"Rockstar" asked  in the forum what the conditions were like at the park so I ran out and grabbed a few pics.  Keep in mind next week is going to warm up even more! As you can see there is still some snow and ice out there.  Although it’s not very obvious there is a slight elevation difference that causes the snow to hang around a few days longer at the park. The bluffs also provide a bit of shade.  In the spring the prevailing winds come in out of the north, and that combined with the southern bluff tend to keep the snow and ice hanging out on the south shore of the lake a bit longer.  For my part, I think I’ll get out and paddle a bit tomorrow. Click on an image in the gallery below to see a bit more of what it looks like around the park today.

** on  a side note Qartzite campground is open year around, Northern Lights and Ice Age Campgrounds will open for the season on April 18.

Spring Run Off – Steinke Basin – Devil’s Lake State Park

I took the picture above last Sunday when I was out roaming around the park.  Summer IS on the way.  Which of course brings me to the new Message Board!  You guys who have been around this site awhile know I’ve tried mulitple times to keep a forum one the website.  For the first couple years all went well.  Then the Spam Monsters showed up.  Since then I’ve tried two different programs and both of them were just wildly unmanagable.  So we’re going to try it again.  I know the forum is a great feature and it’s something I want to provide.  Let’s just hope this one works.  Usually you guys have lots of great information to share!

Bicker & Banter – One new section I’ve added to the forum is a place to debate!  I’m not going to get too heavy handed there.  Just watch the language please.

Moderators - If you feel like an expert on the park and are online quite a bit I could certainly use help moderating.  Just register and then let me know it’s something you’d like to do.

I think that’s it for today!  Enjoy!

Not that anyone will be going swimming soon, but there is now some open water on Devil’s Lake.  This shot was taken on Saturday.  On Sunday we took a hike out on Stinke Basin as well. The trail is still covered by snow in many areas.  The areas that are not snow covered are pretty muddy. Still, it makes for a nice hike. Just don’t wear your good shoes!