Boil, boil...

Maybe I've seen natural springs before.  I am reasonably sure that I have, but I don't know that I've been blessed to see water actually bubble up to the earth's surface in a cascading balls of sand.

Just peering into the shallow pool of clear and cool (52 degrees every day of the year) water is a look into the essence of life.

In a minute the springs add 1,100 gallons of fresh water into the marsh of the Pheasant Run Conservancy, that's 1.6 million gallons a day.

Looking like miniature explosions - the eruption is called a boil.  Each one is unique - one flowing like a Milwaukee bubbler and another burping like a lava pot in Yellowstone Park.

Years and years ago, this area was home to Native Americans who considered the springs (now known as the Frederick Springs) sacred.  That makes sense given how important a reliable source of fresh water is to life.

The water winds its way through cat tails and restored prairie grasses that offer cover for Wood Ducks, Canadian Geese, Deer, and a wide variety of wildlife.

It's also the centerpiece of a quiet 3 mile loop that traverses the water with boardwalks and bridges. 

While the park is surrounded by homes and city streets - the canopy provided by trees muffles the sounds of passing traffic.

As one of the hidden gems of greater Madison, it was a perfect place to start a day with family visiting from out of town over the weekend.

A good walk - edified and enhanced with clean, clear water, large Oaks, and the rhythm of shoes on the elevated boards - another important ingredient and gift of life.