Photos by:

Nancy Sand

Carpenter Nature Center Hike – Perfect in 2012

 Remember the November 2011 Carpenter Nature Center hike: snow, sleet, cold, got lost, rescued by sympathetic homeowner!

This year’s October 2012 Carpenter Nature Center hike: sun, warm, didn’t get lost, followed correct trail!  Seventeen ULLRs and special guest Celia (Patti and John’s Granddaughter) happily spent Sunday October 21 outside in beautiful fall Minnesota weather. 

Fifteen of us soon shed jackets and sweaters as we trekked up and down hills and steps with stops to catch our breath and drink some water.  We hiked nearly four miles.  Views of the St. Croix River, deep ravines, rocky bluffs, savanna grasses, and trees kept us in awe of Mother Nature’s wonders.  We walked over picturesque wood bridges and struggled to keep our balance on a wobbly dock down by the river.

Carolyn B, Patti F and her Granddaughter Celia took a shorter trail which allowed them to spend time in the Nature Center observing Minnesota turtles and learning about wildlife and trees in the area.

Of course, after all that fresh air and exercise, we were famished and went to the American Legion in Hastings to quench our thirst and have some lunch.  We had a great view of the old and new Hastings bridges and envied several people enjoying what was probably a last day of nice weather for boating.

We thank our hosts, Carolyn Buswell and John Egan, for a fabulous day!