August 25th, 2011
'Twas another early morning leaving the campground. We both woke up around 6a.m. and decided that this was early enough to get our things together and hit the road to head for Goshen. This was again a chore, as the windstorm from the night before had yet to stop blowing at hurricane force. So we quickly ran around the tent in Musical Chairs fashion, grabbing all the pegs as we went, grabbing the tent, rolling it into a ball and chucking it into the trunk as fast as humanly possible. Now having leapt into the car, we drove off at a blistering 1 mile an hour, as the campground had the biggest speed bump on the planet, thus preventing fatal damage to our vehicle.
OFF TO ILLINOIS!
As we drove down the road, we discovered how a "good" night of rest (filled with semi-trucks on a freeway, airplanes, trains and crickets chirping up a storm) we ended up hitting every single rest-stop and about every second McDonald's we could find for resuscitation. Heavy eyelids are a terrible symptom to have when driving.
Once we finally crossed the border into Illinois, we drove to their Welcome Centre for a quick pit stop, and were lucky enough to find someone who works there who was kind enough to give us directions on avoiding Chicago. We managed to drive down the very centre of Illinois then an abrupt left turn onto the I-80 driving underneath Chicago, thus avoiding all but 2 toll-booths...Well technically 1, because Kim got confused by all the signage, managed to drive through the I-PASS lane, avoiding throwing her $1 out the window and passing through...oops.
Now feeling extremely guilty or as Kim says "Like an escaped convict on the run of epic proportions from paying a speeding ticket AND missing a toll-booth..." (Mauvereen was COMPLETELY supportive of this...and when I say completely, I mean peeing herself laughing at her daughter's misfortune saying at least it wasn't me :) )
Kim be-grudgingly continued to drive until the next rest stop...
back to our story!
We encountered more massive wind farms all along the Illinois stretch of the I-35. Bigger than that of the one in Washington. It's amazing to see them loom over the top of you as you drive by. These things are MASSIVE. one propeller is about the size of two Semi-Trailers.
Both of us have come to a conclusion that we will be re-naming the United States of America to "Road Work" as we have not hit a stretch of road without it. The orange barrels follow us everywhere (not to mention the guy who got that contract is laughing all the way to the bank!).
Due to this, we have no memorized that going over the speed limit will cost you a minimum fine of $375 plus 8 years in jail, reckless driving is a fine of $1000, and hitting a worker is $10,000 with a minimum of 14 years in jail.
These items are now definitely on our "To Do" list.
Things that are random:
- drove through Aasho Illinois. AASSSSS HO!
- best bill board ever: "Don't die with your teeth in a glass!"
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
From Bloomington to Madison, Wisconsin
Twas a short travelling day today, but a rough one. Ever try doing a road trip after a few days of R&R? it's tough. We were up by 7am this morning, and out the doors of the hotel by 8:30am. Both of us were completely exhausted and found it hard to focus on the trip ahead.
We took it slow, hitting up most of the rest stops and gas stations before stopping for food just outside of De Forest at the local Cracker Barrel. Had another delicious meal there, with great service, then scurried back to the car to continue our venture.
We made it to the KOA in De Forest, Wisconsin, just outside of Madison, where we grabbed our site and attempted pitching the tent. It's an extremely blustery day here, so the tent was a major challenge. It kept trying to blow away every time we would lay it out and try to put pegs in. We had one of the neighbouring tenters come over to help hold it down while we secured it to the ground. But even then, it keeps trying to pull out its pegs and escape. We've anchored it down now with multiple pegs, and heavy suitcases on the inside. Hopefully it won't try to fly away with us in it tonight, OR that the wind will die down. So it's been a lot of fun! Will make an interesting morning trying to take it down, looking forward to it!
The wind is a welcome change though as it is a toasty 86 degrees Fahrenheit / about 30 degrees Celsius. But with Hurricane force winds, and the shade on the campsite, it's a manageable 23-24 degrees Celsius.
