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| Hiking | 2.80 Miles |
50 AEG |
| | Hiking | 2.80 Miles | 3 Hrs | | 1.40 mph |
| 50 ft AEG | 1 Hour Break | | | |
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| no partners | | The timing of this triplog may seem out of place as Arizona weathers through heat, drought and fires, here in Minnesota, we're experiencing record amounts of rain. Pat (my wife) and I had been on the verge of cabin fever as we were confined to our air conditioned home. The weather has been raining, humid, blowing, and just plain wet.
So as the weather cleared up, we quickly made plans to get out and get some fresh air. Pat has wanted to get back to Minnehaha Falls, and I haven't been there since my teen age years, so I packed my camera stuff into the SUV and we took off.
We arrived at the park well before noon, which was good because we found good parking and we were ahead of the crowds. It's a short walk from the parking lot to the upper falls viewing area where the normally complacent creek was now swollen from all of the rain runoff.
We followed the stairs down to the lower creek viewing areas where the mist from the falls could be felt on exposed skin. The forest and brush were green and lush against a cloudless blue sky making for a surreal experience with the falls showing through in the distance.
The lower falls has signs, fences and gates to prevent the more adventurous from getting too close to the falls where slippery rocks and fast water present hazards. It's a short distance from the falls to the confluence with the Mississippi River as the creek winds its way through the forest and low brush. Paths are wide and well maintained as they wind through the forest alongside the rock strewn Minnehaha Creek.
Back up on top, the park's main concession building includes a sea food restaurant where a good meal of sufficient quantity can be had for $10.50 (drink not included) and a large well shaded outdoor eating area. Touring the 193 scenic acre park is great for the bicyclist, just bring your own or rent one from the park's concessions. When the weather's nice, be prepared for a crowded experience as the park welcomes around 850,000 visitors annually.
When I was a member of the Minnesota Air National Guard, I drove past the entrance each month as I was on my way to the airport. I guess I should have stopped occasionally as this is a very exciting place to visit. |
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| On every trip into the Superstitions, I find another Gold Mine. Today the mine was filled with Memories. I can not wait for the next trip. |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
Everything is lush and green this year and clouds are frequently breaking out and a sprinkle of rain isn't too far behind. Temps are in the 80's and humidity is in the 70's so it doesn't take much exercise to break into a good sweat... 
I was surprised to find so little mosquito activity, but I'm not complaining either, but I did swat a couple of deer flys that were trying to feed on the back of my neck... 
