Thank goodness for the bathroom and shower that was inside the maintenance building. Always felt good after a good long shower after having spongebathed for 3 days due to dry camping. There was a dumping station and water pump, so we took care of the "poop" situation and filled up the water tanks.
We made a stop in Fosston town to look for one attraction, but it was moved due to the area under construction.
While cruising around we found another roadside attraction: a tiny wedding chapel.
There was a farmer's market going on by the church.. Erwin bought homemade butter, chokeberry jelly, petite potatoes.
We took a right turn from 2 to go to Itasaca State Park (20 miles). Erwin went there with his kids long time ago and wanted to visit it again, just to see what it is like. However, before entering the park our camper van started to get thirsty, so we stopped at Lake Itasca town to get gas fill up ($3.69 per gal)
Entered the park at north entrance gate. $5 fee per vehicle.
Itasaca State Park is Minnesota's oldest state park (2nd oldest in America). It has more than 100 lakes. The Mississippi River starts at the headwaters here and then ends in Gulf of Mexico.First stop was to Mary Gibbs center, walked around, then walked to the headwaters. Many people waded or swam in the river.
Itasaca State Park is Minnesota's oldest state park (2nd oldest in America). It has more than 100 lakes. The Mississippi River starts at the headwaters here and then ends in Gulf of Mexico.First stop was to Mary Gibbs center, walked around, then walked to the headwaters. Many people waded or swam in the river.
 |
| This is Mile 0 of the Mississippi River |
Nice drive in the park, stopped to check out Largest White Pine tree that is over 300 years old
 |
| Edith is dwarfed by the size of this tree! |
While still in the park we drove by Elk Lake, then we exited the park via south entrance gate.
We were on US 71 to go to Bemidji, MN. After arriving in the town we discovered that there was a small county fair going on. We decided that we were going to spend a while at the fair and we were lucky to find a parking spot not too far from the fairground. We were hungry, so we started looking for foods the minute we walked in. Erwin wanted roasted/buttered corn on the cob first before ordering lunch. Edith got lamb gyros (very hearty and flavorful). After finishing corn on the cob Erwin went and got himself fried walleye chunks. We found a picnic table under the tent and feasted on our lunches. After satisfying our tummies we continued our trek to check out interesting attractions.
When we had enough of what we wanted to see/do in Bemidji, we headed out to Deer River, MN (the place Erwin grew up). Erwin wanted to show Edith the place he and his family lived, but the roadway to the house was very sandy and Erwin did not want to take a chance of driving the camper van through soft sand and getting stuck. Instead we drove by and he pointed to the general area of where the house was (it is no longer standing as it burned down a number of years ago under suspicious circumstance (the house had bats and arson was suspected but not proven)).
While still in the area Erwin mentioned to Edith that he would like to visit his friend, Ron Johnson, but was not sure of the exact location he lives at. It just happened that there was a police car parked across and Erwin went over and asked for the address after explaining about his acquaintance with Ron. After checking out with several sources the police found the address and off we went.
After double-checking to be sure we got the right address and the house we pulled into a long driveway. As we pulled alongside the RV Ron and his friend were working on, it took Ron a while to recognize Erwin. Ron and Erwin grew up together at Minnesota School for the Deaf and Erwin would spend his summer months at Ron's family's lakefront lot, water skiing, boating, swimming etc. This was where Erwin learned how to swim.
Ron's wife, Shirley was busy tending the strawberry garden in the back of their house. Their strawberries are to die for! She asked us to pick some before we go back on the road.
Ron and Shirley have been in business for over 40 years selling raw vegetable powder (organic). They do not use chemicals/fertilizers on their gardens at all. Their website is livingfoodfarm.com.
After supper Ron took us out for a ride on the farm showing us how he and Shirley grow crops and process/preserve raw vegetable powders. He bought a 53' truck trailer and converted it into a huge food drying oven. He would dry his organic foods and then grind them up into powder to be used for health food supplements. Look up their website to learn more about his great products!
After hearing about Edith's recent fall from the day before Shirley prepared a bathtub with essential oils and told her to soak in it for 20 minutes, which she did. She came out feeling great.
Shirley served delicious strawberry shortcake with freshly picked strawberries and homemade whip cream. We spent the night chatting our heads off and while we were sharing stories/news something was flashing outside. Being so curious we all stepped outside to check and it was a lightning show in the sky. Beautiful one. Another natural firework show! Not wanting to get wet after leaving their house we bid them good night and hurriedly walked to the camper van
Instead of going to bed right away after leaving the house Edith decided she wanted to stay up a while to record/take pictures of the lightning. It lasted for more than 2 hours! What a show, she said. Not a raindrop fell all night where we were!
 |
| Famous in Minnesota, Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox and Erwin |
 |
| Even the fishies are huge! |
While still in the area Erwin mentioned to Edith that he would like to visit his friend, Ron Johnson, but was not sure of the exact location he lives at. It just happened that there was a police car parked across and Erwin went over and asked for the address after explaining about his acquaintance with Ron. After checking out with several sources the police found the address and off we went.
After double-checking to be sure we got the right address and the house we pulled into a long driveway. As we pulled alongside the RV Ron and his friend were working on, it took Ron a while to recognize Erwin. Ron and Erwin grew up together at Minnesota School for the Deaf and Erwin would spend his summer months at Ron's family's lakefront lot, water skiing, boating, swimming etc. This was where Erwin learned how to swim.
Ron's wife, Shirley was busy tending the strawberry garden in the back of their house. Their strawberries are to die for! She asked us to pick some before we go back on the road.
 |
| Shirley, Ron's wife |
 |
Erwin picking Bounty strawberries at the Johnsons' farm |
Ron and Shirley have been in business for over 40 years selling raw vegetable powder (organic). They do not use chemicals/fertilizers on their gardens at all. Their website is livingfoodfarm.com.
After supper Ron took us out for a ride on the farm showing us how he and Shirley grow crops and process/preserve raw vegetable powders. He bought a 53' truck trailer and converted it into a huge food drying oven. He would dry his organic foods and then grind them up into powder to be used for health food supplements. Look up their website to learn more about his great products!
After hearing about Edith's recent fall from the day before Shirley prepared a bathtub with essential oils and told her to soak in it for 20 minutes, which she did. She came out feeling great.
Shirley served delicious strawberry shortcake with freshly picked strawberries and homemade whip cream. We spent the night chatting our heads off and while we were sharing stories/news something was flashing outside. Being so curious we all stepped outside to check and it was a lightning show in the sky. Beautiful one. Another natural firework show! Not wanting to get wet after leaving their house we bid them good night and hurriedly walked to the camper van
 |
| Bounty strawberries |
 |
| G'nite y'all Notice the "E" shaped lightning for Edith & Erwin! |
No comments:
Post a Comment