It Was a Winter Wonderland Last Night!

After doing some Christmas decorating around the house and feeling in the Spirit, we bundled up and went to the Arboretum for their annual Winter Wonderland Lights. And I do mean we bundled up. The kayaking club sent out an email inviting all, to join in the festivities. Normally a drive through event, 2 nights each season are set aside specifically for hikers, last night was one of them.





The beginning arch, inviting us in to see the beautiful displays. It was a chilly 10 degrees out with flurries of snow in the air and a good breeze.

Getting dark early was a plus as we started our hike about 6. A nice group from our club and many others were arriving to brave the weather and enjoy the displays.






School children can submit their ideas and drawings for lighting displays and some are picked for one of the paths. We got a hoot out of the Pink Flamingo with Holly and a Christmas light wreath around it's neck.









Not complete without a "Toyland", we ventured through this arch into another area of delights.












One of the highlights of the hike is this magnificent Light Tree... thousands of bright lights are drawn about 60 feet into the air to make it. It was a little tricky taking pictures in the dark, the camera was sensing the lights and the reflection of the snow made for some interesting results.













I like Toy Airplanes so Peggy took my picture with Frosty as a pilot. Something for everyone at this growing event. Bonfires were lit in a few places for warming up and the Lodge had cocoa and hot apple cider available for treats afterward.









Peggy looked cute and cozy posing with the lollypop lights and candy canes. The snow was really coming down and added to the fun. By the time we were finished with the hike, we were snowmen and snow-women, covered with white.


We stopped on the way home and got some very special, homemade burger meat called "Heidelburger". We made big burgers, spiced with peppers and other stuff, maybe a European type blend of seasonings, and had a great meal when we got home with our appetites.

No end of great, fun things to do here in Brainerd. The Holiday Season is here, along with Winter weather now, making Life and Love even more blessed!

Peace!