Bond Slaves: Russ Brown Motorcycle Show

While wandering around the motorcycle show, I ran into this sign:

I wasn't certain what this group was about.  So, I asked.  In short, it is a Christian motorcycle group that grew out of the hard core motorcycle groups.   Think....Hells Angels....and members whose lives were changed with Christianity.

A Bond Slave was a slave who had been set free....but who elected to stay and serve their original masters.

Some of these people are still in the hard core organizations.  I had asked whether I could take a few photos of them.  And, there was a long conversation between the members before deciding that I should not.

I was, of course, respectful.

It was a pleasure meeting all of you.

If you are interested in this organization, you can find out more here.

From ABATA

Meet Nick and Marcia!

They have been together and a part of ABATE for 10 years.  ABATE:  American Bikers for Awareness Training and Education.   They strongly support training to keep bikers safer on the road.

Also working with them in the booth were Nicholas and Jade!  They've been together for 5 years and, if memory servers me correctly, they met at ABATE!

 It was lovely meeting all of you!

The Patriot Ride!

Meet Kim, Tim, and Dave!

They are part of the Patriot ride.  From their website:

The Patriot Ride has historically been focused on benefiting our local Active Military, Veterans and their Families. And this focus remains to this day and is as strong as ever! This year, we are proud to mix Law Enforcement into the fold. Join us in recognizing all of these extraordinary segments that deserve our appreciation for what they do, what they have done, the sacrifices that they have made, and the support that they may not have received in the past. 

This year, it will be held on June 30th and will be starting, I believe, at the Anoka County Airport.  It is a awesome event to see.   I will need to make an appearance with my camera!

Thanks guys...for your conversation and your service.  

Bison Indian Motorcycles

Meet Shelby!

She is a promoter for Bison Indian Motorcycles!   She was having a lovely time at the Russ Brown show.  She loves her job...and that's about all she has time for!

Damn...nice bike!

Russ Brown Motorcycle Show: From Russ Brown!

Meet Craig!

He's been with Russ Brown for a bit less than a year.  He's part of the marketing team and gets to travel to various shows around the country.  He was having a great time!

And meet Michelle!

She's been part of the Russ Brown marketing team for over 6 years.  She's traveled all over the US as part of this company. 

It was a pleasure meeting you both!

Wrapping up the Camping and RV Show

On the way out, I ran into Pam!

I liked Pam right away. She was funny and had a lot of energy.  When I asked her what she enjoyed, she said she was a passionate RV'r and hiker.  

That's a great way to stay in shape.  Lovely meeting you Pam!

Need an Ice House

I remember going ice fishing once with my maternal grandfather.  We parked the car on the side of the lake.  We walked out on the ice.   We cut a round hole in the ice.  We dropped a line down through the ice.  And, we sat on plastic buckets and froze our asses off.

I was about 6.  I never went back.

This, however, was stunning.   What you are looking at is a totally mobile ice house, on tandem axels.  I forget the measurements.  But, take a look.

Notice the round disks in the floor?  Those can be lifted off so you can drill a hole through the ice and fish.   There are beds.  There is a kitchen.  There is a gas fireplace.  There is a TV antenna and a flat panel TV.

There is a bathroom and a shower.

If you really love ice fishing, this would be the thing for you.  It was only about $35,000.

Camping Sure has Changed

Perhaps you have occasionally seen these small, teardrop shaped campers being pulled behind cars.  I have seen them occasionally and wondered what they looked like "in camp".

Now I know.   This gives you a reminder of the shape.  And, the back lifts up to reveal quite a kitchen!

Complete with sink, gas range, small fridge.  That is.....very cool.

A slightly different version in red!

Since I am an old canoe guide, I am having a hard time grasping some of this.   On the other hand, since I am an old canoe guide, this would be a lot easier than pitching a tent, finding firewood, and sleeping on the ground!

I was very impressed with the efficiency of the design.

The Camping and RV Show: Cleaning Shouldn't Kill You

Meet Johanna!

And meet Theresa!

They were at the show representing a company I hadn't heard of:  Norwex!  If you are interested, they produce and sell non-toxic cleaning supplies.  And, they are global!   If you are interested, check them out here!


Thanks ladies!  It was very informative chatting with you!  And, I love the products!

Stopping the Bleeding

Meet Andy and Lori!

They represent a plant-based product, in powder form, that stops bleeding by clotting blood.  Because it is a powder, it doesn't need to be refrigerated.   Perfect for patients on blood thinners or for outdoors folks to may need some emergency care.

I may be picking some up.  I occasionally get out to go hunting.  And, it's never a bad thing to have a few emergency supplies along.

Fantastic meeting you, Andy and Lori!

Minneapolis Camping and RV Show: Think Off-Grid

Meet Abby!

Abby is one of the most interesting people I've met since doing the blog.  She, her husband, and 4.4 month old child, live on the ice on a frozen lake in N. MN.  Oh, they have some kind of shelter.  But, this doesn't exactly have running water and lots of electricity!  And, did I mention frozen...ice....on a lake?

She loves the simple life and loves helping her in-laws with the Jim Dandy meat business.  They make all kinds of beef sticks and more.

Lovely meeting you Abby!

Minneapolis Camping and RV Show: Up North

In Minnesota, if you say you are going "up north", that conveys a lot.  It means you have history there.   It means you may be going fishing.  You may be going hunting.  You may be going to a family cabin.  You may just be going to get away.

Meet Jan, from Grand Marais.

I've been to Grand Marais a few times.  It is nestled on the shore of Lake Superior.  It can be a desolate, cold place in the winter.  And stunningly beautiful as well....any time.  Drive inland and you will see moose and deer. If you are lucky, you may even see, or hear, a wolf or two.

Jan is a host at the Grand Naria campground and rec area.  We talked about living up there and how beautiful it is.  And we talked about grandkids!

Lovely meeting you, Jan!

The Minneapolis Camping and RV Show: Even Wisconsin was there!

Meet Carrie!

She is from the Twin Cities and was there promoting Wisconsin camping!   They had an eye catching slogan:  "Creating those campfire moments".  It's hard to argue with that.  I remember a lot of camp fires growing up.   There is always something magical about them.

It was lovely meeting you Carrie!