Not a "Sign" of Spring This Fun Day In Brainerd

Kind of a pun, we've not seen a sign like it before, and was not what we expected when I told Peggy I had a great idea for a place to hike. We had heard of some trail restrictions, this must be part of that. Oh well, after a good laugh, we decided to hike the frozen road we drove to get into French Rapids on the Mississippi. French Rapids has quite an extensive trail system that I've hiked with the kayak club before. Following the hills along the river and back into the woods near the airport, it is a beautiful area. Many years ago, before the dam was constructed in Brainerd for the paper mill, this was an area of rapids on the river. Now with deeper water, it is just a fabulous recreational area of the Mississippi.






Bright Sun, not a cloud in the sky, fresh snow made it all very white and very beautiful. It was great to have the temperature hanging in the low 30's, we dressed warm, but not bundled in heavy layers like we have been earlier this month.



Some trees still had leaves and the slight breeze made a nice rustling sound from the woods.

Peggy was wearing brand new Merrell mid-height hikers and had very happy feet!



The high banks of the river are gorgeous any time of year, they were especially lovely today, in our mood for sunshine and fresh air.











A great view of a backwater area of the river, Peggy and I have kayaked the river just down stream from here.











Warming up with our brisk walking, Peggy shed a layer. The road, with it's hard pack snow and ice, gentle curves and downhill slopes to the river, made me think of a "Flexible Flyer" and what a great ride it would be to slide down the entire length...








Walking and talking, small airplanes were taking off and landing over and over at the nearby airport. Maybe flying lessons were going on.

We had eaten earlier at one of our favorite places, Matty's. Old blues playing, nice atmosphere, fresh coffee, I had a great cheeseburger and Peggy had a grilled chicken sandwich with sweet potato fries and their "secret" sauce. Good fuel for a great hike.




From the parking area, looking down stream, we've kayaked almost to this point from Lum Park in Brainerd last Summer and Fall. The water must be fairly deep here, I've seen the emergency departments practicing underwater scuba rescues in this area... pretty cool.

Saturday was a hoot at work, Community Day, a huge sale and lots of activity. When I was done with my shift, Peggy came, and we had to cruise through the store and find some good deals. Lots of fun, as usual, shopping, visiting, and getting a few things. There was a company "pot-luck" because of the busy sale, and I brought a Thai Curry Beef and Fried Rice dish. Lots of good food and treats for that....

All in all, a very good weekend, weather cooperating with activities, thoughts of Spring coming to mind, great food, good relaxation and fun!

Not sure if we want more Winter or are anxious for Spring, Life and Love continue to be Blessed!

Peace!