My favorite season ‘Spring’ is here.. I get utmost joy when the leaves leaf-out and develop into lush green trees..
The long and weary winter is finally over and genesis of new life arise .. I can go out finally without wearing anymore Jackets, vest-coats, etc and just chill on my usual dresses. I don’t need to hibernate at home just gazing the snow..
Photo: Dew drops on the Grass
This Spring I started “Roller-Skating” and I am very eager to learn and master it. 🙂 It’s kind off giving me a new perspective in balancing and controlling my body. I never thought I would get a chance in participating in this sport but I”m glad that I”m learning it. I am amazed by the teachers and their patience to teach each of us, they are all above 50 years of age and are very supportive in every class.
And the next interesting hobby of mine is “Cycling / Biking”, Minneapolis has a vast number of trails and they are easily accessible from where I live. The trails connect both the twin cities and are maintained very well. There is exuberant green foliage on either sides of the trail and biking on that path gives me immense pleasure. When cool breeze touches the face while biking, that feeling cannot be expressed in words. It’s magical..
Since Minnesota has 10,000 lakes it is called LAND OF LAKES and Minneapolis too has major big lakes in and around the city.
The major Bike trails and lakes around which I biked are as follows:
- Lake Calhoun: This is one of the largest lakes and it has stunning bike and walk trail. People come here for lying down near the lake and jog around. I see many people biking, doing feats, reading and relaxing on hammocks, jogging and other physical activities.The lake is part of the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, connecting with Lake of the Isles on the northeast, Cedar Lake on the northwest, and Lake Harriet on the south.
- Lake of the Isles: It is connected to Cedar Lake and Lake Calhoun. In winter it is used for ice skating and hockey. This lake is perfect for kayaking, paddle-boarding and such other activities due to its serene nature.
- Lake Nokomis: It is located in the southern part of the city, west of the Mississippi River and south of Lake Hiawatha. The lake is oval in shape. This is my favorite lake and the kayaking experience in this lake is awe-inspiring. I just love the vast expanse of trees surrounding this lake and I built sand-castles and had fun on this beach.. 🙂
- Kenilworth Trail: This is a paved bicycle trail in Minneapolis. It runs nearly 1.5 miles (2.4 km) and acts as a connector between the Cedar Lake Trail in the north and the Midtown Greenway in the south. Like the Cedar Lake Trail, most of the route is composed of a triple-divided cycleway/pedway with a pair of one-way paths for bicycles and another path for pedestrians.
Photo: Pathway in the Trail..
Photo: Pink Colorful tree
- Midtown Greenway: The Midtown Greenway is a 5.7-mile (9.2 km) rail trail in Minneapolis. It is used both recreationally and for commuting, the partially below-grade Greenway runs east-west about one block north of Lake Street. It provides cyclists, inline skaters, runners and pedestrians a virtually traffic-free route across the city.
- Minnehaha Falls: Minnehaha Creek extends from Lake Minnetonka in the west and flows east for 22 miles (35 km) through several suburbs west of Minneapolis, and continuing through south Minneapolis. The watershed for the creek covers 181 square miles. Along the creek is a 53-foot (16-meter) waterfall, Minnehaha Falls, which is situated 3/4 of a mile from where the stream empties into the Mississippi River.
John Harrington Stevens House near Minnehaha Falls:
John H. Stevens was granted permission to build his house on land controlled by Fort Snelling in exchange for providing ferry service across the Mississippi River. In subsequent years it became a hub of civic and social activity. Dubbed the “Birthplace of Minneapolis”, both Hennepin County and Minneapolis were organized in Stevens’ home; it was in this home that the name ‘Minneapolis’ was suggested.
Photo: Minnehaha Falls
I would go on and on describing my experiences in this wonderful city but wanna keep this blog short and simple… 😛
Minneapolis has gained a special place in my heart, and I cherish the memories this city has given me forever.. 😀 🙂
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