Things die down after the Birkie in Wisconsin
Every February, Hayward, Wisconsin holds the American Birkebeiner marathon. After the event is over there is a significant drop off in interest in the area for cross-country skiing. This is similar to the drop off in runners in Chicago after the Chicago marathon. This makes March cross-country skiing a great time to go if snow conditions permit.
The pros and cons of March cross-country skiing
The reason for this is of course two-fold. First of all, it is seasonal and when March rolls around even many cross-country skiers are ready for spring. It is also because snow becomes more difficult to find. I went cross-country skiing twice in the last week. On Monday I skied North Kettle Moraine State Forest north of Milwaukee and last Thursday I visited Mirror Lake State Park near the Wisconsin Dells. They are 2.5 hours and 3 hours respectively from Chicago.
The photo of the week comes from the parking lot at Greenbush Recreation area in the far northern section of the Northern unit of Kettle Moraine. Often times this parking lot is crammed with cars on weekends and even half full on other days. This photo is not a picture of parking for the annual Traveling Ted fan club gathering, but it is a picture of the parking lot on Casimir Pulaski Day.
As is evident from the photo, I had the park to myself. If snow can be found, March is a great time to get out and have the trails all to yourself. I am also including two bonus pictures. The first a pine grove at Kettle Moraine North and the second from Mirror Lake. Enjoy March cross-country skiing.
Adventure on!
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I live an invigorating life of outdoor exploration … vicariously through your compelling text and photos. Thanks for making me feel vigorous. Someday, thanks to you, I may actually leave my armchair!
Jay Gordon recently posted..Cowboy poetry in Willits- Mendocino County
Glad to hear that you are enjoying the adventure Jay. Feel free to join or sit back and enjoy.
The photo of the trail with the trees is awesome.
Nance Carter recently posted..Worlds dirtiest hotels
Glad there’s still a bit of snow for you to ski on. What sport are you going to take up this summer to keep you occupied?
Leslie (Downtown Traveler) recently posted..Photo Essay- Taking the slow boat along the Mekong River in Laos
Great photos..and info…
Cheers..
Charles Higgins recently posted..MGM Resorts offers free show tickets with Vegas travel packages – National Las Vegas Examinercom
Ted, I can’t ski at all. Honestly, I have tried but couldn’t stand up and didn’t like it. I think I would like cross country skiing much better because I love the outdoors and off the beaten path aspect to it. These photos are the reasons why I like hiking – so peaceful and beautiful!
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