A Hike At Devil's Lake (Photo Essay)

As some of you are aware, we went back to Devil's Lake today. Once again the weather was warm and nice, and once again overcast when it called for sun. Don't get me wrong I dislike the heat the sun gives off for hiking, but it's the best lighting for photography as well.

Well, we arrived and right off people were parked in the entrance (not allowed to do) and swarming around taking photos. So much for getting a shot of that area. So we went up more and took photos there, though I had to wait a good long while for the traffic to go through.

It was worth it though. Look how beautiful!

We tried the nature center looking for a map, and just because we were curious what was inside. Well, we are still curious what is inside as it was closed! We ventured off a but to see the pretty trees and snap some photos of Gideon and the trees. (Imagine these shots, lol)  He decided he now has a fascination of moss, and I got a photo of him "petting" some mossy patches.

We also discovered some Effigy Mounds. Wow! What a discovery!

Then we went into the info center. I didn't like it there, to be honest. I never would have thought a State Park info center would have so many, uh, formerly alive animals in such a small place. :(

We looked at a map and decided what - if any - new trail we could try. We found an aspahlt paved one with a cave and an elephant rock that looked nice.

Off we went to find the trail.. this proved to be a lot more difficult than we intended, but we found it.  I also found this nice shot while we were scouting out the trail.

Still while looking for the trail I noticed that the sun tried to peek through the clouds, resulting in this streaming effect.

There were a lot of turkey vultures swirling overhead as always.

Anyway, up we went and there were a lot of dogs and people coming down. We must have waited a good 10 or more minutes to get this shot. Look how beautiful.. it was worth the wait! In the meantime Gideon sat on a mossy tree stump and I got a couple photos here as well of him.

Up the trail we went amazed by the beauty. Here's another section.

 There were a few look out areas that you could look over the side of the bluffs. This was the view from one. The area where those rocks are was the area where wehiked last weekend.

There was a cave here - the Elephant Cave - but the photos didn't really turn out as I had to hurry to avoid blocking the trail. 

We encountered this little chipmunk that despite his best efforts did not hide from my camera.

Another view from the bluffs. I love how the sun is streaming through.

A particulary pretty section of the trail.

We wound up turning back right after this area. It was late and the trail was a lot longer than we expected. No Elephant Rock for us.

The trip back had a lovely view of the sunset, though. I'll do an essay of that maybe tomorrow.