The Castle - Guernsey State Park

The Incredible North Bluff Castle

Last evening I took a drive up to the Castle on the North Bluff. I had high hopes of getting a few terrific sunset photos. The smoke in the air, glad it is not from around here, really adds to the vibrancy of colors with the setting sun.

 It looked like rain, and the cloud cover took away what chances I had for a great sunset photo. Best thing, it was still a nice way to spend an hour.

Not bad, Considering the Heavy Cloud Cover

Each Time I am at the Castle I Take This Same Shot

Everyone should spend some time at the Castle, it’s a geat place to relax, contemplate life, or just enjoy the views. 

A Close-up From the Castle

A Telephoto View From the Castle

Guernsey State Park on a Cool Day

The lake is full, maybe overfull it looks great, but also looks cold.

White Caps on the Lake

Looking west from the lower parking lot at the Museum

With a storm front moving in it was a cloudy and windy day in the park. Hoped to see some animals about but think the wind kept them tucked away.

Looking South from just above Dead Man's Cove

Looks like the pair of ospreys have moved back to the nest near the park. That has to be a sign of impending warm weather. I hope.

The huge raptors eat mostly fish but we watched this one grab a small rodent

Not sure why some cloudy day  make for better photos than bright sunny days. Might be that the added layer of texture gives more of a feeling of being there.

The North Bluff Castle - Cloudy day photo from Long Canyon Boat Ramp

Snow Day Walk In The Park

If there is even a remote chance to do something in the park, we will give it a try, even in the snow. 

Not many in the parking lot for the main boat ramps

Yesterday (Saturday) was too nice to stay inside. We pretended that the snow was gone and off we went for a  hike in the park. This time, we choice one of our favorites, Red Cliff as it has quite a bit of southern exposure and we expected not as much snow. 

Steps nearly covered but not bad, only about 4 inches of snow

One of the older markers in the park - the trail splits at this point

Exhilarating as always, and in places, it felt warm as we walked. This trail stays away from the high winds that were gusting and we actually felt quite comfortable.

Seldom used CCC steps on the east side of the circle on the trail.
These steps led up to the back, east side, of Civilian Conservation Corps Camp BR-9

Fisherman far below in black and white

It’s easier when the snow is gone but with the nice snows, we have had this winter, 30 total inches at our place so far, the wildflowers should be exceptional. For those who like to boat, tube, and swim or just relax in the water, the snow pack for the North Platte River is excellent at this point of the snow season. Should be plenty of water, and with the snow, frigid water this spring.

More zoom and color still looks cold - hope he caught a few fish

Looks like the weatherman believes we will get some days in the mid-50s this week. Great hiking weather. Spring is on the way.

One of my favorite photos of wildflowers in the park from last year