| You know how it goes. | | | | With hundreds of thousands of acres of |
| | | | national parks, dense forests and countless |
| You want things to change, but it seems the | | | | lakes, the area is a sportsman's paradise not |
| more you think about it, the worse it is and | | | | only in the summer, but in the winter months |
| the longer it takes - kind of like the old | | | | as well. There is ice fishing, skiing (both |
| saying that "a watched pot never boils." But | | | | downhill and cross country), snowshoeing and |
| in this case, it's the longed-for promise of | | | | snow mobiling. In fact there are endless |
| spring, warm breezes and the ability to get | | | | snowmobile trails to be found in Northern |
| outside and into some fresh air that seems to | | | | Wisconsin and the Ice Age trail extends 1200 |
| take forever. | | | | miles as it winds from Door County down |
| | | | through the states and over to the West. |
| Well, here we are. The holidays are over and | | | | After a brisk run through the snow, you can |
| the landscape is draped in a white blanket of | | | | stop in at one of the local eateries or |
| snow as we hunker down for the long winter | | | | taverns and grab a bite, including anything |
| wait for the first signs of spring. To many, | | | | from nachos to steaks. By the way, they have |
| this is a dismal time: a time of sleet and | | | | these incredible beef jerky snacks up there |
| slush with gray, blustery skies and frigid | | | | that are better then anything you've ever had |
| arctic blasts that will undoubtedly hang on | | | | before! |
| much longer than is welcomed. | | | | |
| | | | Being just a few hours away for many and a |
| For the wealthy there is always Bali's | | | | half-day for some, the drive is fairly short. |
| crystalline white beaches and warm, azure | | | | Regardless of the distance, you will want a |
| seas to pass the time, letting silken | | | | place to stay when you get there. It is very |
| seawater spill over you as the waves roll to | | | | likely you will find many resorts and hotels |
| the shore. Or there are Aspen's breathtaking | | | | in the area that will be more than |
| mountains to lift the spirit and offer one a | | | | sufficient. But let me give you a tip: you |
| break from winter drudgery by skiing your | | | | can save money by renting a cabin or cottage. |
| days away. Still for most Americans, there is | | | | In many cases, you get more space with a |
| Florida with its beaches, resorts and | | | | cabin - as much as two bedrooms or more. Some |
| attractions to fill the winter days until | | | | even include washers and dryers. So with |
| Mother Earth spins on her axis and finally | | | | cabin rentals, you can share accommodations |
| delivers up the golden sun once more, | | | | with another couple or family, bringing the |
| bringing with it warm breezes, blooming | | | | cost per person to a very reasonable level. |
| flowers and the return of green. | | | | Plus, most outdoor activities are free, so |
| | | | you will save there as well. With the right |
| Now wait just one minute and back up the | | | | amenities at your cabin, you will have the |
| fantasy truck. | | | | facilities you need to prepare your own |
| | | | gourmet meals in-house. But after being |
| This is the real world and not everyone is | | | | frugal, you might want to travel into town |
| wealthy, nor are all people bestowed with the | | | | and dine at the many fine restaurants |
| gift of unlimited free time where they can | | | | available, some of which are actually |
| jet off for weeks to a distant location. Most | | | | situated right on the shore. You can dine |
| of us are preoccupied with work and the | | | | while looking out over the lake. |
| obligations of raising a family. Besides, | | | | |
| there is such a thing as a real-world budget, | | | | When you secure a Wisconsin cabin rental, |
| remember? | | | | nature is at your doorstep and at this time |
| | | | of year, a winter wonderland awaits you. |
| Fortunately, for real people in the American | | | | Deep, soft, marshmallow snow is found on |
| Midwest, there is a cure for the winter | | | | rooftops and in trees. Deer frolic through |
| blahs. There is a place you can go to get | | | | the forest and everything is so quiet, the |
| away from it all even if you are living on a | | | | forest is like a hush - all you can hear are |
| very tight budget. That place is Northern | | | | the sounds of your boots crunching through |
| Wisconsin and the area around Minocqua and | | | | snow or the snap of a branch as wildlife |
| Rhinelander in particular is what I speak of. | | | | forage the forest floor seeking food. |
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