Kathryn Abbott Trail, Ramsey County MN - Dec. 12, 2009

There's nothing like the promise of sharing a meal of homemade chili to hasten our hiking, and we did just that. Once we found the trail, it turned out to be a trudge better suited for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Snow depth and cold remained from a storm earlier in the week. We pressed forward along the former railway toward Stillwater, but opted for "hiking" a plowed road on the return route to our cars. Great photos by professional photographer Christy Myers, and location verified by iPhoners Deb and Jean!




Bea and Dorothy opted to stay behind and tend the meal, but this photo shows evidence otherwise of their craftiness.


So much for hiking. Photos of mealtime follow but none of the conversation recorded regarding inventions related to chocolate chips and showers. That is proprietary.




Worth waiting for was the dessert cake made by Debbie H. that was pretty as a picture and just as delicious.

Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve, MN Nov.21, 2009

Thanks to Jean, our hiking group pushed our boundaries out to the southwest metro area, and enjoyed an invigorating hike in the Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve. A bright Autumn day to enjoy the hilly trails of this undeveloped park reserve, noted for woodland birds as well as a favorite spot for mountain bikers. (The birds and bikers have apparently migrated for the season.) Coincidentally, the park's location in northwest Scott County abuts the property of Jean and Denny, so it was a quick drive to their sun-filled home for a cozy lunch of corn chowder and baklava bars!

Lutsen Adventure - October 24, 2009

It was bound to happen. Seven of us headed out on a sunny Saturday for a hike north of Lutsen and encountered a difficult trail that we were unprepared for. We had no safety plan: had told no one where we were going, had one cell phone with a weak signal, and no flashlight - at a bare minimum.

We had a simple plan based on a simple map indicating a beginners trail up the east side of the Cascade River, cross it near a highway, then hike back the west side to our cars. Timbers on the trail were crusted with snow and ice, turned treacherous with steep slippery slopes, and was often blocked by fallen trees. After hiking less than 4 miles in 4 hours, we stopped for lunch along the river and discussed our options.

It would take us another four hours to hike back to our cars and it would be long past sunset. There was no way we could hike in the dark. A couple coming our way stopped to chat, and we mentioned our dilemna to them. Did they know how much farther to the highway and the bridge? We hoped to get a cellphone signal there and call Lutsen to be picked up.

We continued on to the cascades which turned out to be the most beautiful part of the river.

Why or why hadn't we started there?

The couple we'd met caught up with us and generously offered a ride back to our drivers - after retrieving their beer from under their jeep. We quickly ended our arduous trek, and headed to the warm jacuzzi waters at Lutsen.

But what's a hike without food and drink? We were nourished that evening by a supper that included rigatoni prepared by Sarah who was unable to join us due to a cold. Alas, we slept hard after a day of hiking.

Sunday rain saved us from exerting those same muscles, but didn't prevent us from driving to Hawk Ridge in Duluth followed by lunch at Fitgers.

Afton State Park - October 17, 2009

Started out with mittens and warm hats, but really needed sunglasses by mid-day. Mostly green and gold leaves following a week of cold and snow. Even the Catfish Inn at Afton House had already pulled Summer brews from their taps. Hikers were joined by world-traveler Britta from Hanover Germany along with her mom Andi from Ivanhoe. Photos don't always seem to post in chron order, but here are a few.

Ft.Snelling State Park - August 15, 2009

No photo this time for another great hike so close to the metro area. An amazing and uncrowded sandy beach with clean clear water, and plenty of picnic spots. Just a short drive to Buca St. Paul and another fun-filled family-style lunch.

July 18th Lebanon Hills Regional Park Eagan, MN

No hiking day is ever perfect but resiliency is a shared trait. We gathered in Sarah and Jeanie after both got missed - one by the wrong email address and the other by a wrong turn. And Julie joined us too rather than massage those stuffed shirts at Lutsen. Newcomer Paula joined us and a number of regulars were missed.
So let me start with the photo lunch at Bonfire on Cliff Road in Eagen while we wait for Bontons!

No great wildlife photos, but one memorable photo of some portagers - yes, the park is large enough for several lakes.


Since I took more than usual photos, I'll add the rest which need a double click to view as a slide show.<

Hiking - Lebanon Hills July 18th 2009

June 20 - Como Park, St. Paul

An earlier start for this month's walk and the sun was high and hot. Spotted some wild life around the lake, then headed over to the conservatory and Japanese garden. Then back to Black Bear Crossing to feed Karen before she left for LA and a week with Erika in Australia. And though Summer starts tomorrow, we made tentative plans for Fall colors at Lutsen in October. Talked of Taylor Falls for our July 18th gathering while globe-trotting Karen is gone again - this time to France and Serbia. Bon Voyage!

May 16th - Lake of the Isles, Minneapolis

Bundled up for a brisk and windy walk around Lake of the Isles for just 5 of us. A few photos of late-blooming tulips and emerging lilacs, then headed to Cafe Barbette for a warm and cozy lunch.

Ft. Snelling State Park - April 18, 2009

The secret to finding this close-in MN State Park is taking the Post Road exit from Hwy 5 near the airport. It's another 2.5 miles past the permit entrance to the beautiful visitor center and all important restrooms. Not as muddy as warned, but too much brown for this visitor's eye. The result: only one photo-op of one of our largest gatherings. Post-hike picnic at Deb and Jocko's in Highland Park for hikers and bikers sans bikers!

Lake Como St Paul - March 21, 2009

Bea's back from Florida hibernation and joined Flo, Joan, Deb H and Margaret for a couple rounds around Lake Como.  Battled crowds of kids and dogs on the Springiest Saturday of the year. Karen and Cheryl joined us for lunch at Como's Zobata Cafe - Karen's hiking limited by a run in with dog Buster. (She did mention Meals on Wheels!)
Watch for April plans to ride the light rail together from the Franklin Avenue station to National Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington. Yes, there will be hiking!

East River Road Parkway - Feb 21st, 2009

The fresh snow and bright sunshine were a bit deceptive. The temperature hadn't reached 20 degrees and Minneapolis had an overnight snowfall of 4 1/2 inches which meant walking a ways in the street. Hard to hike with snow covering some icy patches, but thank you St. Paul street department for plowing the walkway as we left the boundary with Minneapolis and hiked into St. Paul. That was also about where we spotted a pair of eagles up above the river. More wildlife down below  - many ducks so still in a small spot of open water. The worst windchill walking over the Mississippi River on the Lake street bridge, headed for a great meal at Longfellow's neighborhood grill - home to those great sweet potato fries. Six of us also signed a card for Karen who's caring for daughter Erica recovering from surgery.