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