The woods

if a tree falls in on a bear in the woods does anyone hear it?   I love the woods and one of the most amazing things about living in St. Paul is that there are acres and acres of woods right in the city.  This tree is near the Mississippi River just across the river from downtown St. Paul in Lilydale.

Asters

I spent some time in the woods last Saturday.  I am looking for places to take photos of the fall color.  I love the woods this time of year.  It is dry and there are so many flowers blooming.  I found these along the brick yard trail in Lilydale park.  I also found clumps of them blooming along the river bluff in Cherokee park in St. Paul.  They are in shades of white and blue and the dark purple New England asters just started blooming.

Lillydale park

According to the Minnesota DNR this fall is going to be more colorful than usual because of the heat and the rain we had during the summer.  They said that last year too and last year was amazing.  These are the woods along the Mississippi River in Lilydale park.  This area is one of my top picks for places close to home where I can photograph fall colors the year.

Mist

When I woke up last Sunday I could hear rain drops hitting the tent.  It wasn’t raining but the dew point was very high.  It turned out to be a gorgeous day.

Woods or Forest?

I spent part of the weekend in the woods and I think it was the best part of the weekend.

spring beauty

These flowers really are called spring beauty.  They are very small and they grow in the woods.  One has to walk carefully and look down to find them.  The spring wildflowers in Minnesota tend to be very small and delicate.  These bloom at about the same time that the buds on the trees open so that is when I start hunting for them. I have a wonderful time hunting.  I love the woods I always have.