George H Crosby Manitou State Park

This past weekend Steve and I got a way for a little alone time. You may have noticed if you follow our Instagram feeds.  It was a two part weekend. One was just to have some downtime with us and two was to celebrate his 40th birthday. Since it was his get away we headed up to our favorite area of Minnesota, the North Shore. Every time we go up there we hit some of our old favorites and then try and find some place new to visit.

George Manitou State Park was that some place new this time and it quickly became a new favorite. This park is not the typical north shore park. It is off the main lake and more inland from where we normally hike. There is also no drive in campsites, another reason we haven't been there before. But I saw another Instagrammer post a picture of the Benson Lake walkway and knew we had to check it out.  I love wooden walk ways. This one is a 45 minute hike mostly done on these walkways pictured above. It was an easy hike, a break from steep rocks and stairs of the other parks. It was also quiet! We only passed two other couples in that 45 minutes.

The peace seeped into our bones. I loved it. The lake was calm and reflective, matching our mood as we traversed the path. It made me want to go back to tent camping so we could enjoy this place longer. Can't wait to head back there next year.

~Cassi

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White Water Rafting in Minnesota

This past weekend we had quite the adventure. My parents took all three of us white water rafting down the St Louis River. They booked a guided trip with Swiftwater Adventures.  This group does rafting, canoeing or kayaking tours through northern Minnesota.

I was a bit nervous at first for Mouse to try rafting. She is pretty small for her age and she doesn't have a lot of muscle. But after meeting with the guides and listening to their process and safety plan, I was no longer to worried. Mouse was still a bit scared but was up for the challenge.  

For this trip the guides had two other groups of rafters and a group of kayakers with us. We went pretty late in the season so the water was not at its highest, but thankfully we've had a lot of rain here so it was still fun. For first timers one or ones with kids late August / September is good time to try rafting. The water levels are down so the rapids are not so strong or high.  

That being said we still had pretty high waves. One thing to know about rafting is you are constantly paddling. I did not realize that when I said we would go. My arm with its nerve issues was pretty much shot after this day. But it was worth it.

We even got to see some wildlife along the river. We had two eagles flying over us or just watching from the banks the whole time we were rafting. The river has some stretches of quiet areas where you can go out for a swim or just take in the views. We did a little of both.

They have two other rivers they go on in Minnesota, I think it would be fun to check them out too.

~Cassi

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Final Fur Trade Post

This weekend we went back to the fur trade post that started it all. The one where Mouse fell in love with historical re-enactment centers. The one that prompted an entire trip. This wintering post of the Northwest Fur Trade line. It's small but the guides are good. We've learned something each time we've gone.

We took some friends from church who's kids hadn't been there yet. They all loved it. The guide even let the kids to some wood planing. They all thought that was pretty cool. Though it made me a bit nervous with that blade coming at them.

Mouse even talked to the direct of the historical site and asked how old she had to be to start volunteering there. She has a few more years to go and she is counting.

~ Cassi

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Hiking the North

 In between our reenactment camps we did a lot of hiking on this trip to the great north. One of my favorite parts of Minnesota is what we call the North woods. Lake Superior is the closest I get to an ocean most years and it never disappoints. The waves and rocks call to my soul as much as the thunder of the sea. With this trip we traveled about a third of the way around it. The beauty there is indescribable.

Is this not the most perfect shade of turquoise? I think I may have to paint a room or two this color.

We didn't stay just a long the shore. In fact we hiked quiet a ways into the woods this time in search of waterfalls.

We saw ones in Minnesota, ones on the border and one in Canada. Kakabeck Falls in Canada have to be one of the prettiest falls I have ever seen. All of us loved the shale ledges forming the waterfall.

I would say the entire trip was worth it to see these falls and this site off the cliffs of Lake Superior.

I may be framing this one.

The one thing we didn't really see this time around was some wildlife. Though there were signs up every where that Moose and Bear had been sighted. The closest we came was when Mouse stepped in fresh bear poop. We kept our eyes peeled on that hike but saw nothing.

 

~ Cassi

 

 

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Back in the Country

This past week our family has been on a road trip to visit the past. Mouse loves history and reenactment center are her favorite. I wanted to do one more family vacation around that before she starts jr high this year and decides they aren't so cool.

