Lake Maria

Last weekend we went camping. Just an hour away to "run through the steps" before we go too far up here. Well, when I called to get the info, she said all her spots were "hike in". I thought that would be ok; we have a wagon we can load up and pull. Oh my, we were in for a surprise!

We got on the wrong trail, the horse trail. It was horrible ~ bumpy ~ tree roots sticking up all over the place ~ our wagon overturned 3 times before we found the right trail. We got everything packed back on and found the wide, smooth trail.

Did you see the trail in the above pictures? Yeah, we didn't really either. But when we found the path we were supposed to take, we were grateful. It was a mile hike in from the parking lot. Read it again, ONE MILE with the dogs, aired up mattress (since I didn't buy a pump), and wagon.

It was really beautiful out here, unlike any campsite I've ever seen. The sites are secluded, 1/8 to 1/4 mile between each site. These pictures were taken as we walked the trail to our campsite.

 

The food was delicious, since we looked like the Beverly Hillbillies with our make shift wagon we figured we brought better food than anyone else there. Not sure if it was worth it.

Chokeberry Honey Pies

Burgers and beans

Potato Pouches

 

 I did figure out something that never truly made sense. "The stars at night, are big and bright..." I believe the reason Texans can proudly claim this is because Minnesota has so many trees, when you look up to the sky you can't see the stars.

This is some kind of fungus that grew on this tree. It was on the interpretive trail and someone had cut it open to expose the inside of the growth.

Turtles were everywhere!

Our campsite was plenty big with gorgeous views!

This is a food box. They are evidently standard up here. You lock up all of your food, toothpaste, etc. ~ anything that has smell ~ every night to keep the animals away. 

The Super Poopers finally got used to the wilderness sounds and relaxed enough to nap.

~ On the ground ~

~ On me ~

After two nights of owls, wild turkeys, turtles, white tail does, coyotes, loudly singing frogs and crickets, we packed up the wagon and headed back to the truck.

It was much easier to get out than coming in.

We did stop to rest on a log.

But it was so much fun, we're ready to go again! 

(With a few modifications, of course!)