Afternoon in Buffalo River State Park

After last weekend's visit to Maplewood, I got the urge to visit another state part this weekend. This time, it was Buffalo River, which also happens to be a 15 minute drive from me (versus the hour it takes to get to Maplewood). Buffalo is smaller and has less trails, and the biggest reason I don't think of it first is because it is flat. Just a whole lot of prairie with a river and trees. I do love it there though, but Maplewood has the advantage of having hills to climb and lakes. You do tend to appreciate a hill or two when all you see is flatness around you day in and day out.

But I digress. We had a great afternoon walking around. Angus jumped into the river for a bit (and also ended up with a tick, which Chad found today, so it was nice and plump...inner shudder over here). I really want to continue taking them with me, so I'm going to have to get Frontline for them. I hate hate hate ticks and don't want them to get sick from them. I'm loving reconnecting with nature and the only downside is that I am craving having land of my own to discover on a daily basis. Or at least live in the country so I can pretend the surrounding land is mine.

Enough chatter. I'm going to mostly let the photos speak for themselves again. I won't be going to the park again for a couple weeks because they are opening them up the rest of October for hunting. I don't own any blaze orange and have no desire to get shot, so I think it's best to stay away from anyone with a gun.

Also, I don't know what most of these plants are (very sad and something I plan to remedy soon).

See, flatness as far as you can see. I do like the color of the prairie grass against the blue sky though.

This is lichen on a large rock that is left from when this area was under the water of the glacial Lake Agassiz. The colors did not translate too well thanks to the bright sun. It's a pale mint green on a light ruby rock.

Why yes, I do like to take self portraits.

Namesake.

In addition to the tick, Angus was also covered in cockle burrs. Pretty in a picture, but a pain to remove from a dog.

I hope you enjoyed my little trip through the woods! I didn't get much done as far as projects go except for a little knitted item. I hope everyone had a great weekend and that it was spent doing something you love!

Inspiration: Fall Leaves

I took a long walk yesterday with Jameson and Angus and collected a couple more leaves that had colors I couldn't just leave behind.

One of the many purples that I love is included in a Minnesota fall.

Depending on the weather this afternoon, I may take another trip out to a different state park. This time it would be Buffalo River, which is also closer to me than Maplewood. I want to soak up as much of this season as possible before the snow flies.

Fall at Maplewood State Park

I spent the morning yesterday getting reacquinted with Maplewood. It's been too many years since I've visited, but like an old friend, it was easy to catch up. I spent many weekends camping here and in other state parks around Minnesota when I was growing up. I may be biased, but if you are ever in my lovely state, please pay a visit to one of the many parks.

After some thought, I decided I'm going to make this a mostly visual tour. I will state right now that I missed the best days to view the fall colors here by a week or so. Add in the 50 mph winds we had for a few days and that leaves the trees pretty bare. I did find a few spots of gold and some other things of interest. With my macro setting I was able to capture these so I can share with you.

I was trying for a friendlier, more direct self-portrait, but a month or so of very little sleep is starting to show on my face. This was taken after my mile-long hike up and down a steep hill. Not advised if you are already tired.

My canine companions...

To say the least, Jameson loved visiting the park. Angus did too, but he didn't feel the need to roll around in the grass every few feet.

My new friend. (No, I am not scared of bees. I live by the "if I don't bother them, they won't bother me philosophy". So far, no stings.)