Tammy Nara

Hike in Place: Part 3

stone bridge

Three more hikes for part 3 of this series. It is surprising how many places I have found that are new to me even though they are close to home. It is all about showing up and putting in the steps. We notice more when we are willing to see.

Long Lake to Rice Creek West to the Mississippi River

  • We crossed Long Lake Road from the boat launch and entered Pike Lake trail. That’s the I-694 fence.
  • How is it that I’ve never walked along Pike Lake before?
  • Rice Creek West is an old favorite.
  • After crossing University Ave, the trail goes over the water and under the trains at Locke Lake.
  • From Locke Lake we went south to Islands of Peace County Park.
  • “Where Peace is a way of life every hour of every day for all those willing to share the experience”
  • The island is open grassy space with narrow paved trails. Reminded me of a labyrinth.
  • We made it! That’s the Mississippi River.
Islands of Peace County Park is where we dropped one car before driving to the start of our hike. Our goal was to walk from Long Lake to the Mississippi River using as many trails in the woods as possible. This is what we came up with. We are open to suggestions for improvement!

Tamarack Nature Center

  • A welcome bit of shade on the Dragonfly trail
  • Minnesota prairie plants
  • Boardwalks through the wetland
  • The acorn trail is mostly through the woods.
Tamarack Nature Center in White Bear Lake is where I go when I am not sure how long I want to walk. I can walk 1 mile or 8 miles and am never far from the car. On my most recent walk there I did not take any photos. These are from other times I was there. I love the variety of biomes: different types of forests, grasslands, and wetlands.

Lake Phalen in St. Paul

Lake Phalen Regional Park is within the city of St. Paul and a jewel of nature. I’ve been here many times before but never took the extra time to include Round Lake in the north end of the loop. I’m so glad I did. This is a 4 mile route (6.4 km). This windy and cool day immediately followed a hot humid day. Words that come to mind: restorative, energizing, delicious. I ate my lunch next to a willow tree and a bridge made of stone. I managed to immerse myself in drawing for quite a while. A beautiful day.
My new happy place. Find joy in your day today.

Response

  1. mickiblenkush Avatar
    mickiblenkush

    Thanks for sharing the information, beauty, and wisdom!

    Like

    Reply

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