Camped this weekend at Willow River State park. Barely an hour away from the Twin Cities, this was a beautiful place to get away for the weekend (and good for a group camping trip, too.)
We arrived late Friday night and woke up early on Saturday. The deer checked out of the campsite next to us a few hours into the morning, well in time for Britt and Sarah to safely set up their tents.
Later that morning we took a really long morning hike to the falls and all around the park.
The falls were crazy from all the rain we had last week.
We walked up the Many Stairs to get a view from the top.
Wisconsin = gorgeous.
As we walked through the fields in the park, tons of these little guys were fluttering around by the flowers.
Beautiful wildflowers...
super cute caterpillars...
chipmunks...
and we also found Tim Burton's garden. :) (I still have no idea what this is. Any help?)
Here is the view from behind the damn. The water is much higher than it usually is.
When the others arrived, they set up tent and we walked back to the falls.
You can see the overlook deck nestled in the trees at the top.
Elusive froggie hopped away quickly before I could get a very good shot.
I'm not good at taking random pictures over my shoulder while walking... but I'm not bad, either.
Later that night we all shared dinners then hung out by the fire eating marshmallows, telling ghost stories and singing songs. Yes - we those people... but it was so much fun... and at least we had good songs, none of that kumbayah nonsense. ;)
Danno and Kevin in the "Featured Artists Sitting Pose..."
The park ranger came by and said we were being too awesome and had to tone it down.
The weekend away was fantastic and very needed. I am sore and tired from hiking all day yesterday, but I feel great. Up early tomorrow for Caribou and an evening board meeting tomorrow night... Too much work lately and not enough posting, I know. It will get better soon.