October 9, 2010 - Wrap up of this Leg of Trip

I really like this leg of the trip. I was introduced to some great new state parks and was able to visit one of my favorites - Lake Carlos.

Total Highway Miles this Leg of Trip: 404.8
Total Highway Miles: 2545.0
Total Hiking Miles this Leg of Trip: 11.4
Total Hiking Miles: 61.7

October 9, 2010 - Sibley State Park

Last park of the day. Gotta get back to Minneapolis for my friend Julie's annual party. Look forward to seeing some old friends.

This is a really nice area and the park is a family paradise. Lot's of things for people to do: hiking, biking, horseback riding and canoeing/kayaking. I took the short hike to the observation tower on Mt. Tom and then strolled along the beach. The hike to the observation tower is easy and kids would love the view. The observation tower is very nice. This is another park I need to come back to again. It is only about 100 miles away from NW Suburbs.

Highway Miles from Monson Lake to Sibley: 16.6
Total Highway Miles this Leg of Trip: 305.2
Total Highway Miles: 2445.4
Hiking Miles at Sibley: 0.7
Total Hiking Miles this Leg of Trip: 11.4
Total Highway Miles: 61.7

October 9, 2010 - Monson Lake State Park

This is a nice, simple little park. Very natural. I really like the simplicity of it and saw/heard a lot of birds in the woods. I would think a birder would love this park.

I took a little hike around the interpretive trail. Very relaxing.

Highway Miles from Glacial Lakes to Monson Lake: 35.5
Total Highway Miles this Leg of Trip: 388.6
Total Highway Miles: 2428.8
Hiking Miles at Monson Lake: 1.1
Total Hiking Miles this Leg of Trip: 10.7
Total Hiking Miles: 61.0

October 9, 2010 - Glacial Lakes State Park

This is another fantastic park. The park ranger suggested that I take the hike around the east end of Mountain Lake. It was here that I learned that after 32 parks, I was eligible to get a free night of camping. Thanks to the ranger!!

The leaves had pretty much fallen by the time I got to this park, so I did not get too much in colors. The campground is excellent and overlooks the lake. There are a few camper cabins here for those of you who are like me and love having a campfire, but like a comfy bed to sleep in.

Highway Miles from Maplewood to Glacial Lakes: 100.6
Total Highway Miles this Leg of Trip: 323.1
Total Highway Miles: 2393.3
Hiking Miles at Glacial Lakes: 1.4
Hiking Miles this Leg of Trip: 9.6
Total Hiking Miles: 59.9

October 9, 2010 - Maplewood State Park

Maplewood State Park is beautiful. I wish I could have been here a little earlier to see the full effect of the fall colors. This is a large park with lots of hiking trails. I asked the park ranger which trail would give me the best view of the park and colors. He said to take the Hallaway Hill scenic hike. This is not a hike for those with less mobility, so make sure you understand their is a sizable hill you need to hike.

The first picture on this entry is of a tree. What do you think it looks like? See the end of the blog to see what my opinion is.

I would like to spend a weekend and look forward to doing that soon.

Highway Miles from Glendalough to Maplewood: 37.7
Total Highway Miles this Leg of Trip: 232.5
Total Highway Miles: 232.5
Hiking Miles in Maplewood: 1.2
Total Hiking Miles this Leg of Trip: 8.2
Total Hiking Miles: 58.5

October 9, 2010 - Glendalough State Park

At first this park was a little deceiving for me. It did not seem like there was much here at the entrance. As I drove a little further in, I found that this was a very scenic park with a transition of prairie to forest. The history of this park if very impressive also as it appears that several famous people came here to hunt, including US Presidents.

I took the Sunset Lake Trail along with several partial hikes around Annie Battle Lake to the south and north.

Highway Miles from Lake Carlos to Glendalough: 38.4
Total Highway Miles this Leg of Trip: 194.8
Total Highway Miles: 2255.0
Hiking Miles at Glendalough: 1.6
Hiking Miles this Leg of Trip: 7.0
Total Hiking Miles: 57.3

October 8-9, 2010 - Lake Carlos State Park

I decided to spend the night at Lake Carlos. Last time I was here it was rainy and our boat, which we left on the beach, got swamped by the waves. But we still had fun since this is such a beautiful park.

I started a fire to help me see as I was putting up my tent in the dark. Good thing I know the tent well and it only took me a few minutes longer than normal. Again, when outside of the Twin Cities, it is amazing how many stars you can see without all of the light pollution.

I woke up early the next morning to a wonderful sunrise over the lake. I was able to get in a great hike to start my day off. The group camp is amazing and would recommend any group to utilize these facilities. It is so nice getting up early to see and hear the wonders of the woods. I took the Hidden Lake Trail along Lake Carlos and did part of the Maple-Basswood Interpretive Trail.

Highway Miles from Lindbergh to Lake Carlos: 58.2
Total Highway Miles this Leg of Trip: 156.0
Total Highway Miles: 2215.6
Total Hiking Miles Lake Carlos: 2.5
Total Hiking Miles this Leg of Trip: 5.4
Total Hiking Miles: 55.7