Kim hit up the shower to cool down a bit, rather than jumping in the kiddie infested pool, she came out exclaiming, it's a good thing we're Canadian because we're used to cold water. The shower went from Cold, to Colder, to Frigid apparently. A good wake up.
The people here have been extremely friendly and helpful. It's an older couple who own the campground, and they maintain it very well. Smiling and waving as they ride by on the sit down mower, or striking up a friendly conversation at the small general store.
We have had a chance to watch the news too, and have heard about Hurricane Irene hitting the East Coast with major force. Saw they have started to evacuate coast cities and small islands in the hurricane's path. Mauvereen was excited and exclaimed "Way to Go Mom! Show 'em what it means to be an Irene!!"
We do hope that everyone will be ok through the storm.
Found we have plenty of insects tenting in the area with us, which led to Kim finding out that she is unforuntately allergic to bug spray. Good thing we brought Benadryl. What a way to find out, on the road, in a campsite, already bitten a few times.
Now it's off to find some grub, then curl up with a good book in the tent.
Tomorrow we will be up early again, heading for Goshen Indiana to visit Kim's Step-Grandma Ruth and her family. Should be a good visit.
Will update again soon!
We took it slow, hitting up most of the rest stops and gas stations before stopping for food just outside of De Forest at the local Cracker Barrel. Had another delicious meal there, with great service, then scurried back to the car to continue our venture.
We made it to the KOA in De Forest, Wisconsin, just outside of Madison, where we grabbed our site and attempted pitching the tent. It's an extremely blustery day here, so the tent was a major challenge. It kept trying to blow away every time we would lay it out and try to put pegs in. We had one of the neighbouring tenters come over to help hold it down while we secured it to the ground. But even then, it keeps trying to pull out its pegs and escape. We've anchored it down now with multiple pegs, and heavy suitcases on the inside. Hopefully it won't try to fly away with us in it tonight, OR that the wind will die down. So it's been a lot of fun! Will make an interesting morning trying to take it down, looking forward to it!
The wind is a welcome change though as it is a toasty 86 degrees Fahrenheit / about 30 degrees Celsius. But with Hurricane force winds, and the shade on the campsite, it's a manageable 23-24 degrees Celsius.
Kim hit up the shower to cool down a bit, rather than jumping in the kiddie infested pool, she came out exclaiming, it's a good thing we're Canadian because we're used to cold water. The shower went from Cold, to Colder, to Frigid apparently. A good wake up.
The people here have been extremely friendly and helpful. It's an older couple who own the campground, and they maintain it very well. Smiling and waving as they ride by on the sit down mower, or striking up a friendly conversation at the small general store.
We have had a chance to watch the news too, and have heard about Hurricane Irene hitting the East Coast with major force. Saw they have started to evacuate coast cities and small islands in the hurricane's path. Mauvereen was excited and exclaimed "Way to Go Mom! Show 'em what it means to be an Irene!!"
We do hope that everyone will be ok through the storm.
Found we have plenty of insects tenting in the area with us, which led to Kim finding out that she is unforuntately allergic to bug spray. Good thing we brought Benadryl. What a way to find out, on the road, in a campsite, already bitten a few times.
Now it's off to find some grub, then curl up with a good book in the tent.
Tomorrow we will be up early again, heading for Goshen Indiana to visit Kim's Step-Grandma Ruth and her family. Should be a good visit.
Will update again soon!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Mall Of America
August 23, 2011
So today was the big shopping day! We got up after having a great sleep and a decent sleep in, headed down for a good breakfast in the hotel dining hall. This was the best one yet, with hot waffles, omelets, hash-browns plus a passel of fruit, yogurt and cereals to choose from. Very delicious. Once finished, we grabbed our effects and then walked over to the biggest mall in North America.
It's a little overwhelming when you first experience it. With 552 stores, plus a 7 acre amusement park right in the middle.
