Minnesota - June 2004

Summer has arrived and it is time to head north for some cooler June weather. A Habitat build in Minnesota seems a good destination.

Along the way a few stops are in order: a visit to Branson, Mo, a stop at the Bass Pro Shop in Springfield, Mo, a tour of the wildlife museum next door, and a visit to the town of Somerset, Iowa which was the setting for the film Bridges of Madison County.

Breakfast at the Northside Cafe seemed in order where they had photos from the movie hanging on the walls.

From Somerset I detoured to the southeastern part of Minnesota. I stopped at a help yourself Amish store on a farm in Harmony, Mn.

All along the way I marveled at the numerous barns and farms that filled the countryside.

After a brief stop at Cabella's in Owatonna I was off to the farm in Faribault where 5 FreeRoaders spent one week camping in the back yard at a farm. How generous of the owner to provide us the place to stay. He did not even know the habitat recipient, let alone any of us.

We didn't know a rooster would wake us at 4 am but after the second day of that, a raccoon came to our rescue. Poor rooster!

The farmer was a most excellent host. We gathered each evening in his back yard to recap the day or share an evening meal before the mosquitoes tried to make a meal of us.

The purpose of being in Minnesota was to help with a habitat build so each morning we drove to Northfield and contributed our best efforts. The real builders did not know what to think but after a couple days hard work they began to appreciate our help.

Shade was not easy to find on this hot day but Diane, Clark, Robbie, Susan, and Marcia managed.

And then it was back to work as Robbie and Marcia assist Clark.

On the weekend we visited New Ulm, MN. Marcia, Clark, and Diane take a break at the Schell Brewery.

We also watched German singers downtown at the Glockenspiel and had a great Chinese buffet.

Another day we visited the Mall of America and Lyndale Park near Lake Harriet in Minneapolis. The roses were at their peak in the park.

While at the mall Clark, Marcia, Diane, and I definitely didn't want to miss a meal.

Diane, Robbie, Clark, Susan, Susan,and Marcia enjoyed the lego store. It was quite a day to be at the mall with a famous skate boarder there for an exhibit. What a crowd he drew!

Just another day on the farm, I guess. Not bad!