GeoCaching In Banning State Park

Kettle River - Banning State Park

Today was the perfect day to go out a geocache. We left early and headed about 35 miles north of our home to cache in Banning State Park. The cache is located along a self guided trail. As we walked the trail we would stop and would read the brochure on what the importance of the area was back in 1892-1912. We learned alot about the sandstone that was quarried here and how there was a railroad line through this area also. Some of the area was devastated during the Hinckley Fire in 1894. There were times where it felt like we were in a movie looking for the treasure because of how there are still partial structures standing. So, not only did we fine the cache we learned alot along the way. So our next adventure will be to check out some other quarries in the area.
Now for your viewing pleasure I thought I would show you some pictures and give you alittle history that goes with them.

Here in this picture you can see areas that had been drilled for them to use explosives to blow out the stone

Here Jim and the kids are looking down a hole in the quarry. These types of areas are now used as dens for gods critters.

This is the power house. Here is where there was large coal fired steam generator with a 20 foot fly wheel. Inside the power house they also had a artesian well that they would use to bottle water. This was aside business they had going on.

This area is where they would crush rock that was not used for building to be used for cement mix and or as road bed. Between these two walls a train would sit to be filled. This is the Dragons Tooth Rapids. Known for its beauty and unpredictability.Here is some of the regrowth. There are several plants here that only grow in one other place in MN. One of them is Birds-eye Primrose.

Well I hope you enjoyed our little tour.

Lost Phone

Here is the story. On Saturday I took the kids out Geocaching for the day. We had a plan of at least 15 caches to find. We were doing great until I realized on our way back from a cache that I realized that my phone feel out of my pocket of my sweatshirt. After returning to the car with the kids I told them I need to go back and get my phone. I found it where it fell out and was quite relived that I found it. Called Jim and told him Found my phone. He said I did not know you lost it. I decided that I should put it in my camera case from here on out. After a quick pit stop we were off and caching again. We ended up at Riverwalk park. I decided it was best if mom went to get the cache since it was on the other side of the river and was a steep climb and did not want the kids to get hurt. So I handed the camera and the camera bag to Brit and Little man. We logged our find and off we went to a bunch more. After about 45 min I realized I had no PHONE. I had only taken out the camera bag at Riverwalk park and our last stop. So, the kids and I retraced all the caches we had been at between the two. NO PHONE. OK, unable to call husband and find out if someone has called about the phone. Or even tell him I lost it. CRAP.
Off to home we go. Now, Jim, myself and the kids go back with his phone and start to look for it. No luck.
Now here is where it get juicy. We get back home and Jim says Call SPRINT. You had the location turned on on your phone they should be able to get you the coordinates.
Why didn't I think of that. I call them and tell them I lost my phone BUT I had the LOCATION on. So, if you could just give me the coordinates of the phone I could find it. That is what I do locate things with my GPS for fun. I hear I'm sorry we are unable to get that information. The only way to do it is if you had a phone already with the SUBSCRIPTION of locating on. Now I can not just turn it on and pay the $25.00 or what ever it costs so I can find my phone. No, I am sorry.
Now I am upset. I told them to turn the phone off. I have now sent an email to sprint in regards to being unhappy about this whole location thing. I'll keep you posted.
On, Sunday I got a new phone.
And guess what? Monday night I get a call telling me someone found my PHONE at RIVERWALK PARK. Go figure.
From now on I will leave the phone in the glove box.

Just thinking

I am really missing mom today. Knowing that tomorrow is Mothers Day. I usually am looking at all the wonderful plants and items for the yard for her. But I have yet to walk in to a greenhouse. I have no interest in doing my own planting. Every year I would try to get her a new a unique plant. That way when it came up the next year she could look at it and think of me. Now I go and see all the plants I have given her over the years and am sadden by the fact that she is not here to enjoy them. I have yet to decide what I am doing for Mothers Day. Am I going to my parents or am I going to stay home.
I have thought about going and doing some New State Park Geocaches early in the morning. But after that I have no clue.
I feel I may have to figure something out.

Trip To Green Bay Part 2

So I showed you all the fun we had for my aunt. So, we also tried to go other places while we were in town. And around Green Bay.

Here is the Titletown Trolley. No we did not ride it but I thought it was cool to see.This picture was taken at Titletown Brewery. I have purchased beer and rootbeer in the past when we were there. What a good place to visit.They were both excited to be there. It was little mans first trip to Green Bay.Here are the kids in front of the statues at Lambeau.

Just do not look at the Gas prices. You may cry.This is where the Packers Practice.Of course there was Geocache hided there so we had to drop a travel Bug off.Armed Forces Memorial. Right across from Lambeau Field.

Little man in front of a mural inside Lambeau.

Now tomorrow I will be finishing our trip highlights. Here is some food for thought. Kissy face with camels. Furniture all over and Biting turtles. Making you think, huh.