A Rock in my Path - Frontenac State Park in Minnesota

A Rock in my Path - Frontenac State Park in Minnesota, originally uploaded by Carl's Photography.

A Rock in my Path - Frontenac State Park in Minnesota

We went hiking on the bluffs and then down through the forest. The wet earthy smell of the forest was great and the temperature was perfect. The ferns, moss, rocks and granite made for a very intriguing setting.

A Winding Curvy Road in Devil's Lake State Park - Wisconsin

A Winding Curvy Road in Devil's Lake State Park - Wisconsin, originally uploaded by Carl's Photography.

A Winding Curvy Road in Devil's Lake State Park - Wisconsin.

As we drove through the park, I hopped out, setup my tripod in the middle of the road and photographed this scene. I had to yank my tripod out of the way of an oncoming car at one point! It has just finished raining and then misting earlier and the air was fresh with the moist humid forest air and the smells of the forest.

It is great to be alive - view at 'Great River Bluffs State Park in Minnesota'

It is great to be alive - view at 'Great River Bluffs State Park in Minnesota', originally uploaded by Carl's Photography.

It is great to be alive - view at 'Great River Bluffs State Park in Minnesota'

The air had a bit of crispness to it but the sun was warm. A deep breath in through your nose revealed the scents of the forests. I really enjoyed these scenic views.

Devil's Lake in Devil's Lake State Park - Wisconsin

Devil's Lake in Devil's Lake State Park - Wisconsin, originally uploaded by Carl's Photography.

Devil's Lake in Devil's Lake State Park - Wisconsin

Here is another view from our momentary stop at the lake. There were hundreds of swallows swooping down over the lake surface and eating bugs! Lots of birds high in the sky as well.

Natalie and Danielle

Natalie and Danielle, originally uploaded by Carl's Photography.

While we hiked throught the forest, Natalie and Danielle shared an earbud a piece while listening to their mp3 player. Lots of giggles and laughs were heard from them as we walked.

Family Photo at Great River Bluffs State Park in Minnesota

Family Photo at Great River Bluffs State Park in Minnesota, originally uploaded by Carl's Photography.

Family Photo at Great River Bluffs State Park in Minnesota

While hiking on the trails, we came to this lovely view.

Clear View of the Mississippi River Basin from "Great River Bluffs State Park" in Minnesota

Clear View of the Mississippi River Basin from "Great River Bluffs State Park" in Minnesota, originally uploaded by Carl's Photography.

Clear View of the Mississippi River Basin from "Great River Bluffs State Park" in Minnesota

We finally bought a state park pass. We would never have seen this park, but I missed my turn and the GPS routed us by the back road and I saw this small state park in southern Minnesota. We bought a state park pass and hiked through the trails to vistas like this. It was a wonderful afternoon for hiking and for photos. The sun was hot, but under the canopy it was cool and crisp.

Approximately 20 miles southeast of Winona at the junction of U.S. Highway 61 and Interstate 90. Park entrance is accessed off of County Road 3. Coming from the west or southeast via I90, take exit 266 and follow park signs. Coming from Winona, south on Hwy 61 (just past mile marker 15), take a right on County Road 3 for 4 miles to the park entrance.

At Devils Lake in Devil's Lake State Park , Wisconsin

At Devils Lake in Devil's Lake State Park , Wisconsin, originally uploaded by Carl's Photography.

At Devils Lake in Devil's Lake State Park , Wisconsin. During our visit to the Wisconsin Dells, we went driving Sabbath afternoon a bit. We stopped here on the shore while I photographed the scene. The next photo I took was a family photo.

Wilderness Canyon Zip Line at the Glacier Canyon Lodge at Wisconsin Dells, Wi

Wilderness Canyon Zip Line at the Glacier Canyon Lodge at Wisconsin Dells, Wi, originally uploaded by Carl's Photography.

Wilderness Canyon Zip Line at the Glacier Canyon Lodge at Wisconsin Dells, Wi

I attended a conference here and while we were here we rode the zip line. Exhilirating! The first step off the first run sure is a leap of faith! Unfortunately, we road it while it was 35 degrees and rainy. BRRR! The last day of our trip, we took this photo and it had already warmed up some.

Strobist: Pop up flash in commander mode triggering. SB-900, SB-800, SB-600 at full power 1/1 into a 45" Impact white shoot through umbrella at camera left and above.

Fresh Strawberry Growth

Fresh Strawberry Growth, originally uploaded by Carl's Photography.

The flowers on the strawberry plants show that it will soon be time to eat lucious red strawberries!

Fresh Evergreen Growth

Fresh Evergreen Growth, originally uploaded by Carl's Photography.

While walking around outside at Julie's place, I amused myself finding various things to photograph.

Natalie

Natalie, originally uploaded by Carl's Photography.

Natalie with her Sabbath Dress on. We were about ready to go to church at Sunnydale in the Sturgeon, Mo area. We were staying with Kevin and Julie.