Minnesota

If you've been following along you've probably noted that we are, for the most part, hugging the northern parts of the States we pass through. Intentional? Well, sort of...Keeps us closer to Canada and ultimately Alaska!

We basically flew through Minnesota and someday it would be a nice place to come back to explore. 15 most beautiful places in MN. As it was, we drove across flatland. I expected to see so much more water; afterall, it is the "Land of 10,000 lakes". . .Minnesota's official nickname comes from its French state motto, adopted in 1861: l'étoile du nord meaning, “the star of the north.” Another unofficial nickname is the Land of 10,000 Lakes because, well, Minnesota has thousands of lakes—11,842 to be exact!

We found one of those lakes - well, more like a pond and it was as peaceful as one could hope for: Savanah Portage State Park.

We also met some very nice people...par for this trip. Justin, Marissa and Kirk. Justin and Marissa are special educators in MN. We met on the 'fishing dock'  where we were fortunate enough to see a snapping turtle that was as big as a tire...fortunately we were NOT in the water!