We wandered the mall, hitting up some stores we recognized plus some we didn't know. Both of us had a successful day, getting some new clothes and trinkets. Kim went a little overboard, as she likes to do on holidays, coming back with quite a handful of treasures.
While venturing between stores and walking the long shop lined hallways, we decided to take a short cut through Nickelodeon Universe and see what it was all about. The rides were insane! One roller coaster we stood and watched, had a vertical incline that almost touched the roof of the mall, before roaring down a massive hill into a long line of loop-de-loops.
Another we saw is very similar to the Pirate Ship at the PNE, but this was a giant skateboard that went back and forth on a giant ramp. The seats were all boxes, that spin when the ride goes up or down. Kim is ban for life even though she's never been on it.
We spent about 4 hours shopping, a record for both of us, before our feet started to scream and exhaustion hit.
To take a break we found a really nice restaurant on the upper levels of the mall called the Napa Valley Grill. Very posh atmosphere and upper-class style. The service was excellent, very quick. Food was phenomenal. We both ordered the grilled atlantic salmon with roasted fingerling potatoes in a white wine reduction. When the waitress asked how we wanted our salmon cooked, we were quite taken a-back. Never been asked this before, as normally you cook fish until it was cooked right through. We both asked for Medium, and the fish just melted in your mouth. Mauvereen got herself a white wine spritzer, which was extremely flavourful and sweet. Kim ordered herself a Strawberry Rhubarb pie with Rum Caramel and Whip Cream for dessert. Very rich flavour, but quite delicious. Makes you want to go back again and again.
After lunch we came back for a nap through the afternoon, before Kim headed back to the mall to pick up some food for dinner and last minute goodies.Walking back to the hotel was a bit of a chore. You're already tired, and it's a balmy 90 degrees outside, and Kim was wearing jeans...not a great idea.
So far we've found the people here in Minnesota very pleasant and helpful. We had help from a young lady in Columbia who was very knowledgeable of the product, plus very excited to be helping out. She was telling us all about why the 3-in-1 jackets are one of the greatest products that Columbia makes especially for those cold Minnesota winters. Another girl that was amazing was a young lady working at the Disney Store. She was all by herself helping out a long line of people. While working on each transaction, she was extremely chipper telling the customer about the re-usable bags you could purchase for $2.50 or that you could pre-order the Lion King on DVD for only $24.99. While the customer was getting out their wallet she would acknowledge the rest of the line saying "I'll be with you in just one moment", or she would turn around really quick and answer the phone with a "Thank you for calling the Disney Store, hope you're having a magical day, how can I help you?". Wonderful to see such enthusiasm.
Now we're enjoying a relaxing evening in the hotel room, checking e-mail, watching some TV and checking out our goodies.
Tomorrow is back on the road for a "short" 5 hour jaunt to Madison, Wisconsin, then setting up the tent at the KOA.
Shall update again tomorrow!
So today was the big shopping day! We got up after having a great sleep and a decent sleep in, headed down for a good breakfast in the hotel dining hall. This was the best one yet, with hot waffles, omelets, hash-browns plus a passel of fruit, yogurt and cereals to choose from. Very delicious. Once finished, we grabbed our effects and then walked over to the biggest mall in North America.
It's a little overwhelming when you first experience it. With 552 stores, plus a 7 acre amusement park right in the middle.
We wandered the mall, hitting up some stores we recognized plus some we didn't know. Both of us had a successful day, getting some new clothes and trinkets. Kim went a little overboard, as she likes to do on holidays, coming back with quite a handful of treasures.
While venturing between stores and walking the long shop lined hallways, we decided to take a short cut through Nickelodeon Universe and see what it was all about. The rides were insane! One roller coaster we stood and watched, had a vertical incline that almost touched the roof of the mall, before roaring down a massive hill into a long line of loop-de-loops.
Another we saw is very similar to the Pirate Ship at the PNE, but this was a giant skateboard that went back and forth on a giant ramp. The seats were all boxes, that spin when the ride goes up or down. Kim is ban for life even though she's never been on it.
