Day 23 - Minnesota

Our view of the lake from "The Patio" at Lum Park in Brainerd, MN.

When we awoke the next morning the mosquitos were just as bad as the night before so we decided to head out ASAP and find breakfast somewhere else. We were soon in Grand Rapids, MN. and had breakfast at McD’s so we could check our email and do the blog. We passed through town - another quaint little “Main St, USA” type town - I love them! I would have liked to stop and walk around photographing but guess what? It was raining again!

Just on the highway on the edge of town heading out we found a Walmart so we stopped to pick up a few things. Like - more mosquito repellant, afterbite, mosquito lantern, mosquito wristbands, etc. and some groceries. After spending an hour or so waiting out the rain we decided to head on. 

Soon the rain stopped and the sun came out and as it was already mid-afternoon we decided to find a spot to stay a little earlier and have some fun. We had passed numerous little towns and lakes (MN: Land of 10,000 Lakes) with little “resorts” so we decided on whatever came next. 

Adding Ontario now that we could venture out mosquito free!

Adding Minnesota to the map

A short time later we were in Brainerd which had a wonderful little community park campsite right on the lakefront - our home for the night. The lady in the park office was very friendly and gave us a ton of information about what was going on in the area including nearby Pequot Lakes “Bean Hole Days” happening that evening and the next day! They bury large pots of beans over coals in the ground and let them cook overnight. The next day they dig them up and serve free lunch to everyone! I guess we’re having beans for lunch tomorrow. Finally we were in the right place at the right time!!!!

Kasey wanted funny faces - even Henry stuck his tongue out!

The boys Chillaxing.

We spent a relaxing, sunny afternoon and warm, mosquito free evening lazing around, Kasey went for a swim in the lake, we had BBQ for dinner, and then S’mores around the campfire later on. Paradise!

Kasey was the only brave one for a swim in the lake

The boys just watched from the beach

Dinner in the sunshine!

For those of you following this blog we'd love to get your comments. You never know - next we're heading into our treasured part of the trip - "Spam Factory Tour" and the "Big Ball of Twine" - so there maybe a souvenir for those that comment on our blog!

S'mores!