September 22, 2010 - Banning State Park

First time at Banning, but not the last. I need to either take a canoe down this portion of the St. Croix. Class III and IV rapids and looks like fun. I defintely need to come here again. Very beautiful scenery and great canoeing/kayaking.

28 miles from St Croix State Park, total of 155 total miles, 1 mile hiking and a total of 4.1 miles of hiking.

September 22, 2010 - St. Croix State Park

Again, I have been to St. Croix several times. Still one of my faves due to so much to do here. I have gone canoeing, kiking, biking, jeeping and went up 100 foot fire fire tower here. Since I have an "uncomfortableness" with heights, I decided to keep my visit limited to going up the fire tower again. I was not disappointed from a view perspective or a human perspective. This is a very nice state park with a variety of options of things to do. Do stop by here, but also visit the previous parks that I talked about before.

So I went up the fire tower. Amazing how sore your hands and arms get when you feel that you need to hand on for dear life. Got up to the top and just stood there looking at all the colors and topography. I was up there for about 10 minutes when Bill, a Gulf War veteran, came up to join me. Great person. Amazing how nature can bring two different perspectives politically together and make it really not mean a thing. Don't get me wrong, I will always support a soldier doing what he/she is being told to do, but may not agree with the politics of it all. I love my freedom and thank those that have fought for me, my family and friends to have this freedom. Thanks Bill and Thanks to Jordan, my friend Marc's son. Got bless you both.

September 22, 2010 - Wild River State Park

First time here. Nice park and very colorful. Hiked down to Old Nevers Dam Site and along the St. Croix River. Forgot the mosquito spray, got bear spray, but afraid to use it on mosquitos, might get in my own eyes. :-) From what I see, there are some great hiking trails and biking trails. Need to spend more time in this park. Great picture of some bright orange mushrooms, which I don't believe are edible. Saw a few grouse and lots of smaller birds throughout my hike. Very peaceful.

September 22, 2010 - Interstate State Park

I have been to Interstate several times in the past. The geological forces that created the landscape still blow me away. As I walked into the park, the first thing I saw was a bright red Burning Bush. The color was so intense and hopefully the picture I took can display the fire I saw. Thanks to the park naturalist for answer my questions regarding the Burning Bush and the oxidation on the rocks.

I took a few more pictures to give you an idea of the beauty of Interstate. The riverboat is a must picture and really shows how high the cliffs are along the river. I also included a picture of how many people disrespect nature and those who enjoy it. PLEASE - Don't ruin nature by leaving trash and cigarettes.

The photo of the barn/silo is for my sister Rondi. I saw this on the road from O'Brien to Interstate.

September 22, 2010 - William O'Brien

First state park of the day is William O'Brien. Went into the Park Office to find out where a good 1 hour hike might be and Mary suggested that I take the Riverside Trail. This trail runs along the St. Croix and comes around to finish along Lake Alice. This approximately 2 mile long trail was rated EASY by the state park map. Lot's of yellow's and red's for fall colors, but I was maybe a week or two early for peak. Bet the colors on Lake Alice are wonderful in peak.

The Beginning

September 20, 2010 - I just left my job last week. Since I love the Minnesota State Parks in the fall, I decided to trek to each of the 72+ parks in 28 days. I plan to leave on Wednesday the 22nd for William O'Brien and head towards the North Shore, hitting State Parks on the way up. As you can tell, my blog is a little behind due to computer issues.