Sommer

Heyo,

I'm realizing the focus of this blog has changed, mostly focusing on my dog and my yard! This might restrict its universal, even world-wide appeal! Also I haven't posted in a while.

But I have seen critters! First, a pair of wild turkeys right before taking the Ford Parkway bridge into St. Paul!



We went camping last weekend at Afton State Park. It was our first time there and our inaugural camping trip with Stella. The hike-in status of the campground made it a little burly, however. Especially as the fresh drinking water was 1.5 miles away in the parking lot. Poor R had to carry a giant water bladder up the hill!



Our campsite (22) was the perfect combination of forest and prairie, sun and shade. Right away a deer came to visit!



Stella also scared up...a wild turkey! It fluttered away, making an angry noise!

Can you see the Bobo-Dog?








It's hard to get Stella to pose in a photo!


The St. Croix River:


Hardcore camping requires a nap:


Apparently this is the smile we have when attempting a self portrait:


Hope you're all enjoying every moment of summer!
xoxoxo
Wendell!

Camden State Park

Hello Critter Lovers,

How are you? Instead of being outdoors on this lovely morning, I'm writing a blog post. Oh well!

We had a great one night camping trip in Southwestern MN. Camden State Park was much lovelier than I expected. The 3.5 hour drive went by quickly (although Highway 212 through Eden Prairie is a CF; no wonder I haven't been out there in years) and the park was in a very hilly and scenic region. Highly recommended!

Our campsite:


The path and the Redwood River behind our campsite.


R hung our hammock right over the water!


Here he messes with the newly-discovered macro lens on our camera. (We've had the camera for four years! Thanks to Maven and JH in CO for the macro tips.)


We took a hike, which was partially thwarted by the fact that some of the portages were out because of high water.


There were a lot of natural springs.


Check out these morels we found on the horse path!




The Wild R and his Garmin GPS!


Our first geocaching excursion was sort of a crisis. We missed the 1:00 pm geocaching tour, and when we took our GPS out around 4 we think the rangers moved the cache. On the way to the site we did startle two deer, however!

The deer jumped right into the river! The first one made it easily across, but the second deer got caught in the current and dragged downstream a few yards! R caught it on camera as it successfully made it out of the river and followed its buddy up the hill.


There were deer everywhere. Can you spot the one in this photo?


We also saw a wild turkey, a pheasant, and tons of orioles.


R and I have only been to this State Park, William O'Brien, the Boundary Waters and a less-than-thrilling State Park in Alexandria, MN. Can any of you recommend some of your MN favorites?

Have a great week!

xoxoxo
Wendell