Getting closer . . . to nature (10)

Wisconsin is a great place for getting closer to nature, whether we're participating in some activity or just seeing the sights. What are your favorite places, and why should anyone from elsewhere want to go there?

I love the woods and the lakes, especially up north. For those not from Wisconsin, I'd define that as area north of, say, Green Bay or so. I love how quiet it is, and how grounding all the nature around feels. I love sitting or lying outside and looking up at the stars and moon. . .you can really see them away from all the the lights of more populated areas.

Some of my favorite memories are of camping in the Nicolet National Forest (yes, I know it's called Chequamegon-Nicolet now, thanks to some bureaucrat's idea of efficiency; but the memories go BACK!. I went back there recently. The lake is the same, and I have finally figured out where the fish are. The woods are mostly there (though the mature maples that gave shelter have been logged out). The quiet is still there at night, after the last of the weekend partiers in the RVs have passed out. Ah, at last! Only the wind and occasional forest creature (are those wolves or coyotes in the distance?). Then sleep, until shortly after dawn the peace is shattered by generators, counterpointed by the occasional chainsaw.

Well, that's a lot of negatives. But it's worth the negatives, to get at the positives.

It's that magical time of year: the frogs are beginning to sing, in certain wetlands and woods. Time to get out there, look and listen!

I do love to hear them trilling.

Last year about this time, I watched a robin build a nest in a birch tree, all in one day. Soon there will be buds on the bushes that will look like a fine green mist was sprayed all over the branches.

I love peninsula state park (among many others), especially the eagle trail, or at least i think that is the one. You walk down through the woods down below 150 foot cliffs, it is awesome. My favorite time to go is in the fall, the explosion of color is gorgeous, there is a tower there that you can climb and look out over the kaleidoscope of color, as well as the bay, it's truly an amazing sight. But probably my favorite is the little things people don't notice often, all the species of plants and fungi, the animals, or even a simple leaf beautifully painted by autumn lying on the ground.

You know. I think Hara 11 has the right approach: just still and watch. If you're in he right place at the right time, you'll see it all, and what could be better?

A place I'd like to visit this time of year would be Copper Falls State Park. I've only been there once, in September some years past, but I imagine it would be really spectacular in spring. Maybe some day I'll have time . . .

I wrote a reply to this the other night but I guess it didn't send correctly. I would love to know where this park is because it sounds beautiful.

I love to take my camera along to capture the details, close up and distance of the colors, plants and animals if they would stay still long enough or if I photograph fast enough. I have lots of leaf and mushroom photos that are among my favorites.

Please pardon the delay . . .

Peninsula State Park is in Door County and is VERY popular with flatlanders. It's nice in spring and fall, but don't go there in high tourist season. I don't know the features referred to, but then I was only there once under somewhat adverse circumstances. I like Copper Falls (far north central part of Wisconsin) best. That is the NORTH WOODS beyond all doubt! There are some spectacular views, and wildlife if your timing is right.