DEVIL'S LAKE STATE PARK - BARABOO, WI

Yesterday with the sun shining and a bit warmer temperatures it was a perfect day for exploring the area's hiking trails.  Devil's Lake State Park accepted our National Park Pass and waived the $11 entrance fee.

Devil's Lake is Wisconsin's largest state park and spans about 10,000 acres of lake, bluffs and surrounding lands.  In the 1930's, the park was a Civilian Conservation Corps camp that provided work for youth during the Depression.  We saw evidence of their work on the trail.  With 29-miles of hiking trails we choose one of the more difficult and scenic.  

Thanks for stopping in to say hi

VISIT TO KEY LARGO

This was our first visit to Key Largo and we stayed at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. For more information click on John Pennekamp Website

In the late 1950's, John D. Pennekamp and Dr. Gilbert L. Voss of the Marine Institute of Miami teamed up to lead a fight to protect the reefs from further damage caused by tourists taking reef souvenirs.  His efforts paid off and in 1960 President Eisenhower gained federal control of the reefs and the Key Largo Coral Reef Preserve was established.

We don't stay at state parks often but made an exception for this one to do some snorkeling and we're glad we did

Ready to explore

I'm not the best snorkeler in the world but really enjoyed this experience

Took a boat ride out to the reef

He's ready to take the plunge

What a day of sun and fun.  Loved it.