We found a fantastic National Forest campground on Mabel Lake in north-central Minnesota, a base to explore the area.We lucked into nabbing the best spot on the lake, with a beautiful stairway to the beach. We went swimming in the shallow, cool water every chance we got! We are about 60 miles from Lake Itasca, the headwaters of the Mississippi. We visited the spot back in 2003 when we started our (now 18 year) road trip. Boy have things changed! Now there is a huge visitor center, plaques, statues and information kiosks, paved parking, that was absolutely full, and tons of visitors. The commemorative carved tree trunk is still there, maybe a newer one tho!

We left the WI/MN Mississippi border and continued our trip north and west into the ‘Land of 10,000 Lakes”! We spotted this not-so-shy guy on the banks of one of those lakes!We had a quiet 4th of July near the banks of the Snake river in the Chengwatana State Forest near Pine City, MN. Even tho it was hot and humid, we wanted a nice campfire (to keep the mosquitoes away!).

We went on a tour of familiar places and found a new place as well!

Starting with lunch at “Boob’s” a mainstay in Winona, MN!On to the newest brewery in Winona, steps away from the Mississippi river (over the train tracks and the levy that protects the sand bar ‘island’ Winona is built on).Across the river to Fountain City, WI to one of the oldest establishments there. Known as “Zum Goldene Frosch” to the newly immigrated Germans to the area including my great grandparents.An early dinner here, also in Fountain City. An homage to the Irish immigrants to the area. Home of the reincarnated Fountain City Brewery. If you’re ever in the area you need to check out the basement pub!

A white rose for Mommy, a red carnation for Daddy, 4 red roses for us surviving children and a pink rose for a child gone too soon.