We spent about 4 hours shopping, a record for both of us, before our feet started to scream and exhaustion hit.
To take a break we found a really nice restaurant on the upper levels of the mall called the Napa Valley Grill. Very posh atmosphere and upper-class style. The service was excellent, very quick. Food was phenomenal. We both ordered the grilled atlantic salmon with roasted fingerling potatoes in a white wine reduction. When the waitress asked how we wanted our salmon cooked, we were quite taken a-back. Never been asked this before, as normally you cook fish until it was cooked right through. We both asked for Medium, and the fish just melted in your mouth. Mauvereen got herself a white wine spritzer, which was extremely flavourful and sweet. Kim ordered herself a Strawberry Rhubarb pie with Rum Caramel and Whip Cream for dessert. Very rich flavour, but quite delicious. Makes you want to go back again and again.
After lunch we came back for a nap through the afternoon, before Kim headed back to the mall to pick up some food for dinner and last minute goodies.Walking back to the hotel was a bit of a chore. You're already tired, and it's a balmy 90 degrees outside, and Kim was wearing jeans...not a great idea.
So far we've found the people here in Minnesota very pleasant and helpful. We had help from a young lady in Columbia who was very knowledgeable of the product, plus very excited to be helping out. She was telling us all about why the 3-in-1 jackets are one of the greatest products that Columbia makes especially for those cold Minnesota winters. Another girl that was amazing was a young lady working at the Disney Store. She was all by herself helping out a long line of people. While working on each transaction, she was extremely chipper telling the customer about the re-usable bags you could purchase for $2.50 or that you could pre-order the Lion King on DVD for only $24.99. While the customer was getting out their wallet she would acknowledge the rest of the line saying "I'll be with you in just one moment", or she would turn around really quick and answer the phone with a "Thank you for calling the Disney Store, hope you're having a magical day, how can I help you?". Wonderful to see such enthusiasm.
Now we're enjoying a relaxing evening in the hotel room, checking e-mail, watching some TV and checking out our goodies.
Tomorrow is back on the road for a "short" 5 hour jaunt to Madison, Wisconsin, then setting up the tent at the KOA.
Shall update again tomorrow!
Aug 22 Sauk Centre to Bloomington, MN
Sauk Centre is famous for a few things, but the most notable is Sinclair Lewis. He was born in Sauk Centre in 1885 and is the first American to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for Literature. He was born to a family doctor and he worked writing books from 1912 to his death in 1951. Many of his books were adapted into movies such as Main Street and Elmer Gantry.
By the way, State Troopers drive the black Shelby Mustang "Barricade" from the Transformers movie. It's slogan was "To Punish and Enslave". Thank goodness it's not really their motto.
This morning we met Lou and Lori Plant. They are cousins from the McDonough/Buckley side, heavy on the Buckley side. They live in the Daniel Buckley homestead and the house was classified as a Century House for being over 100 years old. Lou is the son of Agnes Buckley Plant, who was Daniel Buckley's daughter. Lou and Lori were kind enough to let us go through the house and take pictures. We will definitely be keeping in touch. They are warm and friendly people. They took us to the Palmer Hotel in Sauk Centre for lunch. The hotel is documented as haunted. Over the years hotel guests and staff have heard a little boy bouncing his ball and giggling at the top of the stairs. The other ghost is a hostess haunting the dining hall. The hotel still uses the original front desk and keys are in small cubbies. No electronic cards here.
A little about Lou's mother Agnes. She was a school teacher, superintendent of schools, owner of two beauty parlors, a poet, a journalist, and was instrumental in helping to set up the Sinclair Lewis museum.
Lou and Lori then drove us to the Calvary cemetery where most of the Buckley, Plant, and Johnson family are buried. We had to take a pass on the Oakland Cemetery where Michael and Rachael (Buckley) McDonough are buried. The cemetery has gone through tough times and the State no longer buries anyone there. There is a movement to get funding to clean the cemetery up. There was a huge storm that came through and knocked down several large trees and monuments. The clean up crew managed to not only clear up the trees but pick up markers and put them in the far corner of the cemetery with the debris. Apparently some markers were so old you can no longer read the inscription. Several people have gone out to this cemetery on my behalf but no luck finding Michael and Rachael. All the obituaries state that they are there.
