Where have your summer travels taken you this year? Some new places, challenging adventures, or enjoyment of favorite stomping grounds? I was reflecting on this during one of many “longer than I like” drives to get from Point A to Point B. And I realized we always have some new summer adventures, but my favorite is our time at a family cottage where my Wisconsin dose of green each summer is really two-fold.
Where Is the Green?
Living in Phoenix, Arizona is quite beautiful with year-round color from flowers like oleanders and bougainvillea and spring additions like my favorite yellow “snowstorm” trees (when the wind blows) from the flowering Palo Verde trees in April. However, on our annual trek back to Wisconsin (for many reasons and especially to escape the Phoenix summer heat) is when I really see how barren and brown Arizona must seem to visiting non-residents.
Green in Wisconsin
In contrast, being surrounded by green color from trees, grass, and fields everywhere in Wisconsin is my obvious dose of green. It provides so many Mother Nature experiences and fresh air in a lush green setting. It feels like a truly healthy environment.
We walk, hike, bike, boat, canoe, kayak, fish, swim, float, picnic, and enjoy the company of family and friends. I always say we live in Arizona but get our tan in Wisconsin. We have to monitor our sun exposure in Arizona but can literally live outside in Wisconsin (only for the summer and early fall months).
Daily Gawk Walks
Whenever we are able, we tend to take one or two what I call Gawk Walks a day: brisk walking to enjoy breathing, muscle movement and blood flow, and letting our distractions lead us to gawk and delight in the amazement of Mother Nature.
Summer Photo Highlights
Here are some of the highlights of what distracted us this summer, gawking photos, compliments of Mother Nature.
Deer
Our very first animal encounter was memorable. At a glance, I was surprised the doe had stopped on the road with her spotted fawn. But look closer at the picture to see why, she was nursing… twins!
Bird Feeder
Our main bird feeder at the cottage is a mini replica of the log cabin cottage. Yellow finches, bright red cardinals, and lots of black and white chickadees get their fill of seed (along with the chipmunks and squirrels!) as long as someone is there to keep filling the feeder.
Firepit
When the mosquitos allow (which was most nights this year), there is nothing more relaxing than sitting around a campfire. There is something about the crackling and dancing flames with the singing crickets or occasional bull frog in the background.
Window View
We wake up with a view of the lake from the cottage living room. The wall of windows lets us spot the loons in the lake, a sunrise or sunset coming or going, and occasional thunderstorm temper tantrums.
Santa
Had to stop walking on one country road and get a good belly laugh. Santa in the field, definitely out of season!
Eagle
The eagle couple moved this year to a spot near the dam. My camera wasn’t fast enough to catch the whole family from our pontoon ride (parents and two youth), but this adult posed very nicely.
Red Sun
Not much for sunsets this year but this red sun graced our view from our picnic table dinner at the local Ted’s Timber Lodge restaurant near the marina.
Nature Saves Us Money!
In addition to the outdoor green color in our summer travels, I also think about how little we use of our green stuff (money) when we spend more and more time in the green embrace of Mother Nature. Apparently, Mother Nature can save us money! So, I guess our wealth is enhanced in that process. Hence a “whealthy” dose of green, wealth and health, unintentionally accomplished this summer!
Let’s Have a Conversation:
What were your summer travels like this year? Did you prefer new or comfortably familiar surroundings this time? Any musings or realizations that crept into your mind about your experiences? Let’s share!
