Out of Town Geocaching–Part 2
Now it’s time for the pictures from our Labor Day geocaching adventure at Interstate State Park in Minnesota and Wisconsin, the first interstate park in the nation. The parks offer wonderful opportunities to view geology and its effects. From the Minnesota DNR website, at least 10 different lava flows from ancient earthquakes are exposed. Two distinct glacial deposits are visible. The force of these geological forces can only be imagined.
The picture on the left depicts the distinct potholes caused by pooling and swirling of glacial waters and the subsequent scouring by rocks. The largest of these potholes is 35 feet. The guided nature walk takes you through a concentration of potholes. When filled with water, they form micro-habitats for aquatic life.
The St. Croix River is classified as whitewater, offering challenging whitewater rafting opportunities. I am not one 
of those brave souls, yet I can appreciate the power and majesty of the rushing waters. The best thing about it was hearing and feeling the force of water. If you ever need to feel humble, this is the place. Nature truly reigns supreme.
The Minnesota side was quite busy, probably because of the shopping and dining in Taylor Falls. Well, that and it was Labor Day, after all. Fortunately, the weather couldn’t be more perfect. It was definitely one of those days you did not want to spend outside. Outside was the place to be, and if you could get some geocaching in, all the better.
The Wisconsin side of the park offered what I felt, was a more ancient perspective. It was challenging hiking to find geocaches here. Bluffs on either side of the river made for great elevation changes. My thighs took a beating.
We found a geocache in what may have been the remnants of a cave. Too bad water damaged the cache. Making the find though took us through some spectacular scenery, all the while, challenging us.
We ended up walking six miles. Though exhausted, we truly felt that we had an adventure. It was such a great feeling to be in a place where Nature was in control.
