April 17th, 2010 - Lake Rebecca, Hennepin County, MN

A first-time hiking spot thanks to DeAnn's new hiking book of close-in places. And didn't we forget a site map on another hike? What map would show us those hills anyway! Three strikes and we'll need a search party! Thank goodness for the sun to find our way North and time for lunch!

And glad I remembered Delano's mainstreet, but first time for us all at the Three Crows for live music with lunch along the Crow River. Was that Jimmy Crack Corn - and I don't care?

First of the season: requisite tick check.

Wow to the 25 years long restoration of trumpeter swans at Lake Rebecca!

'Tis I in my new Twins hat; photo taken by Deb H.

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!