Each summer since we’ve been in Minnesota we’ve gone on at least one camping trip. For the past several years we’ve gone to the same spot in the Jay Cooke State Park campground. One year we were rained out and got refunded for some of our reservation. Two years ago was the great flood that closed our favorite Jay Cooke and we got refunded our entire reservation. I think maybe we didn’t go camping that year. But this year again it looked like lousy weather so we opted to cancel at Jay Cooke and on the fly chose to camp at Wild River State Park. We had camped there before but it’s been many years. It may have been where Miss M camped for the first time.
We chose a spot the same way we found the best spot at Jay Cooke: by looking at the map of the campground online and doing our best to choose the most private spot. And we got “the” best spot at Wild River, according to hubby dearest. It was rather nice, so nice we’re talking about going back there again. And likely at the same spot. Wild River is in a very scenic area along the St. Croix River. We can see Wisconsin from the banks of the St. Croix.
Once we got the tent set up we set out for a hike. This park has 35 miles of trails! And there was a path to one of them right next to our campsite. Of course I took photos along the way. Here’s my photo tour of our trip to another great Minnesota State Park. We will be back!
A few photos from our hike down to the river:
Some beautiful things we saw along the way:
Check out these great reflections! The river was so still, and the sky with white puffy clouds and brilliant blue sky. It was so beautiful:
While we were hiking along the river a small rain shower happened by. In fact, here is a photo of the rain cloud that passed by:
Naturally we wondered if it was raining at the campground. We weren’t sure we had secured anything that might get wet. It did rain a little but all seemed well. We started to talk about making dinner when it started to rain again. Miss M and I hid out in the tent and hubby later joined us when it didn’t stop after 5 or so minutes. We sat in there for about 20 minutes while it rained. It was actually quite pleasant. Here’s the view from the tent:
The weather was nearly perfect, albeit a little soggy. After the rain it never really dried out. The towels I used in the evening were still damp in the morning. But that’s why you bring extra towels :)
travels with toby 
Sounds delightful. I used to like camping a long time ago and then we had a flood and floating didn’t agree with me, nor getting wet while I slept. :-D
BTW, how do you get your pictures to do that? All together etc.
I’ve been camping my whole life but the older I get the more I see that I won’t be doing this in my later years :) I haven’t gotten wet camping in a long time. so far our tent does not have holes!
You create a gallery to put the photos all together. Here’s a link for more information. Thanks for stopping by!
I don’t remember the good times camping only the wet and cold ones. :-D :-D
Thanks so much for the link. Duh. I guess I could have searched WordPress. Thanks again. <3
not a problem! glad to help :)
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What a beautiful place to camp! Love the lush green. The reflections shots are unbelievable. Great captures of wildflowers :) Thank you for sharing, Tobyo!
we really have some beautiful state parks. I’m glad you enjoyed the photo tour. Thanks for stopping by!
Toby, I love being caught in the rain while in the woods in a tent or shelter, like a screened in porch. Looks like fun. BTG
oh I agree….as long as it’s not prolonged. this one lasted just long enough :)