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March 02, 2013
St Paul, MN
Pike Island Hike & Snowshoe |
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Coordinator: Joyce Butler |
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Click on the small pictures to view the full-size photos |
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Photos by: Pam Anderson |  |
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| Pike Island Hike & Snowshoe by Pam Anderson The snow was sparkling silver; the sky a cloudless, sapphire blue as seven ULLR’s, one guest and a dog ventured onto Pike Island. The temperature had been 10 degrees in the early morning but quickly rose to the high twenties by 1:30. We followed the circle trail; some of us hiking and some snowshoeing; past tall, stately pines, swamps and open areas; always keeping the rivers to the left. The open Mississippi gurgled softly; the edges looked brittle and ominous for any animal or person venturing onto them. A lone black crow sat on the half submerged branch ignoring us as we passed by. Black-capped chickadees were seen darting about the sun-drenched masses of boughs and could be heard singing the cheeriest song of the north from within the branches. A delightful highlight of the trek was seeing three deer frolicking on the frozen-over Minnesota River as we began on the curved trail towards the bridge. One slipped, fell, and then rejoined the others once he managed to right himself. It didn’t seem to dampen his spirits. With the ice being unpredictable and treacherous, we were glad when they heard us coming and bee-lined off into the woods, their white flags quickly disappearing. After several hours of aerobic exercise, due to icy conditions and slow going, the bridge back to the main land was seen as we rounded a corner. I heard Sally say “We’ll all sleep good tonight”. |
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