Location of Hogameade

[bboy_mn]

No: HPFGUIDX 40760

OK, this is not an earth shattering issue, but most people seem to
think that Hogsmeade is out the front gate of Hogwarts and on the
other side of the tracks. (see maps at Harry Potter Lexicon)

Now, we all create our own personal visual image as we read, and in my
visual image, Hogsmeade is on the same side of the tracks and the
'gate' that you go out is a side gate whose only purpose is to provide
access to Hogsmeade.

My vision is that just past Hagrid's near the lake is a side gate (and
stone wall) that leads to Hogsmeade. That's not based on analysis,
just the way I envisioned it when I read it. The 'gate' they went out,
I did not interpet as the front gate, and tunnels leading from the
whomping willow and from the inside of the castle to Hogmeade would
seem to imply some closeness. Also, again based on my mental image,
the tunnels would have to go under or around the lake to go to a
Hogsmeade that was across the tracks. Other clues in the story help
re-enforce this mental image.

Any thoughts?

BBoy_mn