Matt and I took our 2nd camping trip of the year over the 4th of July long weekend. The weather was perfect for camping! We headed up to St. Croix State Park, near the Hinkley area. This was both our first time at St. Croix State Park.
Our campsite (#212) set up. Matt was tending to the grill...mmmm dinner!
Matt sporting my shades.
I think he looks better in them than I do! Ha :)
The St. Croix river. On the opposite bank from us was Wisconsin.
While venturing around the campground, we found this teeny tiny strawberry growing wild along the road.
Camping selfie attempt #1... Matt being goofy.
Camping selfie attempt #2...ok it was my turn.
Ok, we got this one right! ha
I took a brief walk along a trail at dusk on our first night to see if I could see the sunset to get a picture. The area was too wooded, but I captured this shot of the moon and the evening sky instead.
A night shot of Matthew sitting by the campfire (long exposure).
On Independence Day we took a hike along one of the paved bike trails in the park. Along this trail, we noticed many open areas with little or no trees. Three years ago, the park was hit with straight line winds that took down a large portion of the park's trees. Six years ago, a tornado also went through the park. It was apparent that there was significant damage left behind.
The paved bike trail led to the historic Yellowbanks CCC camp site area. In the early 1930's, government programs developed the Civilian Conservation Corps, which employed thousands of unemployed men during the depression era. The Yellowbanks area along the St. Croix river became home to many men, who spent 3 years building roads, camps, and campgrounds in the existing area. Above is the CCC camp, where the flagpole once stood.
Matt stands upon what once was the Headquarters of the CCC camp. Daily tasks decisions were made here by the U.S. Army and National Park Service.
Imagine having this area as your backyard... the "higher ups" that led the group of men at camp lived in this area of the CCC camp away from the workers.
This area of the camp held the Recreation building. This building served many purposes, including the dining area for the men, and a place where games were played. The only portion of the building that remains is the brick stove.
The brick fireplace/stove of the Rec building.
On our way back to camp, I stopped to take a shot of this controlled burn area along the trail.
Later that evening, we drove to the opposite side of the park to observe the fire tower. The tower was also built by the CCC group in the 30's.
The view from ground level.
Unfortunately, my fear of heights got the best of me. I was only able to climb up the first 12 steps before becoming too terrified to go any further. I handed off my camera to Matt, and away to the top he went. He was able to get a few photos of the overview of the park from the top of the tower.
Miles of view
I circled this area in the photo; to me, it looked like a flying eagle shape.
I wish I would of been able to be courageous enough to see this!! :(
On our way back to camp after the fire tower observation, we stopped at the Kettle River Overlook point. This is a great view of the river.
More river views.
There are several creeks and streams that run through St. Croix State Park as well. Here, Bear Creek.
On Saturday, we took a hike along the Sundance Trail. We noticed this twisted and curvy tree along the trail.
More damage from past storms were apparent along this trail.
Saturday afternoon we took another drive back towards the fire tower to see more of the area. This area was fully wooded and was missed by the past storms.
In color or black & white, the view still looks beautiful!
Kettle River Highbanks; the overlook.
I tried taking a long exposure to get a different look of the overview.
Kayakers venturing down the Kettle River.
The Kettle Riverbank.
Another overlook along the drive.
One more glance at Bear Creek before heading back to camp that evening to enjoy a campfire.
