This is a throwback to pre-Covid days. These pictures were taken on March 12, 2020. On the drive to the trailhead I listened to the radio announce everything that was closing. While on this walk, I called my dad. The plan was to drive to Northern Minnesota the next day to visit him for the weekend. I told him maybe we should wait until this virus runs its course. At first he thought I was being over-cautious. I might not remember all the details of this story exactly, but I do remember him calling back later and saying that yes, it was a good idea to stay put for awhile. Both of us thought it would be a week or two and things would be back to normal. I think both phone calls were on this walk. I started at Coon Rapids Dam and headed west about 5 miles. It was a short distance past Highway 169 where I turned around. This was an out-and-back long walk. I am not sure that a paved flat trail counts as a hike. If you have strong feelings on that, please share.
Right now in Minnesota the trees are in peak color. I would love nothing more than to take off for a week of hiking. It is not in the cards. I have to be satisfied with short trips. A couple days ago I was in a boat with friends on the Mississippi River near Minnehaha Falls. We were outside and far enough apart, I hope. The color on the trees was amazing. For a few hours it was almost like things were normal again.
Paint and Hike 