Recover from election fatigue

Depending on when you read this, there may still be time to vote in the presidential election. If not, the outcome will still be the subject of much talk. Like the political turmoil we've seen over the past couple years, bitter debate will likely rage on and our elected leaders will find new and old reasons not to work together across party lines. At least we've earned a respite from the barrage of negative political ads.

If neighbors and family members have yet to stop bickering over politics, there is another means of escape. Retreat to a state park or forest named after a number of Wisconsin governors for some hiking, skiing, snowshoeing and peace of mind. You may return a new person with a fresh perspective on our entire state of affairs.

Retreating to the backcountry can help clear your political conscience, so that when you do come home in time to cast a ballot or otherwise commit yourself to being an engaged citizen, you will have confidence you can make a difference.

There's nothing like the rejuvenating effect of the snow dusted trails and woodlands in our state parks and forests this time of year.

Read in the November 2012 issue of Silent Sports all of Jim Joque's capsule reviews of Wisconsin's Neslon Dewey State Park, Governor Nelson State Park, Governor Knowles State Forest and Governor Thompson State Park. To order back issues, call 715/369-3331. And don't miss a future issue by subscribing online here.