March 20th, 2010 - Lake Phalen, St. Paul MN

Can't believe I only took one photo - outside Swede Hollow Cafe at that. Too windy to pull out my camera and click with my mittens on! Brisk and sunny and I heard my first red wing blackbirds of the year!

Minnehaha Falls and Park - February 20th, 2010

Mounds of icy snow and an overcast sky would not deter hikers this day. No, it's the street names and parking restrictions that kept us from converging on the Godfrey House meeting site. Once we spotted each other we welcomed newcomer Sherry Berson who lives nearby and works at Trane in White Bear Lake.

Here's a photo taken above the Falls which shows the Minnehaha Creek trail we've hiked in the past.

This time we followed the west side of the creek before it meets the Mighty Mississippi - mostly single-file over ungroomed trails. Woe to us if we expect to walk/hike over perfect paths!
Along the way we spotted dogs being driving in cars for a Saturday morning romp in a nearby off-leash area; and also came upon this lovely and lonely totem marking a sacred area.

And here's the requisite wild-life photo of a bird apparently awaiting the April opening of Sea Salt.

Hikers, unlike birds, are choosy about lunch so the Town Talk Diner on Lake Street was picked over Chatterbox and nearby Cap'ns. It was observed to be a popular spot for people who like to eat.

Another stimulating mealtime together with some discussion about traveling to Taliesin near Madison in May. Phalen Park has been nominated for our March hiking location with details to follow.

National Wildlife Refuge, MN - January 16, 2010

We like this place in spite of the steep slope going down to the trail. I tried out my new gaiters and sticks (I mean poles) that were definitely needed.

I wasn't thinking sunglasses which everyone else realized were the order of the day. And when I pick a place for hiking, do I ever check to see if the building is closed for renovation? It was.

Seven of us got in a good trek then "tailgated" with Peanut Blossom cookies.

A short drive to the MOA for lunch at Twin City Grill, another favorite spot.

We can keep this location on our list for close-in hikes. And think about getting there via the new LRT station at American Blvd, making this a 1/2 mile hike/bike from the train.

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.