Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Believe It Or Not . . .

We took a recreation day today . . . wa-hoo! It was a gorgeous, sun-shiney day . . . the first one we've seen in a coon's age. No bugs out yet and the temperature was in the low 60s. An absolutely perfect day for a hike.

There's a new state park not far from us that is about two years old, but we'd never set foot in it so decided today was the day.

There's a trail through the park that has been made very user-friendly by a paved pathway.

In areas where the trail goes over streams, attractive boardwalks have been constructed.

The hike ends at these magnificent waterfalls. It's very faint in the picture but there is a rainbow going from the rocks on the left to the spot where the water hits the river on the right. This was as close as we could get to the falls but we could still feel the spray from all that water cascading over the rocks.

At one point on the trail, there was a foot path off the paved pathway leading down to the river which we followed. It's amazing that the flowage of the river is so calm so short a distance downstream from the waterfalls. The main river is above my head in the picture.

I'm standing in Minnesota taking this picture but the land you see other side of the river is Canada. I told you we lived in northern Minnesota!

It felt mighty good to be hiking and breathing the wonderful fresh air of the forest. Tomorrow we still get to breathe fresh air, but we'll be back to working around the homestead. And that's fine, 'cause it's what we both enjoy . . . especially after we took a little break for a recreation day as we did today.

17 comments:

Sparkless said...

What a wonderful hiking trail. Beautiful waterfall and I especially liked the other side of the river, it looks spectacular ;)

Glad you took a day off to enjoy, you deserve it!

Freedom Acres Farm said...

We love all the state parks along the north shore! But we haven't visited on our Sabbath's yet this spring. We were waiting for the tics to be mostly done. Every time we hike in the spring we bring home lots of "companions". Fall works better for hiking for us :-)

Unknown said...

It looks so beautiful. I am glad you took the time to get away.

Sue said...

Beautiful place. Glad you took a YOU day. That's important. Now back to work!

judy said...

Breathtaking ♥

Anonymous said...

Such a beautiful place! And you both deserve a play day after all the hard work you have been doing :)

Jenyfer Matthews said...

We've been there with the children a number of times. They like to stand on the MN side and throw rocks at Canada :)

Jane @ Hard Work Homestead said...

What a great day. And I never knew there were 'new' state parks. Our state just closes them up claiming financial hardship even thought the state is making billions on fracking leases on state land. Have I even told you I hate my state?

Mama Pea said...

Sparkless - The only disadvantage to taking a day off is that once you step off the treadmill and start to relax, every muscle in your body that has been held up with push and stress collapses and we both were wet noodles by the end of the day!

Freedom Acres Farm - Do you know that up until a few years ago we never had ticks up here? Then the "warm" winters arrived bringing a climate that the %&^*! buggers could survive in. Rats. I hate them. Just hate them!

Nancy - It was such a gorgeous day and we're glad we got out and enjoyed it.

Sue - Yupper, back to work indeed! Looks as if we have another (one more before more rain) sunny day so I'm outa here and playing in the dirt just as soon as I finish up paying some bills.

judy - Even though the leaves weren't showing much color down by the river, it was still pretty in a barren sort of way.

Stephanie - We're gonna try hard to take one day of recreation away from the homestead every other week. Wish us luck! Yesterday was our first.

Jen - Very close to your stomping grounds when you're here!

Jane - We'd welcome you to Minnie-soda with open arms! (You'd just have to figure out how to move your whole farm including land and buildings, that's all.) ;o}

Susan said...

Wow. What a beautiful spot. It is so good for you to take a break. Glad you got to enjoy your day without lists!

Judy T said...

What a gorgeous waterfall! Glad you got to take a well-deserved break.

Judy

Erin said...

Beautiful! I'm glad you took the day to enjoy, I'm sure it was even more special since you have been working so hard!

Mama Pea said...

Susan - Yep, it did feel good!

Judy - Thanks! We had such a beautiful day for it, too.

Erin - The boardwalks made me think of the pictures you've posted of your recreation areas.

Cat Eye Cottage said...

What gorgeous scenery, and I love waterfalls. It that were a few miles from my house, nothing would ever get done. My husband would have to come get me everyday to come home.

Mama Pea said...

The Weekend Homesteader - Do you supposed there are people somewhere who actually live right by a waterfall like that? On second thought, the continuous sound might drive you batty!

Lisa said...

You live in an absolutely beautiful area! Your waterfall picture is awesome and presented well the power emanating from the falls. It looks like a very well-done user-friendly state park. Wow... to stand on one side of the river and look into another 'country'! I'm so glad you two took a little time off to just enjoy yourselves. Thank you for sharing your hiking day with us.

Mama Pea said...

Lisa - I guess we all need to appreciate more fully the area we do live in. When I look at the pictures of your place and surrounding area I always think it's so much more beautiful than ours! (The grass is always greener . . . ?)