Minnesota

Let me start by saying that Vergas, Minnesota is a LOOONG way from Kansas. We left very early on a Saturday morning and arrived 12 hours later at Loon Lake. Along the drive, we managed to see license plates from 33 states (including Alaska!) and 3 Canadian provinces.

Our cabin was a bit neglected but, after a good vacuuming, cleaned up pretty nicely. Now, Minnesota touts themselves as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes". I would like to see the definition of what they constitute as a 'lake', as several named lakes we saw would only qualify as relatively small ponds around here! Their lakes are almost entirely glacial. There are no rivers, streams or spillways feeding them. The water (at least the water we saw) was pretty much clear and the lakes can be very deep. Much different than Marion Reservoir!

Duane and Mary (his mom) were disappointed in the fishing. We went with high hopes and had heard stories of the BIG walleye and northern pike in Minnesota. Unfortunately, they didn't catch much.

Doesn't he look thrilled!

We had some boat trouble, but found a very nice couple who ran a boat repair in a nearby town. They knew we were on vacation and fixed our boat in record time. After that, we gave up on fishing and just spent time relaxing and pulling the kids around in the tube. The weather was beautiful and the smores were wonderful!

Kaela, Brady and cousin Garret.

For those who don't know, my parents are spending at least 6 weeks in Minnesota, so we joined them (along with my brother and his family) for their first week.

The kids had a ball swimming and fishing for perch. I enjoyed just sitting around relaxing. I read more on this vacation than I have had time to in what seems like forever. (By the way, I LOVE the "Twilight" series of books by Stephenie Meyer...in case you're looking for something to read.)

Brady was able to catch perch right off the dock.

Some pics of Kaela and Brady with their cousins Garret and Tatumn.

What a couple of hams!