For this trip we decided to follow my family history line and worked our way up the Minnesota and Canadian fur trade routes. We started in Minnesota with Pine City, this one we did last year to get ready for this trip. That way this year we could just make the 5 hour drive straight through to Grand Portage. We decided to camp just south of there so we could get some hiking in to, but I will talk about the hikes more on Wednesday.

Grand Portage is the entry point of the fur traders into Minnesota from Thunder Bay and Montreal. It was mid week so their wasn't to many actors out and about but the grounds were beautiful to just walk around. There was also a fiddle player entertaining the crowd with songs from the 1800's. Mouse loved that. Steve's favorite part was the canoe shed, the lady there really walked us through how a birch bark canoe was made and how they were used based on the size of the canoe. I really liked the kitchen there was an actor in there making salted fish. I don't want to eat salted fish but it was interesting to hear about how it was made back then.

From there we drove up to Fort William in Thunder Bay, Canada. this one is huge. There was actors everywhere. Mouse was in heaven. My favorite part was the apothecary the lady working that area really knew her stuff. We talked for quite a while on the different uses for the powders and herbs she had there. Mouse's favorite part was the farm. This one had three barns with chickens, goats, sheep and a cat. Steve really liked the barrel maker.

The other part all of us liked was the reenactment of the fight between the occupied fort and the voyagers. Mouse talked about that the whole rest of our trip. She is sure if she lived back then she would have helped fight for freedom too.  

~Cassi

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Still traveling

We are still enjoying our time here in Las Vegas. So here are somethings we have seen

More to come when we return

Vegas!

Steve and I are off on an exciting quick trip to Vegas! Thankful we have family close that can come and stay with Mouse and the cats. So when my work asked me to attend a conference in Vegas we could turn it into a 15 year anniversary trip.

Neither of us have been there. We are excited to see the various hotels, fountains and gardens. We are also very excited to try the food. We have been spending every other night for the past week checking out restaurants in the area. The other nights we have been binging on Vegas movies.

Mouse now loves the Oceans movies, I mean who doesn't! Not that any of those movies portray real Vegas but it was fun. Even though I am not a comedy fan I still laugh over the Hangover.

So off we go, we are just about to board the plane. Here's to 107 degree weather and 50 degree casinos. Wish us luck, hoping the dollar slots pay off.

~ Cassi

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Taking Time Away

We took a long weekend and headed to sunny Florida for some family time. It couldn't have come at a better time, Steve and I both have been so busy with work and all of us with outside commitments that this was needed. 

We headed to Cabana Bay Resort, part of Universal Studios. It is such a great hotel for families. There was four pools, activities and a frozen yogurt bar. Not that we spent too much time here, we did come for the park.

We were all very excited to see Diagon Alley, the new addition to Harry Potter World. We all thought the Gringots ride was fun, but Steve says the Castle ride is still better. Universal does an amazing job developing the world. You truly feel like you are on set for the movie.

One of the most intense 3D rides was the Transformer one. It was the only ride were I thought I might get sick. Mouse loved it!! Our least favorite ride was Twister, talk about boring! We also enjoyed the Mummy ride, that one was also fast paced, in one part your ride goes backwards which was cool. 

We also did dinners out and had some great meals. I have never been a Hard Rock fan but their restaurant The Kitchen was very good, the homemade loaded potato chips were excellent. We also tried Emril's Tchoup Chop. They decor there was beautiful but the food was just so so. The best was the shishito peppers with sea salt. 

But all good trips must come to an end. So off we go back to Minnesota and home. 

Bye for now

~ Cassi

Universal Studios ~ Florida

Pretty soon we are headed back to one of Mouse's favorite places, Universal Studios Florida. It is a Geek Culture hot spot between Harry Potter and Marvel. She is with her people there. Last year we just made it to the Island of Adventure but this year with the opening of Daigon Alley we are going to hit both sides. We are quite excited for more of Potter world but also looking forward to the 3D Transformer ride.  

We are also staying at one of the park hotels this year, which means we get to go in an hour early. Beyond that are there any other tips out there for us, on how to make the most of our stay. Where we should eat?  Hidden finds?

Thanks

~Cassi

 

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Weekend Away

Thanks in part to a gift card, Steve and I took a long weekend and got away to a bed and breakfast. Turning Waters is a beautiful inn geared toward the naturalist with it's décor and organic and sustainable menu. It's located in Wabasha, Minnesota which unfortunately doesn't have much to offer in the winter months.

