Curiosity goes for a hike
An Evening’s Quest for the White Lady It was early evening, and I found myself with only ninety minutes of daylight and a twenty-minute drive. The storms and relentless rain had kept me indoors for days, but tonight, the sky held a certain peace, a quiet invitation. I felt that familiar tug, a hunch...Continue reading
On a crisp mid-October Saturday morning, I set out for Rock River Heritage County Park, a new gem nestled along the banks of the Rock River in Janesville, Wisconsin. This park, opened just this past summer, stands where the old Camp Indian Trails once lay—a cherished ground for the local Boy Scouts of America. With...Continue reading
Late August brings a special kind of magic for nature enthusiasts at Lulu Lake, The Nature Conservancy. Though the season begins to wane, the landscape here defies expectations, bursting with vibrant wildflowers that stretch across fields and trails. Following the old railroad bed, I found myself surrounded by a breathtaking array of blooms still in...Continue reading
While hiking along the Ice Age Trail near Whitewater, Wisconsin, I stumbled upon something that stopped me in my tracks—a delicate cluster of Ghost Pipes. Perhaps I’d passed by them before, never noticing, but today, they stood out against the forest floor like whispered secrets. Tucked within the quiet shadows of the woodland, these ethereal...Continue reading
Spanning a generous 35 acres, this bog invites visitors to wander along its boardwalk loop—a path that feels almost magical, winding through lush and mysterious terrain. My own journey to this secluded place held a singular purpose: the hope of finding the delicate pink lady’s slippers and perhaps glimpsing the striking blooms of the purple...Continue reading
In early May, I found myself wandering the woods along the Ice Age Trail, carrying a quiet sense of wonder and looking for any signs of wildflowers or small marvels waiting to be noticed. My walk began near Olsen Cabin, and I followed the trail for a while before veering off toward the John Muir...Continue reading
A recurring inquiry I often receive is, “Are the trails icy?” When it comes to trails in Wisconsin, especially after snowfall, one should anticipate icy conditions. The compacted snow on the paths undergoes a transformation into hardened snowpack, which swiftly transitions into ice. With the continuous cycle of snow, rain, snow, and fluctuating temperatures, it...Continue reading
Embarking on a winter hike amidst the chilling grip of a 0-degree Fahrenheit morning, the snow beneath my feet emits a satisfying chorus of crisp crunches and faint squeaks. This season holds a special place in my heart for these short ventures, as the air is filled with the serene rustling of leaves that tenaciously...Continue reading