Minnesota Prairie Roots

Wingra Creek, photographed from the recreational trail with the same name.

MADISON. My first impression several years ago of Wisconsin’s capital city remains unchanged. This is a place defined by water, lots of green space, an extensive recreational trail system and residents who love their Badgers, bikes, beer and cheese.

I took this photo in downtown Madison in June 2018. Love the buildings and vibrancy and walk-ability of this area, including the nearby state capitol. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo 2018.

As I’ve explored Madison, pre-COVID, I’ve always felt comfortable. And that says a lot for someone who doesn’t really like big cities all that much. Madison maintains a minimum metro feel, yet offers all the amenities of a growing urban area. During past visits, I’ve spent time downtown—including inside the capitol, restaurants and art museums—and toured the Olbrich Botanical Gardens and more.

Another way to follow Wingra Creek, via paddleboarding.

Oh, the loveliness of sunset lighting when photographing a flowering milkweed.

A single wildflower stalk rises along the creek bank.

On a visit in early July, because of the global pandemic, I confined my activities to a stop at a frozen custard shop and to walking. One evening I grabbed my camera to follow a section of the Wingra Creek Path near my daughter and son-in-law’s home. The golden hour of sunset presented ideal soft-glow lighting for photos.

A flowering milkweed.

Flowers flourish along the grassy creek bank.

A patch of bee balm.

While the rest of the family walked ahead, I lagged, stopping to photograph the many wildflowers that grow along the banks of Wingra Creek.

I’ve learned to be vigilant while using Madison’s recreational trails due to the high volume of bikers. Because of a hearing loss, I often don’t hear them approaching from behind. And most speed by.

Occasionally a biker zipped by at a rate of speed which caused me concern. I recognized quickly that I needed to pay attention to activity around me and not get too lost in photographing this beautiful place.

Flowers, grass, trees, water, sky…

A coneflower.

Berries on a bush along the trail.

Had I not known I was in the middle of a city, I would have thought myself in the countryside.

Looking down Wingra Creek from a foot bridge linking to a park. The trail is to the left.

The tiniest of flowers I photographed.

The first wildflower photo I took on this walk and among my favorite for the perspective.

The water. The flowers. The lack of city noises. All define this recreational trail as a place to embrace nature.

A trailside reminder that we’re still in a global pandemic.

Dog walkers. Bikers. Families out for an evening stroll. Joggers. Us. Everyone simply enjoying time outdoors with subtle reminders that we remain in a world-wide health crisis. A sign reminding trail users to social distance. A discarded face mask littering the side of the pathway.

The trail passes through this tunnel.

But for a short while we mostly forgot all about the tunnel of COVID-19.

Paddling in Wingra Creek.

When we retraced our path and crossed a footbridge back to my daughter’s street, I almost missed the paddleboarder gliding under the bridge, so quiet was she. As I watched, I admired her skills.

Light filters softness into my floral photos.

And I thought, how peaceful this moment in the golden hour of a July sunset.

© Copyright 2020 Audrey Kletscher Helbling