Hiking William O'Brien State Park
April 8, 2006

 

While in Circle Pines, we had a few hours to kill before dinner at Carbone's Restaurant as part of The Great 2006 MnGCA Poker Run, so we drove just a few miles northeast to William O'Brien State Park. We first stopped in at the park office to purchase a new state parks permit for the car as our previous one expired in March.

Then we parked at the main trailhead and began the circuit of the Hiking Club Trail. This loop was nearly 6 miles long -- one of the longest hiking club hikes of all -- and led through rolling wooded hills and meadows. It was a beautiful day for a walk, and we finished in just about two hours with just enough time to make it to the restaurant by 6:00pm.
 
Relevant links: Minnesota DNR
Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota		 William O'Brien State Park

 
Jonas is ready to hit the trail!

But first some leg stretches.

Now he's really ready!

The view from one of the picnic tables where we paused for rehydration and to take in the serene view.

Another view from our resting location.

Woo! The Hiking Club password to prove we earned those 6 miles! No, we're not telling what the password is!