Fishing by the falls

On a warm October afternoon, it seemed right to go to Minnehaha Park and enjoy the weather and the colorful foliage. The temperature reached 86 in St Paul, 23 degrees above the average for the date and a new record for October 8 in these parts. I walked around the creek, through Waubun picnic area, past the Minnesota Veterans Home, over the bridge above Minnehaha Creek and back to the falls. Many of the maples are showing their best stuff this week.

There were lots of people out, playing hooky from work or school, taking in one of the nicest October days of this year. There was some guy fishing in the pool just below the falls. I've not seen anyone fish there before, but he was intent on his task. He looks a little Asian, I think it's the hat, and it makes the whole scene seem a little off kilter. His presence also allows the scale of the falls to be felt.

Another of the classic spots at the falls - the statue of Hiawatha and Minnehaha - looks different with the fall leaves and the afternoon sun. There was also a weeding in the park this afternoon and the wedding party were having photos taken nearby. They were well dressed and attractive and I almost thought I should have included them in one of the shots. But I didn't. Instead, Longfellow's Native American royalty was the focus.

The weekend is expected by the weather guys to continue this run of well above normal warmth for October. The guy in the Strib called this month Augtober - August in October.