Banning State Park

Over Spring break, Sherri, Mia & I drove up to Banning State Park. It's only about an hour north of us, and has long been on my radar for places to whitewater kayak. We enjoyed a beautiful sunny afternoon, and practically had the entire park to ourselves. It's early enough in the year that people are not too stoked about venturing out in the "chilly" air. We scouted rapids, climbed cliffs, had lunch perched high above Hell's Gate rapid, learned from a local where all the great skinny dipping spots are- gross, weird, and illegal?!#@>&*. It was a perfect getaway for Sherri & I to explore MN scenery and spend some time together- "Just the Two of Us" (cue Bill Wither's funk band). On our way home we called my parents and asked how they felt about two weary hikers, a dog, and a Papa Murphy's pizza showing up on their doorstep.

Old Man Winter still showing his beard

Mia climbed cliffs like a mountain goat

We practically had the trails all to ourselves

Barely beat the 10 second self-timer on this shot

Icefalls

Found this cavern by accident- power of erosion!

I am definitely going to drop my boat in here someday

Creepy wide-mouth Grandfather tree