Wild lakes, inspiring people, musicians to watch and football in the cold
Hi there Wisconsin!
How have you all been? Keith Uhlig here, and I'm back after a few days down and out last week. I had a fever, achiness, fatigue and general blurghiness. Did I have a breakthrough case of COVID-19? Maybe. My wife was unsuccessful in finding an at-home test and by the time I had the chance to get to a community testing center, I was feeling great.
Just in case I did have it, I happily went into self-isolation mode. Luckily there are plenty of ways to get out and about in Wisconsin and not go anywhere near people. I spent some time in the woods, on cross country skis, indulging the yearnings of my inner Viking. I call him Einar.
I also did some dreaming and planning. One of the things I want to do ASAP is to get up north and explore some of Wisconsin's "wild lakes." I recently spoke with illustrator Rebecca Jabs, who worked with author John Bates on his book "Wisconsin's Wild Lakes." She's motivated me to become more mindful and observant whenever I'm out and about. Here's two stories I've written about the book (I'm a fan!):
► Illustrating 'Wisconsin's Wild Lakes:' Manitowoc's Rebecca Jabs mixes art and science
► Northwoods naturalist John Bates helps us explore 'Wisconsin's Wild Lakes' with new book
I don't plan to jump in Lake Michigan in the middle of winter or walk across the country any time soon, but I've still been completely inspired by the thinking of these two people.
Mary Hesch hiked from her home in Stevens Point to the Gulf of Mexico. The idea started as a way to have some fun, but it became a pilgrimage that helped her gain perspective on grief, relationships and life.
► Stevens Point woman faces grief, finds fulfillment on 1,400-mile walk to Texas
Justin Galloway just might be a little crazy. (But in the best, zaniest way possible.)
► This man is challenging himself to go into Lake Michigan 300 out of 365 days. Yes, even when it's 4 degrees out.
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More Wisconsin!
► Happy National Cheese Lover's Day! Here are 9 cheesy Wisconsin stories from the past year
► Are these 10 Wisconsin-flavored dishes really from a slow cooker? You betcha.
► Door County resident calls her 'Jeopardy!' appearance 'a really enjoyable experience' despite loss
Keith Uhlig lives in Wausau, but grew up east of Colby, the place where one his favorite foods, Colby cheese, was developed. Don't get him started on that. He loves learning and writing about all the people, cultures, places and things that make Wisconsin a terrific place to live.
Contact him at 715-845-0651 or kuhlig@gannett.com; follow him on Twitter at @UhligK.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin wild lakes, inspiring people, cold Packers games
