Into the glorious unknown...: March 2011

Posted by L. In:

Minnesoootah Girl

Even though I sometimes feel that my Minnesotan heritage was wasted on me, and that I was created for warm temperature climates and sun washed lands, at the heart of me I am a Minnesota girl. This is a silly post I realize, but recently I've been waxing nostalgic about my home state and the childhood memories I've been blessed with here. So here are some reasons, in no certain order, why I am a Minnesota girl through and through.

As a U of M alumni, I will always be a Golden Gopher. Ski-U-Mah!

I will always have a weakness for hockey players and men in plaid flannel wielding an ax

The smell of campfire and pine on a warm breeze off the lake, or on a cool wind in mid December will forever be one of my favorite scents.

The eerie call of the loon from across the lake as the sun sinks low in the sky.

The brilliant and surreal phenomenon of the Northern Lights (aurora borealis)

"The North Shore" will always be for me a unique oasis of memories, and delightful exploration of Lake Superior.

Camping in the north woods, huddled under blankets and hooded sweatshirts next to the campfire while listening to stories of summers past and plans for tomorrow to a soundtrack of owls, coyotes and crickets.

The Boundary Waters. A place of pure wilderness where your child's heart can once again be revived and your dream of adventure and discovery become realities as you step back in time and paddle and hike your way through a vast forest and chain of lakes.

The story of Paul Bunyan and his blue ox Babe will always bring a smile to my face.

Nordic skiing on a moon-lit trail

Sitting on the dock at a north woods cabin watching a summer storm roll in over the lake

Finding an isolated lake with waters as stills as glass, half expecting to see a moose wade in for a lazy soak.

Snow angels in my bathing suit, with a hot tub close at hand.

Uptown lakes. rollerblading, food discovery, and coffee sipping.

Hockey games

The Mississippi (I can't count how many times while crossing the famous river I've spelled that word forwards and backwards) :)

Potlucks

Paddling of any kind (canoe, kayak, etc.)

The endless system of bike trails through downtown Minneapolis, over the river, through the leafy neighborhoods, around the lakes and into the forest.

A summer afternoon next to the lake, shades on magazine open and a friend to chat with.

Hotdish

I can't say that snow and I have a love love relationship, but I cannot deny the beauty of a freshly fallen snow, or the peace of a snowfall especially at night. It seems the whole world is muffled as the white flakes drift daintily down. In the morning the whole world is transformed.

Boat rides on the lake, maybe a little tubing, and for those that are more coordinated than me: water skiing.

Fall in Minnesota is the best, hands down. If you are thinking of coming for a visit you definitely should stop over at the end of September beginning of October. The world is transformed into brilliant reds, golds, oranges and yellows.

The Minnesota State Fair. 12 days of bliss, eating anything you could desire on a stick, watching the Princess Kay of the Milky Way's likeness be carved into butter, the barns, the art, the shows, the preserves, the rickety rides, and the grease! My mouth is watering just typing this.

The Holidazle Parade. A night parade in the middle of November/December comprised of thousands of lights. Yes its cold, but totally worth it!

St. Paul Winter Carnival. Yep a carnival in the middle of winter, its great.

Aquatennial. Minneapolis' summer celebration.

Seeing a black bear with her cub in the wild and the hope that someday I will see my moose in the wild. Really, seeing any animal roaming free in the woods, is a real joy.