PHOTOS OF

SAND RIDGE STATE FOREST

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Here it is! Proof that cactus plants do indeed survive in the American Midwest, even through the annual winters. When we checked in at the ranger station to get our backpacking permit, I asked which section of the forest we should hike in order to see the cactus plants. The ranger replied, "They are everywhere." He then took us out of the office to the side of the road and pointed out a number of species within feet of the roadway. He continued, saying, "Anywhere there is a clearing, you will find them." And he was correct. The prickly pear plants were not as tall as in Arizona, since the growing season is so much briefer here, so they were often much shorter than the surrounding plants. But they were abundant and healthy, and we were fortunate in arriving when the yellow flowering blooms were prolific.

Though the majority of the property is forest, meadows and open areas exist and it is here where the cactus species abound. In this photo, Len is hiking on (and griping about) the sand trail, which makes hiking a bit tougher than hard-packed trails. The positive spin on it is the lack of mud following rain storms.

The majority of the trails are forest-enclosed as above. Again, sand is the dominant trail covering. This is the perimeter (and longest) trail, and is quite wide. The loop trails within the interior of the forest were single-file trails, and certain of the trails are closed to horses and therefore better surfaces to hike on. At the end of June, the ticks and flies were already in profusion, but mosquitoes did not seem too prevalent. The designated backcountry (walk-in) campsites were all in lovely locations, large enough to accommodate several tents and a firepit, and mostly out of sight of the trail and other campsites. NO WATER is available at these sites, so carry it in. Water containers can be refilled at any of the campgrounds or the picnic shelter, so we hiked by these whenever our water supply was low.