Travel Log: 1995 Minnesota, Part Two

Part One of this travel log can be read here.

Aug. 23 – Broke camp, showers were out, hit Hwy 371 South around 10:15 AM, Shelly driving. (My 30^th Birthday!!) Down to Brainerd, 18 East to 169 South to 27 East and Father Hennepin State Park, around 12:30 PM. Set up camp, Shelly and Sarah into town of Isle for a few provisions. (And a B-Day present for me, a blue Mille Lacs Lake T-shirt) Down to beach, children played 3 hours in water and with other kids. Shelly and I sat on the beach, in the sun, enjoying the sights and the sound of the waves breaking on the beach. I drove up to the phone and called Mom just before 7:00 PM. [the time I was born] We talked for around an hour, then back to beach to pick up Shelly and kids. Once at camp lit the fire and Jacob and I up to shower. Shelly and Sarah went when we got back. Two women and three seven year old girls had set up a couple of campsites down from us. Jacob and I and two of the girls ended up taking a walk down a path in the dark, all of them with flashlights in hand. Walked down to beach and back along path to campsite. Stew and French bread for supper. Campsite #7. Counter @ 1,290. Raccoons and squirrels had to be chased off all night.

Aug. 24 – Woke up around 8:30 AM to lightning and thunder and strong winds, tent starting to leak around the edges and dripping from above. Finally decided to head for the van, bringing most bags, packs, etc. with us. In van only 15 mins when tent collapsed under weight of water and poles slipping in the mud. Dozed in van, hoping storm would pass, didn’t, so decided to break camp and head for I-35 South. Put all wet things in garbage bags and hit the road around 11:00 AM. To Hwy 18 then I-35 South, eating on the road. Down through Minneapolis/St Paul to Myre-Big Island State Park for some fishing. Caught seven or so bullheads (let them go) then quick drive through Albert Lea around 7:30 PM to Bel Aire Moter Inn, 700 Hwy 69 S. Room #20. Counter @ 1,582.9. Kids played on playground equipment in front of motel then we checked out “V.I.P. Room” in basement (portrait of Elvis hanging above stairs) Shelly played piano, she and I played game of ping pong (I won 15-12) Ordered Godfathers Pizza to be delivered. Children ate first, then to bed. Shelly and I ate about an hour later, watching Forbidden Planet (old sci-fi movie) then to sleep.

Aug. 25 – Up around 8:30 AM (me around 10:15) and checked out at 11:00. Had read about a man building a grotto like series of structures just outside of town called The Itasca Rock Gardens. Eventually found them (no signs) and walked around the grounds for 30-60 mins. When you observe a work of art/love like Itasca one can not help but…be impressed by one mans lifelong vision and goal. Back on the road into Albert Lea to liquor store to pick up some five point beer for home. Hit I-35 South again, back into Iowa to Clear Lake State Park. Drove around park then on into Mason City for a late lunch at Perkins restaurant. Over to I-35 South again and decided while on road to just drive on back home (had thought about stopping at a few places) Got into Des Moines, picked up the puppy at my sisters house then in our driveway around 5:00 PM. Home Again!! Counter @ 1,792.6. Shelly and I took our time unloading the van, talked with our next door neighbor Pat Irish (who took care of our [other] dog Hannah while we were gone) Started some laundry, did dishes, put things away, etc. All in all, a very good vacation.