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
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
A nice perspective of a creek in Madison. I, too, like Madison’s ambiance.
It’s a beautiful city for sure.
It really does look like this is out in the middle of nowhere – how wonderful to have that to visit when you visit your daughter and son in law. Perfect place to escape. The flower pictures are especially lovely.
Yup, just a house away and there’s the creek and path. A welcome respite. The lighting was ideal for my flower pix. Thank you for appreciating them.
I want to repeat that I enjoy and value your continued blogging at times like these.
Oh, Ken, thank you for your kind words. I appreciate your gratitude. I promise to continue to share my insights and discoveries via images and words.
Oh, Audrey! Such beauty!! Your photos are incredible! Thank you for taking us along on your visit!! ❤ ❤
Thank you, dear Penny.
How are you? I think of you often due to the COVID situation in Texas with cases surging.
I am well, Audrey. I go to work and come home. That’s about it, these days. I order my groceries delivered. So I’m staying pretty isolated. I stay busy around the house and am still sewing face masks. Thank you for asking about me. 🙂 You stay safe Sweet Lady. ❤
Thank you for continuing to sew masks. I’m thankful you are doing everything possible to stay safe and healthy.
Your outdoor photography shines in this posting, especially the milkweeds and berry ones. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Sue. I like the milkweed ones, too. But I also really like the ones of the woman paddleboarding silently down the creek.
Beautiful photography Audrey! I especially like the flowering milkweed!
Thank you, Jackie. Photographing during the golden hour lent itself to excellent lighting.
Yes!, I agree 🙂