So we crossed the boarder to Alma, WI to visit the Danzinger Winery, their Mississippi Mist is a great sweet white blend. Then we had lunch at Nelson Creamery in Nelson, WI. This place was decorated wonderfully, felt like I was in northern CA if I didn't look at the snow outside.  We also made a stop at LARK Toys, their vintage toy museum was fun to reminisce about.

The bed and breakfast was very comfortable and cozy. The inn keeper lives next door so you really have free range of the house. We took advantage of it and curled up on the couch every night for reading and relaxing.

On our last day we headed up to Lake City. There we spend some time just walking around town and looking at all the docked boats. Lake City is off of Lake Pepin which is really just a wide area of the Mississippi River. It is a huge tourist town in the summer.   

We had dinner at Nosh that night. It came recommended from the Innkeeper and I would agree. Nosh also does more organic and sustaining food. Their wild mushroom starter plate was amazing! The rest of the food was great and we ended with a flourless chocolate cake.

 

 

On the drive back to the inn we stopped for a minute to enjoy the  full moon reflecting across the water. It was so great to get away. We needed the time away from jobs and house stress. Now it's back to reality.

~ Cassi

 

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Salem / Boston ~ Massachusetts

Our last stop on our East Coast adventure was Massachusetts. The first stop Mouse wanted to go to was Salem. Her entire reference to Salem is from Scooby Doo so I think the town was a bit of a disappointment to her. And in truth it was a bit to me too, unless you are willing to pay to go in one of there numerous museums you don't learn anything of it history.

Then we headed down into Boston. We took in the historical walking tour. First we hit Paul Reveres house and then on to Old North Church. Mouse loved this part, it was right in line with what she is studying in school.

Then we headed around to Old South Meeting House, the site of the Boston Massacre of  1770 and then we ate at Faneuil Hall. We had to hit an Irish Pub while in Boston. I loved walking through the cobble stone streets, Mouse on the other hand was not as thrilled with it. Boston was a bit loud and crowded for her. But since coming home she loves to talk about what she saw.

~ Cassi


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Strawbery Banke ~ New Hampshire

 After four days in Maine we started our way to back to Boston. Our first stop was Portsmouth, NE. The town as preserved a portion of houses dating back to the 1700's! They call the area Strawbery Banke. Its a six block or so group of houses that people are able to walk through and see the past come alive.  

In some house there were people dressed up in period pieces in character. This made the experience even more special. Mouse loves this style of museum. We started the tour through the gardens.

And she is pretty lucky to have a Dad willing to get in and have tea party with her in the garden. Beyond the tea area there was numerous fairy homes through out the gardens.

In the rest of the houses we were able to see how people cooked, shopped, and made trade goods.  

Mouse was able trying weaving. She was really good at it. Mouse also says she would go back again. It definitely was worth a stop if you are ever in there area.

 

~ Cassi

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Maine ~ Mt Desert Island

This past week we spent four days in Maine at Mt Desert Island explore Acadia National Park. The park is amazing with breath taking views of the ocean surrounding it. That is if you go there on a day without fog. We only had one day without fog. But I love the look of fog so it was perfect for me.

I could watch the waves come in for hours. Some people like the sand between their toes, I like the waves against the rocks. Now Mouse on the other hand she loves the sand.  

Even cold below 50 degree water she will throw off those shoes and chase the waves. She does this at every coast line we've been to. It never gets old to her. Her giggles make us smile.  

This was our last morning at our cabin. I woke up at 6 to see there was no fog and the Fjord were over looked was perfectly still for the first time. The reflection took my breath away. We watched it for hours. I was so engrossed that Steve had to get my attention to notice three deer had wandered up to the cabin and were eating near us. I missed and good pictures of them.  

This trip was also a good reminder to this ocean lover that some times the best views aren't at the ocean. Jordan Pond is a 3.5 mile hike around this lake that had spectacular views from every angle.

Steve took this shot of the wood plank trail that encompasses half the lake. This is probably my second favorite picture from the week. He is really starting to out shine me in photography skills and I am OK with it. As long as I get shots like this to hang on my wall.  

Steve and I also celebrated 14 years of marriage on this trip. I love that we get to celebrate doing the thing we love most, traveling.

More on the rest of the trip later.

 

~ Cassi

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