Next we went to meet Marilyn at the Sauk Centre Historical Society. It is on the main street and in the basement of the library. Marilyn is not very tall and very bubbly. She had found and copied over 200 documents for me. A large part came from Lou Plant's attic. I'm sure there will be duplicates of what I have but these look to be far better copies.
We then drove to St. Cloud to the Stearns Historical Society and Museum to meet with John. First of all we were amazed at how large St.Cloud really is. We were expecting a small town and the usual for the historial society to be tucked away in the basement of a library, such as the Sauk Centre Historical Society. St Cloud is a city to be reckoned with but it must be 10,000 plus, and it's Best Buy tag sign is backwards. Kim was highly entertained about this and could hardly wait to let her coworkers know. Pictures may go on You Tube. John has asked that I contact Todd County as well with my information as this is were Michael McDonough spent part of his life and died there. The museum is huge and well laid out. This was another surprise to find a place so large housing so much of the history of Minnesota.
Now we were off to Bloomington to Mall of America!!!! and to meet the Brant Family. We passed a sign that said "We Do Cows.com". It was a veterinarian. We managed to make it to our hotel in Bloomington around 4:30 pm in the afternoon and contacted the Brant family. Ron Brant is the grandson of Elizabeth Buckley. So we now had the oldest Buckley's family through Daniel, a middle sister, Elizabeth for the Brant family, and the youngest sister, Rachael, for the McDonough family. We are all related as cousins. We met at the Mall of America for dinner. That is one large mall. Over 552 stores and a complete Playland in the very middle no to mention LegoLand. Apparently there is an aquarium on one of the floors too. We met Ron and two of his four sons. Dan Brant, who I have been corresponding with, and his older brother, Dave. Tom and Tim couldn't make it as well as their aunt, Ron's sister, who is 87. Dan had more documents for me from his side of the family. It's a good thing I brought folders of information for everyone I was to see on this trip.
A mention about the hotel room. We were quite knocked over when we opened the door and expected a regular room. It has a small front room and a King size bed. We have had moderate rooms a long the way, and this was a splurge, but I wasn't expecting this. And we are right across the street from the Mall of America!!!! Kim is excited.
Getting ready to go shopping and will update you at the end of the day.
By the way, State Troopers drive the black Shelby Mustang "Barricade" from the Transformers movie. It's slogan was "To Punish and Enslave". Thank goodness it's not really their motto.
This morning we met Lou and Lori Plant. They are cousins from the McDonough/Buckley side, heavy on the Buckley side. They live in the Daniel Buckley homestead and the house was classified as a Century House for being over 100 years old. Lou is the son of Agnes Buckley Plant, who was Daniel Buckley's daughter. Lou and Lori were kind enough to let us go through the house and take pictures. We will definitely be keeping in touch. They are warm and friendly people. They took us to the Palmer Hotel in Sauk Centre for lunch. The hotel is documented as haunted. Over the years hotel guests and staff have heard a little boy bouncing his ball and giggling at the top of the stairs. The other ghost is a hostess haunting the dining hall. The hotel still uses the original front desk and keys are in small cubbies. No electronic cards here.
A little about Lou's mother Agnes. She was a school teacher, superintendent of schools, owner of two beauty parlors, a poet, a journalist, and was instrumental in helping to set up the Sinclair Lewis museum.
Lou and Lori then drove us to the Calvary cemetery where most of the Buckley, Plant, and Johnson family are buried. We had to take a pass on the Oakland Cemetery where Michael and Rachael (Buckley) McDonough are buried. The cemetery has gone through tough times and the State no longer buries anyone there. There is a movement to get funding to clean the cemetery up. There was a huge storm that came through and knocked down several large trees and monuments. The clean up crew managed to not only clear up the trees but pick up markers and put them in the far corner of the cemetery with the debris. Apparently some markers were so old you can no longer read the inscription. Several people have gone out to this cemetery on my behalf but no luck finding Michael and Rachael. All the obituaries state that they are there.
