I had a tentative breakfast appointment this morning with Mr. Sun at Gibralter Rock State Natural Area. Later I discovered Mr. Sun was waiting for me back home. Sigh. Nonetheless, the views were spectacular, as always, and the fresh air was invigorating.
Gibralter Rock is part of the Ice Age Trail, just north of Lodi in Columbia County.
A short jaunt off the trail on the way up opened up a view to the east of Lake Wisconsin, with the Columbia Power Plant, south of Portage, on the horizon.
Soon the trail offered me another view of Lake Wisconsin (actually part of the Wisconsin River) to the west.
The well-trodden trail skirted the rim of the rock formation, offering spectacular views.
A historical plaque briefly summarizes the early history of Gibralter Rock, which was formerly a county park.
The plaque is now on a pedestal. Perhaps it was moved from its former location because it was too dangerous for people to get too close to read it.
On the way down I spotted two white-tail deer, moving too quickly to get a photo.
When I first visited Gibralter Rock a half century ago, with family and friends, you could drive right to the top. Now that road is covered with moss and it’s a good hike.
RADIOSCRIBE 