Twin Cities, Minnesota - July 12 - 19, 2005
On the Mountains of the Prairie, On the great Red Pipe-stone Quarry, Gitche Manito, the mighty, He the Master of Life, descending, On the red crags of the quarry Stood erect, and called the nations, Called the tribes of men together.
Excerpt from "Song of Hiawatha" by Longfellow
We left South Dakota heading for Prior Lake, a suburb of Minneapolis/St. Paul through rolling fields of corn and soybeans. Let us preface this section by saying that the entire west was suffering a brutal heat wave during our time in Minnesota. The Mississippi River basin was also influenced by a series of hurricanes and tropical storms in the Gulf of Mexico resulting in extraordinary humidity. Consequently, it was like a steam bath most of the time we were in the metropolitan area so we didn't move very much or very fast.
Also, during this time, Bill was advertising and successfully selling his desktop computer (in June he replaced it with a laptop) via eBay. The process took a lot of research and preparation, but once placed on eBay the components sold within about 24 hours.
Our neighbors in Tea had recommended a few places in Minnesota to visit, and based on this advice we had plotted a route that would take us to Pipestone National Monument. Unfortunately, we missed the Hiawatha Pageant held each year in the town of Pipestone, which is supposed to be quite an event.
The Pipestone quarry has been in use for hundreds of years by the Ojibwi, Crow, Cree, Dakotah, Sioux, Blackfoot, Pawnee and other tribes for the durable, soft red stone used to carve ceremonial pipes. According to legend, the Great Spirit commanded all tribes to quarry the stone in harmony, as they do to this day. Because the quarry is still in use and is considered sacred, tourists are only allowed in one demonstration quarry, however, there is an interpretive trail along a stream, some beautiful ponds and grasslands, a pleasant little waterfall and a small museum that makes the trip worthwhile.
After touring the Pipestone quarry we headed to Prior Lakes RV Resort and Casino, which is owned and operated by the Sioux. It is a relative new park, so the trees didn't provide a lot of shade, but also didn't get in the way of the Internet satellite dish - a plus for Bill.
Our first excursion of note was to Mall of America. Oh my GAWD the place is enormous! It actually had four - count them - four Sunglass Huts. We spent most of the day at the mall and didn't buy a thing (did I mention the great air-conditioning?). Susan was especially fascinated by the Snoopy theme park in the center of the mall with many amusement rides including two roller coasters, a log-ride and ferris wheel. In addition, the mall had an entertainment "street" on the fourth floor including a multi-screen theater and video center, and several nightclubs, sports bars and restaurants.
We also toured the Grand Circle Scenic Drive that rings Minneapolis and is the only urban scenic byway in the nation, according to the brochure. The drive includes the Chain of Lakes, an incredibly beautiful area linking five of the cities famous lakes and very upscale neighborhoods. Unfortunately, we were unable to stop and really enjoy the lakes and neighborhoods because, 1) many of the access roads were being closed for a cross city triathlon scheduled for the next day, 2) all available parking was already claimed by the smart people standing neck deep in the lakes, and 3) it was too dang hot. The next day was very busy for the emergency response teams hauling tri-athletes off to the hospitals for heat related illness.
The Scenic Drive also took us to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. The Garden includes the city's signature piece, Spoonbridge and Cherry, by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, a 22 foot-high Standing Glass Fish by Frank Gehry. There are 55 pieces in the Gardens, a few of which are depicted in our pictures.
We spent a wonderful day exploring St. Paul and the cities grand old neighborhoods (Summit Avenue), historical area, and interesting shops (Grand Avenue). St. Paul's Cathedral is very impressive and the stain glass and interior dome are beautiful.
On our last day in the metro area we took a trolley tour that we should have taken on the first day so we could use the information gained. The Twin Cities are very energetic and exciting and we want to return during the fall so we can really enjoy the area dressed out in autumnal colors and cooler temperatures. Plus, we determined in the future we should put our "home" in storage for a few days and stay in the heart of the city to really absorb its rhythm and spirit.
We are now off to Two Harbors on the north shore of Lake Superior and very much looking forward to the cooler temperatures.
Note: To all of our friends and family that are suffering through this prolonged heat wave, you have our sympathy.