Next we went to meet Marilyn at the Sauk Centre Historical Society. It is on the main street and in the basement of the library. Marilyn is not very tall and very bubbly. She had found and copied over 200 documents for me. A large part came from Lou Plant's attic. I'm sure there will be duplicates of what I have but these look to be far better copies.
We then drove to St. Cloud to the Stearns Historical Society and Museum to meet with John. First of all we were amazed at how large St.Cloud really is. We were expecting a small town and the usual for the historial society to be tucked away in the basement of a library, such as the Sauk Centre Historical Society. St Cloud is a city to be reckoned with but it must be 10,000 plus, and it's Best Buy tag sign is backwards. Kim was highly entertained about this and could hardly wait to let her coworkers know. Pictures may go on You Tube. John has asked that I contact Todd County as well with my information as this is were Michael McDonough spent part of his life and died there. The museum is huge and well laid out. This was another surprise to find a place so large housing so much of the history of Minnesota.
Now we were off to Bloomington to Mall of America!!!! and to meet the Brant Family. We passed a sign that said "We Do Cows.com". It was a veterinarian. We managed to make it to our hotel in Bloomington around 4:30 pm in the afternoon and contacted the Brant family. Ron Brant is the grandson of Elizabeth Buckley. So we now had the oldest Buckley's family through Daniel, a middle sister, Elizabeth for the Brant family, and the youngest sister, Rachael, for the McDonough family. We are all related as cousins. We met at the Mall of America for dinner. That is one large mall. Over 552 stores and a complete Playland in the very middle no to mention LegoLand. Apparently there is an aquarium on one of the floors too. We met Ron and two of his four sons. Dan Brant, who I have been corresponding with, and his older brother, Dave. Tom and Tim couldn't make it as well as their aunt, Ron's sister, who is 87. Dan had more documents for me from his side of the family. It's a good thing I brought folders of information for everyone I was to see on this trip.
A mention about the hotel room. We were quite knocked over when we opened the door and expected a regular room. It has a small front room and a King size bed. We have had moderate rooms a long the way, and this was a splurge, but I wasn't expecting this. And we are right across the street from the Mall of America!!!! Kim is excited.
Getting ready to go shopping and will update you at the end of the day.
Monday, August 22, 2011
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!
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!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
From Billings to Fargo Aug 19-20
Leaving Billings, Montana we travelled past many yellow fields and craggy rock formations. The best was passing by fields of Deer. Unfortunately this was also the most common road kill. The sky was brilliant blue and most of the country is an ocre yellow to pale yellow.
We passed by Custer and Custer's Last Stand battlefield and the next area was Bighorn. A large sign showed that yes Sakegewea is remembered. We also flew past the small town of Forsyth with an elevation of 2525 ft. There is much ado about the Lewis & Clark Trail. One hotel sign said that Lewis and Clark slept there 167 times.
We eventually came upon Rosebud, Montana. Lovely place for sledding.
One of the many rest stops (this one on Bad Route Road) had large boards talking about Clinkers. These are red topped mountains (hills if you ask me) that have an incredible function. The red portion of the mountain is porous, so that when it rains the material absorbs the rain rather than have it run off making a natural irrigation system. The bottom portion of the mountain is a dark colour and it's core is coal. The coal inside heats up causing fire and the clinkers put the fires out.
All along our route right through into North Dakota there are small sunflowers growing on either side of the highway. You can find them in large clumps near water sources as well.
We got to met the nicest of men on our trip. We were nearest the first exit of Glendive, Montana when Patrol Office M. L. Briggs pulled us over. Kim got a $20.00 speeding ticket but he dropped the speed down so that she got the lowest fine. He left us with "Kim, watch your speed". We are still looking for an envelope and stamp to pay the fine before August 29.
