During this past week St. Paul celebrated its Winter Carnival which revolves around activities related to an elaborate legend. This weekend across the river Minneapolis celebrates with its modern, fitness oriented, City of Lakes Loppet. I would highly recommend checking out their website if you love outdoor winter fun; there seems to be something for everyone. I was too late yesterday to see the ice bike racing, but hope to watch some fat bike racing this afternoon.
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Water’s flow interrupted
As ice along the way
Delayed…
Delayed…
Delayed…
Will flow again…some day
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While riding on trails through the woods in winter I occasionally come across the evidence of predation. It isn’t pretty, but it does remind me that life and death are a part of this beautiful world. It is easy to forget these facts as an urban citizen. I find it valuable to have a reminder from time to time.
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Downtown St. Paul Winter Carnival ice sculptures are always impressive.
Cycling through Fort Snelling State Park, which is across the street from MSP international airport, can be a noisy experience. This plane is literally only 100 feet above my head as I cycle my “quiet” wooded path.
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As I cycled along I heard voices. I turned and saw I was passing a slot canyon created in the bluff by natural water drainage. I parked the bike, grabbed my camera, and carefully picked my way over the ice stream into the slot. And there they were; ice climbers on the same pitch I photographed from the trail above 10 days ago. Perspectives; all brought to me by my salsa mukluk’s ability to roll on the snow:)
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In blocks of snow… What do you see?… I see a chore… Not opportunity
I cycled over to the state fairgrounds today to view the snow sculpting competition in progress. These teams are professionals competing for a $1000 prize and an entry in the world championships. Impressive work.
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Each year since 1886 St. Paul, Minnesota has held a ten day Winter Carnival to embrace and celebrate winter, and its eventual end, through the legend of the battle between Boreas, “King of the Winds”, and Vulcanus Rex, “The God of Fire”. The Grande Day Parade is designed for King Boreas and his minions to shine. The ten day celebration ends with the Torchlight Parade in which Vulcanus Rex conquers the King of the Cold and ushers in spring. I may actually have to turn out at the Torchlight Parade to cheer on the coming of spring. The cold seems to have a strong grip on us this year.
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As seen from the Cedar Lake cycling trail.
Riding through these cattails is on top of my list of favorite new experiences with my mukluk. I used to play for hours in these weeds with my vizlas when they were in their prime. They loved to tromp through here looking for wildlife; and for me once I was “lost”. I’m glad to have a chance to visit a place already rich with happy memories and make some new ones tromping over paths like this with my fat tires.
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