Fort Snelling: Labor Day. Leading the Parade

Just before the parade started, I managed to walk in front of the line up.

The various parade participants were lining up.  It wasn't a long parade.  But, various groups where there, if even in small numbers. 

We have a neighbor that joined the Navy right after high school.  He's currently training to be a Seal.  I don't know if he will make it.  But, he is a credit to his family and his country.

It was my privilege to be there.

Thank you to all who served and who are currently serving.

Memorial Day: 2017

May we never forget the sacrifices made by to many.

And, may we never give up the ground they shed blood to defend.

Bob, I will see you this week.  I promise.  I know, I have been lax.    You are just to the left of where I took this photo.  I will be able to find you. 

Custom Log Furniture!

Meet Misti Rose!

She has been building custom log furniture for 20 years! She does beautiful work.  Check out her website here.

Thanks Misti!

Lake Time Magazine

Meet Megan!

 And meet Christina!

And together!

They publish a wonderful quarterly magazine called Lake Time Magazine.  It focuses on all the wonderful things in North Central Minnesota. 

If you want to find something to do in North Central Minnesota, check out their magazine here!

Thank you ladies!  You were both delightful!

Lake Lady Customer Fishing Rods

Meet Kris!

He makes custom fishing rods.  And, they are stunningly beautiful.  The photo below doesn't do them justice!

To capture them properly, I need better lighting and a tripod to get close enough to capture the detail.

Thanks Kris!

Friends from Wyoming!

Meet Beth!

And meet Kendra!

These two lovely ladies are from the Diamond 7 Bar Guest Ranch.  This is both a working and hunting ranch.   That means you get to do real chores!  Or, you can go hunting!  There are 10,000 acres to enjoy.  For more on their beautiful ranch in Wyoming, click here!

Friends from the North: Manitoba!

Meet James!

He is from Wallace Lake, Manitoba and comes to Minneapolis for the Sportsman's Show every year.   If you are curious, Wallace Lake is about 3 hrs from Winnipeg.   I may need to check it out.  

Fishing in Alaska!

Meet Mark!

He had the best name for a fishing charter that I've seen.  He is the owner of Happy Hookers Charters out of Kodiak Island, Alaska.  And, he brought fish to fry!   It was awesome!

Nice meeting you Mark!

More Fishing Charters!!

Meet Dave!

He is from Princess Marissa Sport Fishing out of Port Washington, Wisconsin.  It does not appear that I will have any difficulty finding a good fishing charter!

Nice meeting you Dave!

Fishing Charters Anyone?

Meet Bryan!

He is from Kinn's Fishing charters out of Wisconsin.  I've been tinkering with the idea of a fishing charter with my grandson this year.   I may be reaching out to Bryan!

Thanks Bryan!

Friends from Atikokan!

Meet Tammy

 And meet Barry!

They are from Camp Quetico!  It is just outside of Atikokan, Ontario.  And you are surrounded by wonderful fishing lakes!

I used to guide canoe trips into the BWCA and Quetico Provincial Forest.  I always wanted to paddle into Atikoken and never did.  I may need to drive there!

Thanks for visiting with me.  I thought your resort was fantastic!

More Canadian Friends!

Meet Karla!

She is from Clarks Resort.  They have 3 drive-in camps in NW Ontario.  And, they also have 20 fly-in cabins as well.

Just as I snapped her photo, her husband Wayne showed up with food!  So, meet Wayne!

 
My sincere thanks!  It was lovely meeting both of you!

From Way up in Canada!

Meet Bobby!

He is from Indian Head Fishing Lodge in N. Saskatchewan.  If you aren't familiar with Canadian geography, that is very near the NW Territories.  That's a LONG ways up there.  He is actually a US citizen and winters in S. Carolina.   There are no roads up there.  You need to fly in.   And, he likes getting out of there by October.   After that, it just gets cold and nasty!

He told me to try Saskatoon berries sometime.  I told him that I have.  And that's the best jam/jelly I've ever had. 

Nice meeting you Bobby!

Houseboats for Rent!

I've thought about doing this for a while, now. 

Meet Dick from Northernaire Houseboats out of International Falls, MN

Yes, that's right.  International Falls is the ice box of the nation.  And, there are some beautiful lakes on the boundary with Canada. Dick rents them out, gives you a map, and lets you explore them in a fantastic houseboat that can sleep anywhere from 6-12,

It does sound like fun to me!

More Real Estate!

Meet KC.

She also is from the Nisswa area and works in the same real estate office.  She is passionate about life and loves soaking it up every day!

It was lovely meeting you KC!

Sportsman's Show: Real Estate for Sale!

You can't have a Sportsman's Show without someone selling real estate.  After all, what can be better than having your own acreage to hunt, fish, escape the turmoil of normal life!

Meet Pat from Kurilla Real Estate in tropical Nisswa, Minnesota

I must admit, I have been thinking about this for a while.  Having a nice quiet place in the woods is quite tempting!

I may be reaching out to you, Pat!

The Life o' Riley

Meet Rock!

Rock is the owner of Life O Riley Resort in Norwegian Bay on Lake Vermillion.   I spent some portion of my life near there about 100 yrs ago.  It's beautiful country and great fishing!

In fact, I used to scuba dive and retrieve motors and fishing rods for some extra money.

Nice meeting you Rock!

The 2017 Sportsmans Show. Hunting Big North American Game

Meet Dave!

Dave is from National Forest Hunts in Colorado. If you are wondering, that's in the SW corner of Colorado.  That's a beautiful area. 

Nice meeting you Dave!

As Long as I am not Focusing on People

It was time to burn some of the native growth

It was a very nice day for burning.   Very little wind. 

The brush had been piled up all winter and was reasonably dry.

I was looking forward to the smell of smoke.

And, I got to try out a new lens!

OK...back to people tomorrow!

Want to Buy a Cool Car!

I am pretty sure you would be the only one on your block to own this 1959 BMW 600.

OK, I know this isn't a person.  But, it is very cool  It was my birthday yesterday, if anyone is feeling generous. 

Today is my Birthday

Yup...that's me hard at work pulling my little brother around.  

No wonder I have knee and shoulder pains today!  Mom and Dad were working me even back then!

A Visitor from S. Dakota

Meet Harold!

Harold was visiting from S. Dakota!  He was representing Midwest Outdoor Resorts and Campgrounds.   They have 4 total campgrounds in S Dakota and MN.  And, he was having a great time at the auto show!

Thanks Harold!