Skip to main content

A Change of Scenery

Interstate State Park

As we went to bed last night, we decided a change of scenery would be a good idea. Let's get out of the house. Even though it was supposed to rain, we figured we could put on our rain jackets and rain boots and get a little fresh air at one of the closer MN State Parks. Maybe we could catch a short hike before the rain began.

First off, both boys (and Mommy and Daddy, too) slept in past 9 am! This was a much needed rest for everyone. We took our time getting ready, packed up snacks and gassed up the van on our way to Interstate State Park in Taylor's Falls, MN. Fortunately, N looked up the details of the Shelter in Place and found we couldn't park at the main parking lot where you can see the glacial potholes. We parked near the campground and decided to hike the 1.25 miles to the potholes.


There were a lot of stops along the way to climb rocks, view the St. Croix River, check for animals and splash in the mud/puddles. We saw a woodpecker, several chipmunks, geese, and lots of evidence of beavers. When we got to the glacial pothole area, we all explored and tried to find evidence of potholes that were not marked. There was even a bit of a science lesson as we learned about how the area was formed millions and billions of years ago. The largest potholes were all filled with ice and pools of water, so we couldn't see very far down to measure their depth, but they were cool to see nonetheless. 

Surprisingly, there were very few people along the path. I'm not sure if it was the weather or the Shelter in Place order that kept people away. There were a few rock climbers and several people walking dogs. A few families out with the same idea as us, but far fewer than I expected. It didn't rain at all while we were there and just started to mist as we were driving home. 

The hike back to the car was much quicker, since we had already stopped to see everything the way there. There were very few arguments and no whining about walking the entire time! L said it was "the best day EVER!" and M agreed. Score for something different to do! We will have to find more trails that we can explore. We might head back to the Franconia Sculpture Park next time. Maybe try geocaching, but is that risky by touching items while out and about?

After we got home, we had a Zoom call with N's family. It was so great to see them and chat for a bit, even though the boys were a bit crazy. M kept changing the virtual background so we looked like we were in Mexico or in space. 

We ended the day with chili and watching Rogue One while it stormed outside. Boys were super tired and asleep in no time, along with me beside them. 

Happy hiking!






Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Get into the Groove

Same Old Well, we certainly have fallen into a groove. M & L were really good today, watching their three “classes” on CILC and then playing LEGOs. They made so many creations. Played more chess, watched more Pokémon, are too many snacks, and balked at going outside. Did their mandatory 30 minutes post lunch quiet/reading time. We have been watching movies at night, but I’m trying to break the habit. Boys wanted to go to the Purple Park (Lino Park), but I’m hesitant to go with all those germs. Monopoly instead.  The problem is, we are in a rut   funk  groove. We are stuck only playing with each other, calling grandparents and cousins, trying to get outside. While most of today was great, L threw some chess pieces, so M threw one at L’s face. Neither wanted to change out of PJs. We eat the same things for lunch. We need something to change things up. But preferably one that doesn’t take Mommy and Daddy away from work for too long and doesn’t need a ton of superv...
Post a Comment
Read more

We Got This!

End of Week Two I saw  THIS VIDEO  in a Facebook group and I think it pretty much sums it up. I love how Ms. Kelley states it, whoever she is. Gonna go grab those tissues now.  We have Friday off because it’s Western Good Friday. Signed the boys up for CILC morning. That at least gets me 1.5 hours of solid work time.   Stay safe everyone!
Post a Comment
Read more

Senselessness and Atrocities

I have struggled with the senselessness of this past week. I have not had the words to express my sadness, anger, frustration. How can a man be dead when he complied with officers? How does NOT ONE officer in attendance step in and say, "Enough?" How does one who has so many complaints against him still patrol the streets? What has allowed this behavior to continue? How does it take so long to arrest the offending officer? I have so many questions and no answers.  And then the rioters. I believe in peaceful protest. Yes, Ma rtin Luther King Jr said, "A riot is the language of the unheard." But he also said, " Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression, and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.”  How does burning down local businesses, restaurants, and looting further the cause? Rather than focusing on the truth of what happened, those who are violently protesting are distracting from what happened....
Post a Comment
Read more