North Dakota into Minnesota

Our cabin on a lake - Lake Bemidji, Bemindji, Minnesota. (Sorry for the poor picture - perhaps a better one with morning light).

As we crossed the North Dakota/Minnesota border we stopped at a visitor center in Grand Forks (amazing visitor center and materials!). We asked for the best place to stop in the next 2 - 3 hours and Bemidji was recommended.

As we drove I used their beautiful visitor guide and went through the resorts looking for those that allow dogs. Then I compared all the features and we ended up at Ruttger's Birchmont Lodge in their one room cabin on the water - right on the water with sandy beaches, a beautiful blue sky and perfect Spring weather. Abby is a happy dog!

Jim is settling in and I think he could stay here with a boat and fishing for Walleye, Northern Pike and Small Mouth Bass - the fish he grew up fishing and loves to eat. He'll have to settle for dinner at Cattails tonight where we hear they serve great local fresh fish.

North Dakota, along HWY 2, was a pleasant surprise. Maybe not quite a surprise but very enjoyable and we were impressed with the roads, the small towns and the people. Reading through their materials I would return and spend more time exploring more of the state.

Tomorrow we should spend the night in Upper Michigan. We will slow a bit now and do a little more exploring along the way.

So far, this has been a wonderful idea; work fades away, I know my house and garden are in good hands, and we are settling into a relaxed routine.

Did I mention the front of the cabin is all louvered windows with screens? Right now they are wide open with a cool breeze flowing through the cabin. Jim in napping, Abby is laying by the door watching her current world go by and I'm, well where else, I'm on the computer.

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Just returned from dinner at the Cattails. Wonderful food, terrific waitress, and good company. I really may loose Jim here - he had his Walleye both deep fried and broiled and it was a good as his memories. I keep reminding him how cold the winters are here. The ice just left the lake recently, the trees do not have leaves yet and they have mosquitos in the summer.