From Fargo to Sauk Centre

August 21st, 2011

After a bright and early start we headed towards Duluth to do our first bit of geneaology. We were expecting to hit the I-94 and go flying straight into Duluth proper, but our GPS had other plans. We ended up on highway 200 for most of the trip, travelling through the back woods, small towns, and seeing incredible scenery. Minnesota is known for it's 10,000 lakes, they weren't kidding when they said 10,000. We spotted lakes about every 10 feet along the road. Just beautiful!

So far, the drive has reminded us a lot of B.C., especially the drive up to Manning Park. It is very similar with the trees on both sides of the road, small clearings with ponds and wildlife.

Speaking of wildlife, we were sad to see a lot of raccoons and porcupines hit on the side of the road, but were completely ecstatic to see our first living porcupine! He had waddled into the middle of the highway, stood on his back two legs and looked around trying to figure out what to do as cars were heading towards him in both directions. All the vehicles slowed to a crawl and drove around him, or in our case pretty much came to a dead stop, until he decided to turn around and go back into the bush the way he came. So cool! neither of us have ever seen a porcupine until now.

As we were heading out of small town district and closer to our destination of Calvary Cemetery, we got quite the show from a very large Bald Eagle, perched at the side of the road. She flew out of the tree she was crouched in, Dove across the road to catch something, and then went swooping back above us to her perch in the tree. Incredible to see.

While passing through the Village of Remer, we got to see the world's largest bald eagle. completely carved out of wood, about 15 feet tall? point being, it was huge.

We also got to see one of the world's largest catfish displayed at one of the rest stops. Also made of wood, about 10 feet long or so.

We made it to Calvary Cemetery where we easily found the grave markers for the McNelis family and the Willesen family. Took lots of pictures. You could tell that when the markers were purchased, the families had money. Both families had multiple plot sites marked with a large marble headstone with the family name carved in. The cemetery was a beautiful site. very well maintained, fresh flowers on a lot of the markers, in a very quiet neighbourhood with not much around. The McNelis family would be Mauvereen's Great Grandparents with a Great Uncle William and Great Aunt Norene. The Willesen markers had Great Aunt Helen McNelis Willesen. It's amazing to think that you are standing at their last resting places.

After visiting the cemetery, we headed back up the road for lunch. Stopped at the Sunset Bar & Grill. Fabulous food! The back of the restaurant was a massive park filled with softball fields. Well maintained, they must hold a lot of tournaments here. Kim was very tempted to go and play some ball.

After lunch, we hightailed it to the I-35 and headed straight for Sauk Centre. Lucky for us there was a LOT of road work going on, so we were stuck in a 1/2 hour back up between Duluth and Hinckley. We made the best of it, turned up the radio, sang and danced along, as the car moved about 1 MPH.

When we finally escaped the traffic, we quickly made it to the turn off to head toward St.Cloud and Sauk Centre. Another beautiful, scenic route.

Once we hit St.Cloud we were shocked to find out what a huge city it is! We were expecting small town, population approx. 1000, but what we got was Big City, population 10,000+. very beautiful. We will be heading back there tomorrow to go and visit, before we head for Bloomington.

Finally arrived in Sauk Centre at the Guesthouse Inn. very quaint hotel, nice quiet area. Fabulous beds. let me say that again, FABULOUS BEDS. so comfy, and the comforters are amazing, kinda want to take one home. Only problem is they are pure white, and I'm sure Jessie would LOVE to turn them black,

Before hitting the sack, we went down to the hotel restaurant, JT's pub and grill to grab a small bite to eat. Ordered stuffed potatoes. We were expecting potato skins, but what we got was the equivalent to Jalapeno poppers. Potato filled with cheese and Jalapeno's deep fried. Pretty tasty. We then headed back up and got some sleep.

Tomorrow is a big day, meeting family and more travelling. Will keep you all posted!