While we have been out and about on previous Sunday’s we
have not ventured far this winter. We
needed to change the pattern and decide to drive to some of our favorite
places.
Taking Hwy 18 east we pulled
into Blue Mounds State Park – located coincidentally in Blue Mounds, WI. This has been a long time favorite of ours
since we started camping in the 70’s.
Not a big park, but the camping sites are nicely wooded, trails available
for all skill levels, it has a wonderful pool, and a huge picnic and overlook
area. This crisp Sunday morning the
trees and the snow were all crystallized – it looked like a winter
fairyland. Unfortunately we forgot our
camera – but I am not sure a picture would have captured the pristine
beauty.
Continuing east on Hwy 18 our next stop was Dodgeville State
Park – now this park is huge. It has a
lot to offer to everyone. There are tons
of camp sites, and mega trails for hiking, biking, skiing, and horseback riding. Uniquely there is a designated camping area provided
for you and your horses. There is a
beach, two lakes for fishing, and awesome overlooks.
This park is actually where I fell in love with my
husband. Just a couple weeks into
dating we went for a Sunday drive (who knew then it would be one of our
favorite activities). Anyway we ended
up at Dodgeville State Park and in the process of driving around spotted a barn
off to the side. Being nosy we went to
investigate – unfortunately in the process of circling the barn our truck got
stuck in mud. At the time I was not
familiar with driving a stick shift so guess who got to push. Well if you have ever had to push anything
out of the mud you know that a great deal of that substance ends up on you. We were able to get the truck out of the mud
hole and as I was climbing back into the cab I looked up and here is my man doing
a horrible job of suppressing a laugh(I am sure I was a sight). Well I had to laugh because at that moment I
knew I was a goner. What fun
memories.
But back on track – we headed through Dodgeville and on to
Mineral Point and one of my personal favorites for lunch (actual for any meal) –
The Red Rooster on High Street. The decor as you may assume consists of roosters in every format possible, the
location itself use to be the bank, and the food is always, and I mean always very
good. Considering the local history
(Cornish & mining) the specialty is pasty – would recommend it and don’t
forget the chili sauce (it’s traditional). My personal favorite is the wilted
salad, and any of the soups. I am not a
big dessert eater but I usually try to save room for either the bread pudding
or the house specialty Figgy Hobbin.
Both are lusciously served warm with caramel sauce and if you’re really
splurging – add some ice cream. You
can’t go wrong.
In the circle tradition we meander on home via Hwy 39 east
to Hwy 78 east through Hollandale and New Glarus. The latter will be a blog entry for another
day.
My Sunday drive tip
for you – go parking (no I didn’t mean what jumped in your mind) – check
out state parks. No matter what time of
year they are filled with so many things to do and see. If you have children the parks system sponsors
a Little Ranger program. You pick up a
nature activity book (age appropriate) – when the designated amount of
activities have been completed your child can turn the book in for a cool badge
(different one every year). Great way to
get your children into nature and a great way to spend some quality time with
them.
No comments:
Post a Comment