I've used WRO twice before, and we are taking our third trip this weekend. It was a great experience both times.

WRO sent several informative emails leading up to our trip that were very helpful. WRO has videos you can watch explaining how to pack your canoe, what to expect, and sends you a pack list. After reading the emails WRO sent me and watching their videos, I new what to expect and didn't have many surprises.

The first two trips we dropped our gear off up river, I drove to WRO and parked the van at the launch, WRO shuttled me back to the drop in spot. It was nice having my vehicle waiting when we arrived at WRO. Once we finished the trip, we didn't have to deal with anyone, just packed up and left. This year we are starting in Boscobel and ending in Wyalusing state park. This time instead of having my van waiting for me at the end (3 days, two nights), we are getting picked up at 2pm in Wyalusing. I'm a little nervous that I'll be stressing about getting to the pickup stop in time, but to me it's all part of the preparation and planning of the trip, and the planning is something I enjoy.

When we took our second trip from Spring Green to Boscobel, we stopped in Muscoda so I could walk to the gas station to get more drinks. I was on my way back to the canoe and a WRO van pulled up and asked if I wanted a ride. It was Scott the owner whom I recognized right away from all his planning videos I watched. He didn't have to stop and offer a ride and I was thankful he did.

We love our trips on the Wisconsin river and plan to keep using WRO for years to come.

A tip for people taking their first river camping trip is learn how to stake down a tent on a sand bar. Our first trip all I had was the metal pin stakes that came with the tent and they were completely useless. The second trip I had sand stakes with threads that you screw into the sand. These were better than the metal pins but still not great. After doing some research, this year I plan on tying a rope to a piece of wood and burying it under the sand. I wonder how other people stake down their tents on the sandbars and wouldn't mind seeing more videos about it.

Without a doubt, the highlight of my experience was my proposal to my girlfriend (now fiancée)! WRO staff offered their best advice to make this possible. Thank you for a trip that we will never forget.

Constructive criticism: we both really like the morning for paddling, and although we selected your earliest time-slot for departure (10am), we unfortunately were not able to hit the water until 12:05pm. We would have enjoyed the first day a lot more if we were able to start earlier.