Tales of a Shoebox Princess

 I FINALLY got to go out paddling on a lake this summer. We tried a couple months ago while up north. We reserved kayaks, then switched days and rented a canoe, up in Voyageur's National Park, but the day we went was too windy and the outfitter recommended not going out on the lake. I was bummed. Instead we went to Franz Jevne and Big Bog state parks, which were very lovely and wonderful, but I still missed paddling around on water. Then a couple weeks ago, we drove downtown to rent a canoe on Bde Maka Ska but were told the same thing--too windy and they wouldn't rent a canoe. Instead we walked to the beach area, put our feet in the water, then walked back to the car and ordered pizza. Today, we went downtown again, and this time, in spite of the windiness (we thought it was windier than a couple weeks ago), we were able to rent a canoe. It was choppy on the lake, but we didn't tip over. It was a glorious day to be afloat. There were clouds and it looked like it might rain

 Hiking up to the tallest point in MN has been a bucket list item for a while. I figured I could do it because it's not really very high up. I also wanted to go up there because it's officially in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and I hadn't ever been in it before. I've been near it, but not officially in it. Most people I know who have been in BWCA go to canoe and camp for a week in primitive conditions. That did not interest me at all, primarily because vault toilets and no showers and portaging in summer with bugs, carrying heavy packs and the canoe. I'll paddle the canoe and sleep in a tent (with an air mattress) and eat trailmix and campfire food all day long, but roughing it THAT MUCH is not at all how I like to vacation. So a day pass into BWCA was just what I wanted. And yes, you do have to get a day pass. They are free and available at the trailhead. All you need is a pen to fill out the form. There is also an enclosed vault toilet at the trailhea

While on our state park vacation, I looked at more than just mushrooms. MN state parks have opened my eyes to the varied landscape of Minnesota. More than once, I've heard MN referred to as flat and boring, not like wonderful California! or foresty upstate East Coast! Or warm and beachy like Florida! Not that the slights on my home state ever convinced me that Minnesota was less than ideal as far as natural beauty, I have long enjoyed the vast landscape of trees and fields and rivers and lakes, but I had no idea that I could enjoy it so much more because there were little wonders tucked inside state parks I had never been to! My favorite and one that I felt was really different was the Big Bog.  I'll try to label where these are, but no promises of accuracy. Suffice to say, they all do exist and I like the views. Mille Lacs Also Mille Lacs on a windy day, so the waves are nice and high Mississippi river Don't know the lake, but it's at Savanna Portage state park The lit