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Two November Hikes

 

With our busy schedules and the sun setting so early I feel like we hardly get outside when the sun is out. Today our goal was to spend time outside. We decided on Coldwater Spring as we hadn't been there in a few years. We weren't the only ones with this idea as the road was lined up with cars. 

This is the opposite of our typical avoiding people during COVID mantra. But we were still able to generely avoid people.

I convinced Theo to bring his doll carrier. He liked the idea once he figured out he could put his hands in his pockets while still holding his baby.

Coldwater Spring was nearly empty, it seems every one else was at the off leash dog park.

It's only worth a brief visit. The trails and dog park below are the real attraction.

Some areas were a little muddy from the recent snow melt. 

We meandered down towards the river through the dog park. Of course once the kids spotted the bluffs they had to climb it.


I found a fort for the kids the play in.

It's fun for the kids but I feel like these makeshift forts are just as bad as the stacked rocks.

In Minneapolis, I suppose it's fine.

Meadow tried climbing up this steep bluff.

We tried to go down to the river but it was packed full of people. We blazed our own trail through the woods.

Somehow we spent more than two hours here. Not bad.

My other goal this weekend was to clean Meadow's art/school desk area. We had picked up more school supplies and her desk area was getting out of hand. As you can see.

Meanwhile Meadow was having another birthday party. This time for her American Girl doll.

The next day we made a list minute trip to Mankato. To get us out of the house quickly we picked up donuts for breakfast.

Sorry, we can't tell you why.

Mmmm...donuts.

I had wanted to go to Minneopa State Park but most of the park was closed to hunters. We were a little nervous about going, as my dad said, some people really shouldn't have guns. So instead we went to Sakatah Lake State Park. I was surprised when we arrived that the parking lot was empty.

We did the hiking club trail here and only saw one other person on the trail.

Theo brought along Teddy for the hike.

We still dressed in bright colors to be safe. Although Scott and I don't own any bright colored clothing.

We're mellow like that.

Theo and Meadow could be seen from far away.

Theo was really proud of carrying Teddy on his shoulders like papa carries him. When he lets me, at least.


I wasn't expecting to cross so many creeks in the park. Or maybe it was the same one.

In one part the almost dry creek bed wound back and forth to the lake.



We spied a few shrooms here and there.

Don't worry, Meadow did not eat any bark for real.

In our rush out of the house I forgot mittens for Theo.

We still went to Minneopa State park to see if the bison viewing area was open. It was closed but the waterfall could be seen. We could only view the falls from up above everywhere else was closed for the hunters. Will have to come back again next year.

At least the kids loved it.

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