perspective about capers in the country.

Hipcamp Greetings

Cindy and Craig were amazing hosts! They had explained that there would be a note for us on the refrigerator in the blue pole barn. Both Craig and Cindy hold full time jobs so we would be arriving before they returned home from their workday. The note on the mini fridge explained where our campsite would be, about the animals and the accommodations. There was a bathroom inside the pole barn.

*The WELCOME note with directions along with gifts sat inside one of the barns.*

We were instructed that we could take a half dozen eggs. There was bacon and sausage available for an additional charge, if we desired. On top of their note they had left us an ceramic mug and stickers praising Scottish Highland cows as well as cocoa mixes. Wow! Gifts, too! We left a Restless Viking mug in it’s place.

Chickens

As we headed back to Grumpy, the Jeep, I giggled at the chickens!

*This chicken was on a mission! Insects are a delicacy to dig for, I guess.*

The chicken coop was cute. I thought I’d snap a picture. Well, this caused a running ruckus!

As I stood to snap this photo, the chickens raced to the side door thinking I would be retrieving grain for their snack. There was a lot of determination in those chicken legs. They were high stepping with purpose holding hope for a treat!

Setting Up Our Hipcamp

We headed to our designated spot which had been freshly mowed in a wooded alcove. There was a fire pit and chopped wood standing at attention. The picnic table looked ready for some action!

*The Willow Pond Farm campsite was perfect!*

Rain hadn’t been in the forecast, but it sprinkled throughout our first day, so Da Viking added the screened tarp across the back of Grumpy.

We were Craig and Cindy’s FIRST campers!
Photo Credit: Craig Waters was showing their first hipcamp guests on the Willow Pond Facebook page.

The rooftop tent popped up easily and kept us comfy and dry all night long! This tent included a memory foam pad, plus we added an air mattress for another layer. Chuck is always thinking about my comfort when we are on our excursions! Here’s his video about assembling the rooftop tent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySwNjjq3uj4

I really enjoy our capers together! Da Viking does all the cooking, too! He has a “Chuck Box” full of supplies! His skills as a campsite chef have been satisfying. I am in charge of setting up our camping chairs and bedding. Boy am I spoiled!

This hipcamp concept had originated in 2013 by Alyssa Ravasio based in San Francisco. The online website and mobile app were designed to help travelers find locations for inexpensive outdoor stays. Craig and Cindy saw this as an opportunity to connect with others by sharing their farm.

Our Walk Around The Farm

We decided to stroll around the farm and check out the large variety of animals.

*We learned all their names: (from left to right) Charlie, Cinder (brown baby), Slider* and Lily Rose.

These creatures kept their distance, however one large-eyed, bony-looking cow (That’s how he’s suppose to look) approached the fence. He was confident and eager for attention. He gave me a side-eyed look and batted his long lashes. I reached out to pet him. He leaned into my affection.

*Claus was very friendly and came up to the electrical line for pets. He was careful, but I got a ZAP!*

Horses

Horses have always been a favorite animal of mine. In fact, I rode western style when I was in high school. I spent a lot of time petting these two majestic mammals!

Meeting Craig and Cindy

Later, Cindy and Craig meandered down the lane to meet us in person. They had started their farm in 2017 and had recently decided to open up hipcamp sites.

Craig and Cindy bubbled as they spoke of their family and their farm animals. The way they embrace hard work with a matter of fact perspective was impressive! Their energy and zest for life radiated like sunbeams through the rain.

Cindy smiled with endearment when I shared my encounter petting the large-eyed cow. “Claus.” Cindy nodded as she explained the bovine’s confidence with people. “He was bottle fed by our German daughter, Alba. She would lay down and cuddle with him in the barn. Alba named him Claus.” Well, that’s a good German name, I thought. Cindy and Craig have housed several high school foreign exchange students.

From our short meeting, I could tell that the two cherished all living things. Then to realize their willingness to create lasting connections with youngsters from other cultures inspired me. This couple has so much love to share with others!

Cindy, Alba (their German daughter) and Craig
Photo Credit: Cindy’s Facebook page

I was in awe of Craig and Cindy! We were so engrossed in our conversation, that I hadn’t taken their picture. So, I borrowed the above photo from Cindy’s Facebook page.

Cindy excitedly talked about their house pets. Their three cats (Dotty, Nelson and Capone) along with their two dogs (Luna and Zeus). I thought about how these five animals would have been plenty to keep me busy. Yet, Craig and Cindy have many more creatures who are fortunate to receive their love and care.

Scottish Highland Cattle

*Rose bellowed at me as her baby, Lily Rose, looked on*.

Last April, Lily Rose’s birth had been captured on “Facebook Live” by Craig. Craig relived this story. We watched this event on our phone with amazement! (I winced a bit.)

Scottish Highland cattle is the oldest registered breed of cow in the world! Both males and females are adorned with horns. A bull’s horns have a wider base and grow forward, where the cow’s horns face upward and are finer at the top. I had difficulty telling the boy from the girl until later when their baby, Cinder, approached ChaCha for a snack.

*Cinder drank from her mother, ChaCha, while Charlie stood nearby protecting them from me, the intruder.*

The Scottish Highland beef is known for being lower in cholesterol than other breeds. Cindy referred to this processing as “going to freezer camp.”

Pigs

Loud snorts and squeals occurred each time we neared the pigs’ pen. We were enthusiastically reminded by Charlotte and Ollie that they were the rulers of their sty. We were not permitted to come too closely. (Sometimes they bite.)

Late at night we were able to tip toe by their fence not causing a disturbance.

*Charlotte and Ollie a snooze in their bed. (This city girl couldn’t tell one from the other.)*

The pigs’ snoring brought a peaceful farm feeling in the cool, damp evening. The children’s book by E.B. White, “Charlotte’s Web” came to mind.

As I reflected on the delicious fresh bacon and eggs we’d eaten for our dinner. My “city girl” heart grew three sizes that night. I marveled at all the work it takes to care for this variety of farm animals day following day, repeated endlessly. I recognized how this dedication provides nourishing, tasty food. This revelation was coming full circle in my mind. My appreciation for farmers, such as Craig and Cindy, has grown after this first-hand farm experience!

Feeding The Fur Friends

The next morning greeted us with a crystal blue sky. Cindy offered to let us feed the fur friends some treats. She had cut up apples and held a bag of bread to entice the herd.

*With apple pieces in hand, Chuck approached Rosie. You can see Charlie coming for look-see!*

Even in our short time with Craig and Cindy, we were smitten with their devotion to sharing their lives and animals with others. Their ability to create meaningful connections is a testament to their love for life!

Next Stop – Washington Island

When hearing that our next stop was Washington Island (north of the Door Peninsula in Lake Michigan), Cindy brightened. “You should look for Valerie. She lives on the island. We’ve been friends for a long time! We helped her get some horses.” Cindy caught her breath. I could tell this Valerie was someone special. “She runs the Bread and Water Cafe on the island. Val set a world record with her kayaking the Mississippi. She adopted six children after fostering them. Look her up! She’s a dear friend.” Stay tuned for our meeting with Valerie Fons! She is remarkable!

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