A couple of the interesting places along the way were "Home on the Range" and "Camel Hump Lake". New Salem in North Dakota is famous for the world's largest Holstein Cow. Montana had what looks to be Jesus on top of the mountain. Just like South America. In Montana each town had the first letter of the town embedded in one of the hills. You could see these letters for miles. Now that we reached North Dakota, they have the world's largest buffalo. We got to see a field full of the living kind.
We saw our first water fowl in two states when we moved into North Dakota. White Cranes, Cormorants, and ducks in and around the exit for "Gackle". There is a large lake that had trees that looked like they had long since been dead, but made a beautiful sight with their branches rising above the water.
We are now headed for Duluth, St. Cloud and then onto Sauk Centre, Minnesota. I think the hardest part of this is the time changes, and when you are tired, everything is funny. It's time to hit the road.
We passed by Custer and Custer's Last Stand battlefield and the next area was Bighorn. A large sign showed that yes Sakegewea is remembered. We also flew past the small town of Forsyth with an elevation of 2525 ft. There is much ado about the Lewis & Clark Trail. One hotel sign said that Lewis and Clark slept there 167 times.
We eventually came upon Rosebud, Montana. Lovely place for sledding.
One of the many rest stops (this one on Bad Route Road) had large boards talking about Clinkers. These are red topped mountains (hills if you ask me) that have an incredible function. The red portion of the mountain is porous, so that when it rains the material absorbs the rain rather than have it run off making a natural irrigation system. The bottom portion of the mountain is a dark colour and it's core is coal. The coal inside heats up causing fire and the clinkers put the fires out.
All along our route right through into North Dakota there are small sunflowers growing on either side of the highway. You can find them in large clumps near water sources as well.
We got to met the nicest of men on our trip. We were nearest the first exit of Glendive, Montana when Patrol Office M. L. Briggs pulled us over. Kim got a $20.00 speeding ticket but he dropped the speed down so that she got the lowest fine. He left us with "Kim, watch your speed". We are still looking for an envelope and stamp to pay the fine before August 29.
A couple of the interesting places along the way were "Home on the Range" and "Camel Hump Lake". New Salem in North Dakota is famous for the world's largest Holstein Cow. Montana had what looks to be Jesus on top of the mountain. Just like South America. In Montana each town had the first letter of the town embedded in one of the hills. You could see these letters for miles. Now that we reached North Dakota, they have the world's largest buffalo. We got to see a field full of the living kind.
We saw our first water fowl in two states when we moved into North Dakota. White Cranes, Cormorants, and ducks in and around the exit for "Gackle". There is a large lake that had trees that looked like they had long since been dead, but made a beautiful sight with their branches rising above the water.
We are now headed for Duluth, St. Cloud and then onto Sauk Centre, Minnesota. I think the hardest part of this is the time changes, and when you are tired, everything is funny. It's time to hit the road.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
The Fallen Soldier Project
One of the great things that they have here in Montana, possibly other states, is the Fallen Soldier Project.
We found this at the Cracker Barrel General Store and Restaurant. Here they sell products such as T-Shirts, Hats and even Rocking Chairs, where a portion of the sale goes to helping wounded soldiers get back on their feet.
Also, while visiting Walmart in Butte, Montana, they have a wall dedicated to both fallen and serving soldiers that lived in this town. Photos were posted all over the wall, and the soldiers were from all different wars.
It's really nice to see such patriotism.
We found this at the Cracker Barrel General Store and Restaurant. Here they sell products such as T-Shirts, Hats and even Rocking Chairs, where a portion of the sale goes to helping wounded soldiers get back on their feet.
Also, while visiting Walmart in Butte, Montana, they have a wall dedicated to both fallen and serving soldiers that lived in this town. Photos were posted all over the wall, and the soldiers were from all different wars.
It's really nice to see such patriotism.
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