Northern Minnesota in the Spring
There’s a beauty to this area that we’ve seen as spring approaches and begins to turn the landscape green and fill in all the previously blank spots of the woods. Coming from further south in the state, I am amazed at the strength of the people that live here full time. Spring is a full month later in the year and when it arrives with it’s beautiful greenery and lush surroundings, so do the dang mosquitos. BZZZZZZZZZZZ and bite,,,,,,,and bite,,,,,,and bite,,,,,,,and bite,,,,, It seems we had snow and freezing temperatures until this last week and now we are running the air conditioner and using the heck out of our mosquito spray. Talk about an extreme change. There is nothing easy about the seasons up here.
Over the past two weeks, we’ve done some traveling in the area and I am surprised at how different the landscape looks just within a few miles of traveling down the road. One minute, you’re in an flat open area, the next you see a full, thick forest of poplar trees, and then bang, in the near distance you see “mini” mountains from the mining that was done long ago. The older tailing piles that were once all rock, are now covered in trees. The pits where the iron ore was dug from, have been turned into lakes and stocked with fish. They seem to pop up around every corner and most have beautiful blue/green, crystal clear water. Perfect for kayaking and maybe a little fishing in the near future. I don’t think I would ever have the stamina to survive this climate every year, but the beauty around each corner really makes you appreciate nature up here.
If you ever get a chance to stop in Chisholm, MN, stop by and see the Iron man memorial. It’s right on 169 and worth a quick stop. Not only is it huge, it’s also quite beautiful in it’s angles of iron. Unfortunately, both the museum of mining and the overlook for the Rust Hull mine were closed when we tried to visit, but we’ve still got a few weeks to try and sneak them into our schedule.
Max and Rocky have adjusted to living in the camper full time, very easily. When we use the word “home”, they seem to understand it has their little fence, the steps to get inside and the big king size bed they jump into every night. Max has been doing so much running, he has lost some weight and appears to be right where he should be in size. Too bad we haven’t followed his example ourselves………lol
We have been fortunate to be able to spend a lot of time with the boys since coming up here this spring. Matt and Tony are making the trip to the cabin almost every weekend and it’s been wonderful to spend so much time with them. I had the realization just this weekend that we will be moving on in less than a month and I won’t be able to see them as much as we have. I finally get the statement – “We may not see you all the time, but knowing you are close enough to drive to, we always have that option”. Bittersweet to say the least. I have no doubt as we travel around, they will meet us on the road as their schedules and lives allow and of course, we’ll still be coming back here…….just not in the winter, or spring. I’m thinking June………
As memorial weekend is upcoming, we will be spending time at the cabin with most of the family. A little fishing, hopefully a little swimming and lots and lots of laughter. Can’t wait to see everyone and build on our continued memories.
Hey strangers! Give me a call sometime! I am heading south after the holidays. Curtis aka Otis T. 410-610-3629
I was just wondering if you tried the Tony’s Clam Chowder? Sounds like you guys are having a great retirement!…
I can’t believe how fast the summer flew by! So nice. To have spent time with you both this summer!…
Incredible! ❤️
Hey guys! I would really like to talk to you and catch up. I don’t have your number any longer.…