We went in search of Fall; a local junket to Lilydale and Pickle Lake, parkland adjacent to the Mississippi in St. Paul.
Kathleen 
Category: Mississippi River
Today’s focus: The Regal Fritillary, a large butterfly similar in size to the monarch.
It is graduation season and Father’s Day is just around the corner. It is also time to take a moment to celebrate old friends. I met up with a dear friend of 40 years to spend a few hours chatting while the Mississippi River- still overflowing the banks- rolled on by. Today, our nephew David hosted a graduation brunch :).
Dad and me in 1969:
Spending time with Gaile by the Mississippi at City House St Paul MN
…and the High School grad, David, with his Mom and Dad:
There is a lot of water flowing though St. Paul, MN this weekend. The Mississippi River is now expected to crest at about 20 feet today or tomorrow, before it begins receding. We took a hike to see for ourselves.
No biking for awhile:
This past Sunday we enjoyed the Nooks and Crannies Tour at the historic Landmark Center in downtown Saint Paul MN
This included a climb up many stair cases to the North Tower, from which you can see the entire city and Mississippi River. Check out the variety of cultural and art events happening on Sunday at Landmark. (I am looking forward to the Rose Ensemble November 26th – among other events!)
Lilydale Regional Park is a forested floodplain along the Mississippi and a perfect spot for a Sunday ramble.
‘Gator’ Fungus!
The thaw and freeze cycles have created interesting ice formations along the banks of the Mississippi River in St Paul. I imagined this one to be a dragon atop his frozen island. The other shot I am calling Ghost Barges…
We went on a ramble through Crosby Farm Regional Park and met up with this fine fellow, or gal; a lovely Barred Owl. Perched just off a trail, dear owl was driving the smaller birds nuts, which is what attracted our attention.
