Wisconsin State Parks / Yellowstone Lake State Park

I'm back, at least for now. Let's face it, winter is pretty dull around here and myself, not being a fan, tends to hibernate - apparently from everything including the blog. Spring tends to brighten up my mood, my joy of nature and my preferred somewhat gypsy spirit.  It also brings me fresh garden goods which makes me want to cook. All fodder for a blog.

A promised gorgeous, preseason, camping weekend called for a spontaneous vacation which took us to Yellowstone Lake State Park located in Blanchardville, WI, about an hour south west of Madison.

We'd been here previously (2009) tent camping with our boat enjoying time fishing and skiing. The lake was awesome and we loved the campground which was known for it's large and welcome bat population as they naturally keep the mosquito population down. While I must admit, we were amazed that the mosquitoes were already looking for blood this early in May, we were not bothered. The biggest annoyance with early season camping are the daily tick checks. Regardless of where you walk the explosive population this year required more of those than usual. Happy to report with smart tick preventive dress, no ticks found on any of us this weekend.

Although we no longer have the boat and have since upgraded from the tent, the park was as we remembered only this time a pair of extra guests were spotted. Indicative of the climbing numbers of bald eagles here in WI, we spotted a pair, one already with it's white feathers and the other not quite there yet, sitting in a large tree shortly after we entered the park. I was not expecting them so I was not camera ready and missed a golden photo opportunity.

I was camera ready as we took a short ride through the surrounding countryside, a community of large Amish farms. Respectful of their wishes we never take photos of their faces but I did grab a photo of a farmer plowing his fields using a six horse hitch. We often stop at their road side stands but were surprised when we found one open this early in the season. Instead of produce and eggs it was selling their delicious baked goods and farm fresh eggs. Naturally we stopped. We also stopped to introduce ourselves to herd of cattle which afforded us a moment of tear filled laughter thanks to my husband's "cattle call" and the response from one particular smitten cow.  I told you we strive for simple and it's in these simple moments we find the most joy.

In this age of technology I am in awe of how hard these people work in keeping with their traditions. I call it the simple life but it's anything but simple. While the "simple life" is something I strive toward I cannot EVER see myself plowing a field with horses. I'm not sure I can even see myself plowing a field at all. This just leaves me with greater respect for these people and their ways.

There are a few places I know where you can get gorgeous views of both the sunrise and sunsets. This is one of those. Misty mornings sunrises are unforgettable as are the golden sunsets above the lake and in the background of the surrounding hills. Those are not to be missed.