By Kathy Schwartz
The colors of autumn have faded, and the north winds have a definite bite, but Ouabache still has so many things to offer. We often think of summer activities that are done in very warm temperatures with long daylight hours, and we talk about how those memories keep us going until once again we can be outside and enjoy the woods. But winter offers a whole different slant on adventures at Ouabache.
I love just to bundle up and go sit and just listen to the sounds around me. The absence of the leaves gives a whole new perspective on the forest. The busy woodpeckers drilling holes into the tree bark to find morsels of food echo throughout the woods. The flutter of wings can be heard so much clearer on a crisp morning. The squirrels scamper about to find that stored acorn and hurry back to the warmth of their den.
As you hike, the crunch of your steps seems to celebrate your effort. Birds that are usually hidden in summer can be more easily spotted. The brightness of the Northern Cardinal seems to dress up the whiteness of new fallen snow, and the jays in their blue tuxedos compete for attention. There seems to be a hush that falls over the woods that says, “I am resting. Step softly.” There’s nothing like walking under trees laden with newly fallen snow.
If the lake freezes to safe levels, there is the challenge of ice fishing. It takes a hardy soul to sit and wait for that fish to bite.
So, gather your warmest clothes and try a winter hike. We celebrate the first day of the new year with two hikes. The first being a hike in the morning around the bison enclosure, and the second, a walk through the Wonderland of Lights on the last night of the show without any vehicles allowed.
That brings me to the special section of the magazine. The Wonderland of Lights is the Friends of Ouabache’s annual fundraiser. Every night in the month of December, the drive through light show brightens the park and campground. Displays are done by local individuals, organizations and businesses. Attendees get to vote for their favorite display with the People’s Choice Awards. The fire tower is adorned with a light show that is synchronized with holiday music. The Friends work many hours preparing for this event, and I encourage you to come to the park to enjoy the fruits of their labor. The show runs from 6 – 9 p.m. with a special event charge of $5 per vehicle.
The first four Saturday nights are special. Santa is at the Trails End Shelter and his elves have a cocoa and cookie stand. Throughout the week children can mail Santa a letter in the special mailbox at the gate, and Santa will answer back! Visitors from near and far have made this one of their family traditions, and, after you attend the first time, you will see why. l
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