"Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat." - Laura Ingalls Wilder

Cross Ranch State Park

It was ferociously windy today; It didn't stop my old roommate and I from hiking Cross Ranch State Park, though! We hiked on the trails in the trees, since the trails by the river were so windy. Which was a bummer, since I think those trails are much prettier and more scenic. Oh well! We'll be back to hike those trails later spring/summer.

I bought a year pass to all the ND state parks. (It was $5 for a day pass and $20 for a year pass...pretty reasonable I'd say!) So I plan on taking Ruger lots...hopefully! Maybe we can even get my hubby to tag along a few times. (He's not much of a hiker.)

maplewood state park

I love these mother-daughter horseback trips. 

Nothing quite like spending the day outside, with no bugs, and a temperature in the 70's.

Oh, and enjoying a big piece of pie at the Cornfield Cafe after!

By the way, did our trailer shrink?! We were just finishing up our lunch when we heard a loud diesel engine turning into the park. It wasn't long before we saw a big semi truck hauling a huge horse trailer and we thought for sure they would park at a campsite and stay awhile, but, they ended up pulling next to us, in the day parking! I had to snap picture. I find our trailer cute! :)

Cross Ranch

Yesterday I spent the day exploring another state park that is kind of close to where we live - Cross Ranch State Park! I enjoyed it, but the pesky mosquitoes were out in full force.

The path I walked on was right along the bank of the Missouri River.

I also walked by numerous tenters and campers and found out that I'm not the only one enjoying the beautiful (and unusually warm) end of September weather!

Along the path they had interpretive signs describing the history, geology, and wildlife of the area. From one particular sign I learned that Cross Ranch, which used to be called Gaines Ranch, was once part of an 11,000 acre ranch owned by A.D. Gaines. He acquired Theodore Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Brand. When the ranch was sold in 1956, it was renamed the "Cross Ranch" in honor of Theodore Roosevelt. Eventually, Cross Ranch State Park was a gift to the people of North Dakota on the state's 100th birthday in 1989.

I discovered that the park has cross country skis and snowshoe rentals as well as Yurts available for rent year round. The gears in my head are already turning with the thought of returning this winter for a night or two...

lake sakakawea state park

Yesterday, while Aaron was fishing, I explored the gently rolling prairie trails of Lake Sakakawea State Park. 

It was just too beautiful outside to stay inside.