Lovin' the Green Line

More fun with the iPhone app InstaFrame on the opening weekend of the Green Line. Free rides for all!

Green Line Ghost

A biker pedals along an unopened Green Line light rail station in downtown St. Paul. When, oh when, will the trains start to carry passengers?

Chilly day

It was a frosty, icy, evening down by the tracks.

Coal barges

Waiting to be shipped downstream, I suspect, from their collection point at Upper Landing in St. Paul.

Q is for queue

We would say "line" in the U.S. but since we speak a form of British English (Britican? Amerish?) in our household this will do nicely for today. However, the location does not make it a candidate for this week's theme. These students are boarding a bus right in the middle of the U of M campus - not some 100 miles from the Twin Cities.

To see more ABC Wednesday entries, click here.

Rail corridor

I spent a recent weekend away on a stretch of the Mississippi south of the Twin Cities and on the east bank (or Wisconsin side) of the river. We must've counted dozens of trains shuttling north and south on a narrow bit of land wedged between the river bluffs and the water.

The theme this week is places within about 100 miles of the Twin Cities. Kind of a difficult one to discern from photos even if you know the area well, so enjoy knowing this one ahead of time.

Off to school

The later sunrises make it easier to get up to take photos like this one from Summit Lookout Park at the intersection of Summit Avenue and Ramsay Hill.

This photo starts a new theme today. Remember to check in tomorrow for the next image.

Stay in your lane

The Twin Cities regularly ranks in the top five "best biking" cities in the U.S. It helps to have so many dedicated bike lanes along city streets including this one on a one-way thoroughfare near the University of Minnesota.

J is for jet

I feel like I might be jinxing (hey, another 'J') our pleasant early fall weather by posting this photo taken last year at the start of a very long winter. Despite the de-icing that day we did not get out of the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport.

More ABC Wednesday entries for J are here.

Waiting for grain

A common sight on the Mississippi this time of year as the barges line up waiting for their cargo. This is taken slightly upstream from downtown St. Paul not far from the confluence with the Minnesota River. Last post for this week's theme and last chance to guess what it is.

Maneuvers

Riverboats cruise the Mississippi from docking points across from downtown St. Paul. One even has a theater (that one stays close to shore). Post #2 for this week's theme.

Messaround

It's time once again for the Minneapolis Messaround at Memory Lanes - "only traditional hotrod and kustom car show" according to their website.

Motoring north

Not much time left to head up to the North Shore while it's still warm. Post #2 for this week's theme.

Run, bike, drive

From the High Bridge in St. Paul a runner, a biker, and a driver seem unaware of one another as they travel along the river.

This is the first post for this week's theme.

Art car #1

Post 2 for this week's theme. Probably not too obvious yet what the theme is. While I was photographing this car which is covered in bones from top to bottom and back to front, the owner approached and told me that every July there is a parade of "art cars" featuring all the crazy things people have glued to their automobiles. I missed it this year, but you can bet it'll be on my calendar for next year.

Rainy summer

Apparently, July was the 5th rainiest on record, at least here in the Twin Cities. Has there been a single day that didn't have rain? Anybody recall one? This rainy day photo was taken on the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota looking toward one of the barns on the State Fairgrounds.

Are you ready for the new theme? First post is tomorrow.

Bug-eyed

The pink flamingos don't seem to be noticing this bug - second post for this week's theme.

Cruisin' for cones

On this last day in July which has been a particularly hot month in Minnesota we take a day trip along the Mississippi and stop in Bay City, Wisconsin for ice cream. Fortunately, it's not the only spot along the river to stop for creamery refreshment so if you miss this one, don't despair.

Engine number

Taking a break in engine number 3125 in the South St Paul rail yard.

Biking the Greenway

I love the biking the Greenway in Minneapolis. No streets to cross (there they are up above) and no stop signs. All along the corridor gardens have been planted, picnic tables installed, historical markers set up, restaurants and even a bike shop have opened. I rode to a movie and back over Memorial Day weekend. Got so much exercise I treated myself to popcorn at the movie and rhubarb pie when I got home!