Adventure: Picnic Point

Ah, snowy Wisconsin. A flat state full of badgers and cheese. But it was somehow so alluring to explore as I was making my way through its frozen plains on my way to Minnesota's Twin Cities. As plans were set to spend a night in the capitol city of Madison, I immediately investigated what sort of short adventures I squeeze into the afternoon. All sources pointed the same way: Picnic Point.

Dubbed one of the 10 best places to kiss in the world, this small nature preserve hiding in an urban area is managed by the University of Wisconsin. The shape is incredible as the wooded strip of land extends out into the massive Lake Mendota, looking like the campus's own wang on display to the rest of the city on the adjacent shore. Indians originally held the site sacred, creating mounds that are typical of the natives of that region. Later, settlers used the fertile soils of the peninsula for farming. 

Today, the trails and forest make a popular summertime picnic destination to enjoy views of the old glacial waters and the skyline of Madison across University Bay. Of course, I instead led Bilo, Mary and Liz across the slender shorelines in the dead of winter in horribly freezing cold temperatures and a shit-ton of snow.

You know the drill, click Read More to see the pictures n'at after the jump.



Early into the hike, we went right passed this... yeah it looks like a big snow drift to you. But it's actually an ancient burial mound of Native Americans. With a big snow drift on top.


Fortunately for me, detailed descriptions of the journey are not necessary for the rest of our hike through Picnic Point. The environment made the whole setting pretty serene... a city laid just across the bay from us, yet things were silent save for our own footsteps in the foot of snow. We were treated with views across Lake Mendota, which was frozen solid from end to end, every time there was a break in the trees. The overcast sky, the snow covered tree line, and the frozen water all blended into one endless white canvas, with only the skyline of Madison to maintain perspective. Even better views were opened up once we walked out onto the ice. Awesome.

 

 

As night fell we went back into the downtown area of Madison for some food and sightseeing. That huge dome in the skyline shots is the Capitol Hall at the center of the city, and it's pretty damn impressive in person.





The next day we headed out to St. Paul in Minnesota where hockey is religion. w00t.

Go Pens
-Crash