Day 8. July 16, 2018

Leaving Minnesota and on our way to Wisconsin. I saw a cute sign in a shop that said Minnesconsin. So true. These two states flow together, and much of the landscape and people are similar. Deciduous and evergreen trees blanket the area of rolling hills but fairly low in elevation. Wisconsin is America's dairy land and home to some pretty rustic barns. We passed through Duluth, Mn. And entered Wisconsin. Our campground was run by the Town of Russell, and right on Little Sand Bay of Lake Superior. The area is part of the Apostle Islands National shoreline. Lots of beach goers, kayakers, youth adventure camps, and people from all walks drawn to this area. We had beach access, showers, firewood and electricity. The weather was excellent, high was 80 and low was 60. Very pleasant and made for lots of hours of Lake play. We took turns on kayak, dove off the dock, beach combed for stones and the kids built a sand castle they called Crumbleville. Later we enjoyed pizza on the grill, and cinnamon rolls over the campfire until a creepy fishing spider chased us off. Goodnight Wisconsin.

Day 7. July 15, 2018

Voyageurs national park, Mn. has proven to be well worth the trip. We woke to a cool morning tucked in a well shaded spot within view of the lake, and Sun dancing on the lake. We had yogurt, berries, granola and hard boiled eggs with instant coffee. We checked into the Kabetogama visitor center for our Kettle Falls Cruise tour. The boat was open to the wind and water, and two rangers told the story of the area. We can't even count how many Bald Eagles, nests and even young we saw. We saw the Common Loons, ducks, gulls, pelicans, and Herron. We learned of the history of the fairly new park, established in 1975. As a result, many private residences, resorts, and even lumber businesses on the islands came about. Those still stand, some of which over 50 years old are now part of historic preservation and can remain.
We learned of I.W. Stevens whom lived year round on an island running a small resort named Pine Cover on his own and living exclusively off the land. He built the buildings, split the wood, collected food and prepared, he withstood the weather of -11 degrees in winter to 95 degrees in summer. The lake water freezes 4-5 feet thick, when collected and housed in sawdust insulted ice house it remained for up to 2 years. He lived at the lake until 93 years old, and lived to be 104.
We checked out the Kettle Falls Hotel at the portage built 1910-1913, still in operation. The dam nearby still in use by the joint committee of U.S. and Canada. We enjoyed a simple lunch, and embarked on our your boat again.
As soon as we arrived on shore the kids ran off to jump in the lake and swam until the sun went down, again. This evening was full of frogs, butterflies, and dragonflies. We took turns on the double kayak, paddle boats and floating lily pad swimming platform. The breeze was enough to take the mind off the sun kissing your skin. The air was filled with laughter, smoke from grills, and fisherman's catch of the day. Kinda sad to leave tomorrow. After dinner, showers, a load of laundry, we took in a game of Qwixx and everyone fell asleep fast.

Day 6. July 14, 2018

Trish and Ron made us a beautiful breakfast! We are quite spoiled here and have a hard time leaving. Minnesota is gorgeous! Although the humidity and heat has kept us indoors, we have had so much fun visiting here! We hope to come back and have them bring the RV to us!
Headed to Voyageurs National Park at the border of Minnesota and Canada. This land is so lush and dense with greenery. We had such a beautiful drive up north. Apparently, Voyageurs is home to some giant fish, as every gas station has big live bait for sale. We pulled into Pine Aire Resort in Kabotogama, Mn. Right on the coastline of the water. This place is magical. We met a family that have a permanent residence here and been coming for generations. The kids jumped in their suits, pumped up the inflatable kayak, and explored the inlet. As I write this, we set up camp, cooked and ate dinner, watched the sun go down and they are still in the lake. Dragonflies buzz around us as the boats made waves, and a frog bounded by.

Day 3. July 11, 2018

Chris has been having a little bit too much fun with his air conditioning unit in the trailer. We all froze with it on but he slept like a blissful baby. He still argues and is right that this is better than the current weather patterns in the region. It has been 90 but with heat index about 100. There has been nice breezes and light sprinkles to mix it up. The nights are clear, cool, and pleasant outside.
This morning, we all voted to go for the all you can eat pancakes for $3.50 at the resort. We picked up and drove out to the Badlands National Park. But not without stopping at Wall Drug! :-) It really is a destination folks. You really must. Stop. Great story. Free ice water. Frosty mug for $3.89. Whatever else your heart desires. Most importantly, the doors are open, air conditioning is pouring into the streets, and the town of Wall welcomes you.
The Badlands were really cool but hot like the surface of the sun. The landscape went from prairie grasslands to grand eroding stone spires jutting out of nowhere. Colors vary across layers of land and stone, fossil filled history. Your thoughts go to the Native Americans and early settlers that braved this harsh environment without modern conveniences.
The day ended in Mitchell, SD KOA. Pool time, chicken on the grill, and a gorgeous sunset.

Day 2. July 10, 2018

We woke early in order to obtain entry to the Jewel caves, as we tried the day before and they were sold out. The told us to come back at 7:15am (they open at 8) and we might get in. Hmm. We were able to gain admittance to an early tour, thankfully. The tour was 1.5 hours and 49 degrees. Outside temps had been 90, muggy, and buggy. From one extreme to the other, we were dressed for the latter. Brr. The caves offered tons of Calcite formations that made us feel like we were inside a geode. BREATHTAKING.

From the tour we went straight to Mount Rushmore, SD.  I had gone before with my college roommate but first time for the rest of the family. What a grand idea and design to come about in 1927. What talent of the sculptor. What a keepsake for our country.

We came back to the Oasis that is the KOA resort, rented banana bikes, swam, and kids played a mean game of chess. We also love our new game of Qwixx. Chris is also enjoying his newly installed A/C unit. And, we all got to see the fireflies again!

Day 1. Road Trip 2018

Good ol' Wyoming. Highway 85 is claimed to be the most dangerous in the U.S. One lane each direction, with intermittent passing, 70 mph, mostly big rigs commercial and travel. It's a straight away up the border north up the border of WY, against the states of Nebraska and South Dakota. Little distraction past the firework stands at the Colorado border, besides cows, ranches, which gives way driving pleasures: reading and Paul Oakenfold.

If you have a chance, you must check out the KOA Palmer Gulch Resort. Wow. Gorgeous property, Pools, mini golf, activities, horses, stages, restaurants, you really do not need to leave.

Tried a June berry, did not taste like a raspberry as claimed.

Bucket list item checked: saw a firefly!

Day 4&5. July 12&13, 2018

The night in Mitchell was a little hot and humid. Feeling thankful for the AC today. Started with a cold shower, easy breakfast and a visit to the World's Only Corn Palace! Fascinating building, concept and history beginning in 1892. An event center that has withstands the tests of time and hosted many celebrities. A tour, gift shop visit, and a corn on the cob snack and we're on our way.
Destination: Burnsville, MN. McCarthy family home. Minor set back coming into town, a giant wall of water, a serious storm on the highway which explains the flash flood warning alerts. Our gracious hosts showed us in for a delicious dinner, laughter and conversation. We slept in, and took in their lovely home and eventually made it out. We explored the Minnehaha Falls And City park. We soon found the Mall of America and lunch at the Shake shake. Chris and kids went on the roller coaster inside the Mall for novelty sake. Walking until our feet were aching we went back to meet family for dinner out at Nutmeg Brewhouse. Great menu, both food and beer selection. We wandered back to the house and talked until wee hours. Thankful for family!