Minnesota memories

 Before I get caught up in our next adventure, I want to share more about the recent trip to Minnesota. 

Once again, I was slow to become aware of many of the treasures of Minnesota. As a result, I left with a bit of regret. And because of data usage issues and other aspects of having a new iPhone 2020 SE, I didn’t take many pictures to help me remember. (The data drain also kept me from using maps and Safari as I usually do to get a better sense of place and perspective.)

Through it all, as always, there were countless reasons to be grateful; to give thanks to God. 

We went for friendship and fishing. Gene’s friend Hal has a great cabin on a small lake near Pine River. Gene has visited the area several times, some with his work and others to visit and fish with Hal. This was my first. I hope it’s not my last. 

 

The lake view from the cabin was calming and refreshing, and a morning walk through the neighborhood offered a closer look at beautiful fall foliage I’d just seen from the road. Even photos from my newer iPhone don’t do justice to nature’s beauty. 

My morning walk also revealed my first look at something unfamiliar in my neck of the woods. What are these little trailers that almost look like tiny houses — but not quite? I soon learned these are ice castles, which later in winter are pulled onto lakes after the water freezes to about a foot deep. They provide shelter (comfort) for those involved in the sport (and social aspects) of ice fishing. Makes me glad those aren’t needed where I live — and makes me understand why a lot of people with places in this area also have homes in southern states! Who would want that cold weather?? 

Minnesota is known as the land of 10,000 lakes. There is also an abundance of wetlands, many of then framed by the greens, yellows, oranges and reds of trees displaying their late summer beauty. 

Long stretches of roadway had a big lake on one side of the road or the other — or both sides. 

In my two days of fishing on Mille Lacs, known for its healthy population of smallmouth bass, I landed a single smallie and a walleye. Fortunately, I enjoy being on the lake even when my angling leaves much to be desired. More surprising to me was that Gene and Hal didn’t have much luck either. 

Before leaving, we traveled to Lake Itasca State Park to visit the headwaters of the Mississippi River.  This is one of those places I had more time to soak in the beauty and the history. It was also a place where the masks and social distancing brought on by a global pandemic interfered with the experience. That’s not shared as a complaint; it’s just an observation. It’s great we and all those families could “walk across the Mississippi”; and we will all be grateful and relieved when we can see each others’ smiles and not worry about spreading a virus as we enjoy these pursuits. 

On the way, we stopped by one of the Paul Bunyan tributes, mainly for the photo opp. It’s interesting how many places lay claim part to this larger than life legendary character!! 

On the drive to the headwaters, a phrase in conversation reminded me we were in the land of Garrison Keillor and Lake Wobegon. That’s a trail I would have explored had I planned ahead better. Instead, it give me another reason (besides friendship, fishing and foliage) to want to return to Minnesota.