Wednesday, October 5, 2011

October adventures

A stretch of Mississippi River that divides Minneapolis and St. Paul residential areas is breath-taking in its autumn colors this year. With Vi and Augie, we drove along St. Paul's East River Road and stopped at this overlook.



The kids enjoyed the color, but they were disappointed that we couldn't climb down the bluffs to the water.



But...we visited another part of the river, where it curves around downtown St. Paul (or vice versa). We took a picnic lunch to Harriet Island, played at the playground, and walked along the river to look at buildings, boats, ducks, and minnows.

The playground includes this impressionistic sternwheeler meant for kids to climb.   
Under the plastic slides and bridges of today's playground equipment are cozy spaces where Augie "opens a restaurant" and serves me lunch. Today's pretend menu was potstickers and lo mein.

A highlight of the day came during our picnic, when Augie pointed to the sky and shouted, "Look! An eagle!" Sure enough, he'd spotted a bald eagle soaring above the Mississippi. It circled slowly above us, and in the noonday sun its white head gleamed against the deep blue sky. Alas, it returned downstream before I managed to get my camera out.

Peter and I have scouted a few Twin Cities bird-watching spots, hoping to find a place that the kids can enjoy. At Harriet Island yesterday, we learned that it only takes one really good bird to make an outing a success. Extra points for playgrounds and colored leaves.

16 comments:

Dee Ready said...

Dear Nancy, what a lovely posting about you and your husband and your two grandchildren on an excursion capped with a sighting of an eagle.

Having lived in Minnesota--Stillwater--for 38 years--I so appreciated your photographs. A lovely place to be.

Peace.

DJan said...

Those colors are so brilliant, the orange against the blue blue sky... and to see an eagle, how exciting! Love your pictures, it brings me right into the scenery...

Rubye Jack said...

Wow! That is so cool that you all spotted an eagle. I've been in Oklahoma for 8 months now and have only seen one.

Thanks for the photos of St Paul. I didn't know it was so pretty. When I think of Minnesota I'm afraid I think only of snow, but I can only imagine how people see Oklahoma. :)

Jeanie said...

The fall colors are stunning. Our mountains are beautiful right now, but not as great at lower altitudes.
How cool that Augie spotted the eagle....a special part of a very fun day.

Abby said...

Cutest kids ever! And still talking about that bald eagle sighting.

Sally Wessely said...

Oh I wish I could have spent this day with all of you. What a perfect day. The fall leaves are just beautiful! Your grandson has quite the eye to spot the eagle. That alone is an amazing thing. You have taught him well. So many children his age would not even notice the bird, and if they did, would have no idea what they were seeing.

I've been away from blogging while on break. It was good to read your blog again.

Far Side of Fifty said...

Hi Nancy, The migration that goes through Duluth at Hawk Ridge is a wonderful spot on a fall day. Augie would love it! I am not sure when it peaks there...soon I would guess. He is so into birds, it is wonderful to see! Great Fall color in your photos:)

Grandmother Mary said...

Good hawking, Augie. What gorgeous fall colors. We haven't started changing here yet so I appreciated your glimpse. What good things you're doing with and teaching your grands. It must bring you great pleasure.

Daughter Number Three said...

Beautiful. I used to take Daughter Number Three-Point-One to the playground on Harriet Island when she was about Augie's age. Do they still have that mini-zipline? What a great example of an urban park.

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

You my dear have captured 'fall' in all her glory. I'm in awe of your glorious colored pics.

God bless ya and have a wonderful weekend sweetie!!! :o)

Unknown said...

Adventure, indeed. What a wonderful day and so beautiful. Thanks for sharing it.

troutbirder said...

Your posts almost always touch my nostalgia button. My spouse grew up in Highland Park only a block from that "river view." Thanks

Indigo Roth said...

Hi Nancy!

What beautiful, BEAUTIFUL trees. And river. And that park is awesome. I must visit your neck of the woods sometime.

Indigo

grammy said...

Sounds like a wonderful outing...
great thing for grandma and Pa to enjoy with the kids.
I would love to see the bald eagle (o:

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

'Just droppin' in to wish you a great day!!! :o)

Marie Loerzel said...

Oh my, the fall leaves are gorgeous!

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