One of the best features of my great state is the lakes. Going “Up North” is a tradition Minnesotan’s have been partaking in for many, many generations. It becomes one of the best traditions a family can have in my opinion. Watching kids discover their world in the water and the woods is one of the best things in life. And I don’t even have kids! Imagine how I will feel when I do.
I am so very fortunate to have grown up experiencing this tradition. And continue to do so because of my parents. They always invite us along for their excursions to the cabins. I guess they feel obligated since I am related and all. I don’t contribute much except for bringing some food and beverages. I guess it’s been good enough to keep getting invited back ;) So Mom and Dad, if you are reading this, thank you for giving me the gift of appreciating summer at the lake and all that goes with it.
So, first weekend up was for the 4th. Anyone that lives in the Twin Cities knows that traffic on any of the major summer holidays is pretty much a nightmare. So what happens when a terrible severe storm transcends on the “great escape” to the North at 5:00 pm on a Friday?
Hail Damage. Lots of hail damage. Oh and apparently, as we found out later, we drove right under a funnel cloud! Neat.
The calm before the storm.
The scariest clouds I have ever seen. Hard to capture when it’s raining so hard.
Whttaway to start a long weekend!
The good news is that the storm was almost worth it. We were blessed with perfect weather for the next 4 days. Hot, sunny, and not a cloud to be found at our annual 4th of July outing at Kavanaugh’s Resort North of Brainerd. We went through a lot of sunscreen and all suffered some battle wounds from the sun. We played golf, swam, cruised on the boat, tried to get my brother to learn how to throw a Frisbee, ate and drank.
Sylvan Lake.
Waiting for the fireworks. Grainy cell phone picture only allows so
much improvement in Photoshop.
I went back to work for 3 days, then headed North once again. This time to a private cabin on Thunder Lake, Minnesota. I can say that Thunder Lake is one of the most beautiful I have seen in Minnesota. The almost 3 hour drive in traffic each Friday would be worth it. Once we arrived, it felt like the city was a world away. I totally get why people battle the rush hour each week, both ways, to get to these beautiful places. Once again we cruised the lake, went fishing off the dock (a few small fish were caught…not by me though), kayaked, played cards, ate and drank.
Mille Lacs Lake from the car on the drive up. One of the biggest lakes in MN.
We made it!
Look at these two kids. My parents out for a spin on the four wheelers.
One of the best lakes yet.
My favorite people out for dinner.
Until next year.
