A cooler day, lower humidly & the yearn to see new trails! We were on the road early for the 100-mile drive to
Lake of Three Fires State Park. Butch & I first visited here on the fifteenth to help local riders do some trail-clearing. We saw enough of the park - to make me want to bring Farah & see the trails from the saddle.
It seemed like a long drive down - but well worth it!
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Beautiful camping~ |
I'd picked up a map. The trails where Butch & I had cleared were at south end of the lake - I rode out that direction. What
plan I had - was to ride the trails closest to the water all the way around.
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Signage~ |
The signage couldn't have been better. The Rangers had driven us over the bridge below before dropping us off, so I knew we were heading the right way.
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Bridge Ahead~ |
Farah stopped to look - almost in surprise - then walked across - the concrete making a hollow sound. At the first fork, we turned right & soon were rewarded with our first view of the lake.
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From the south~ |
There was a footpath & narrow bridge below us, our trail turned to my left.
Another sign - with a notation in red - that the it was eight-miles around the lake!
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Looking north~ |
We were in the shade, the bugs weren't too bad & there was a cool breeze. The map showed more trails, too fun!
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One of the wider trails~ |
The scenery was stunning! No, it's not the high country, nor the wild beauty of the Western States, but for the heart of the Midwest - it's a gem.
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First of the ponds~ |
We came upon one of the ponds, there are four on the map, along with two large wetland areas.
Wetlands are so rare here & there's an effort to restore them.
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Across the dike~ |
The day was heating up - we both looked forward to the next section of trees as the trail wound around. The next pond had a picnic table & we crossed another dike before dropping down to the edge of the lake again.
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Looking back south at the lake~
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The trail did a super job of winding from up on the hillside, back to the waterfront & we enjoyed several great views from different points along the shoreline.
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Close to the north end~ |
Still following the signposts, we'd found the point where the trail turned almost due south, back toward camp, or up & onto what I'll call the perimeter trails. My Garmin was showing just over six-miles - I decided to forgo our ride
around - for seeing more trail! We took the left fork at the "Y" that turned north.
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Blooming lily's |
It took us to yet another pond, where the water lily's were in full bloom!
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Going up~ |
From there, we were on an overgrown two-track that eventually took us back into the woods & past an amazing wetland.
There was absolutely no movement in the water.
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From the far end~ |
I didn't see another wetland? But we did find the another pond. We'd been going along the west boundary of the park.
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Pond furthest west~ |
I stopped to take a photo when I heard a dry rustling sound & Farah jumped! I looked up to see a Huge doe go jumping & running across the hillside on the far side of the fence. It is Totally amazing how high they jump & how fast they go!
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Young buck |
By the time I'd collected Farah & got my camera ready - I caught a quick shot of a young buck - following the doe. Just a short trot further & we made the turn back onto the trail where we'd started our ride. Once back at camp, I looked around & found a trail heading to the north.
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North trail bridge~ |
When we'd made the turn at the top, I'd ridden down the trail way & could just see a bridge. Now, after another short trot, I recognized the same bridge, only from the other direction. I was glad I'd decided to turn & follow the perimeter trails back.
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A drink~ |
There was actually a little creek here that horses could access, with rock, rather than the usual mud. I think Farah was as surprised as I was. This is the first time she's been able to get a drink on the trail.
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Our route~ |
We covered twelve-miles & appreciated every one. Back in camp I used our new hose & nozzle to spray Farah down. Much easier & faster than using buckets! She even allowed me to spray her face - a first!
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Drying in the shade~ |
We'd ridden the trails for a little longer than the round-trip drive time. A perfect place for a weekend camping trip!
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