Either way, I can be perfectly happy as a lurking, stalking trespasser at seaplane bases in the land of lakes with my camera. Perhaps this will entertain someone. It's always fun to indulge in some macroscopic storytelling that's mildly relevant. Prepare for a deluge of photos.
For those new to the community or my tales of glorified poserdom, I have family in the Iron Range of Minnesota. My wife and I, and now our two daughters, like to trek out there on a commercial flight from PDX to MSP, rent a car, and drive up to the northeast part of the state to spend 10 days or so at my brother-in-law's house on Long Lake. Repeat every couple years.
There's something about the flat greenery and plentiful lakes up there that really speaks to me.
As seen on the ceiling of the Ash River Trail Lodge restaurant. I wonder whose bright idea it was to mirror that photo.
Sights like this start my gears turning about what life could be like here...it's a happy place. Then there's talk of -50 F in the winter and I sober up.
Midnight trip to relieve the bladder and I was reminded what stars are like outside the light pollution of the metropolis. It's also fun to stumble around outside in your underwear and flip flops to shoot long exposures. This one is pretty crappy, I don't know how people shoot those awesome astro pics.
I drove up to Cook, Minnesota to visit an old BCP friend with a place on Lake Vermillion. Driving...alone...accompanied by only the local classical station and my thoughts. It's a luxury I crave and rarely can indulge anymore.
Russ and I had lunch and caught up, then, inspired by a conversation with G44, drove out to the site of the old Wien homestead, which happens to be where my friend's folks now live.
So much green.
After a day in Voyageurs National Park slapping at huge meat-eating flies, we woke up and drove to the town of Ely, where we took the girls swimming in Shagawa Lake, and then lurked down near the forestry seaplane base.
Found this lonely old J4 parked nearby. Looked ready to go, so I imagine someone is enjoying it.
Stopped at the Tower airport to enjoy the nice restroom in the log cabin pilot lounge, and found this really cool framed Beaver poster. Nice spot to stop on a solo XC. They have a loft with a bed upstairs.
Some photographic treasures were found amidst the overgrowth.
Lake boat fossil, practically a work of nature vs humans art.
Stalking Jeep.
One of my favorite spots, Sky Harbor on Ely Lake in Eveleth/Fayal Township. I got sunburned snooping around and taking pics.
My friend Ted lives next door, and we caught up, talking Skywagons and lake living. Ted is a great guy. He's got a really nicely designed bar.
A few days later I returned to see what was going on, and the airport manager, who I guess is here on BCP, gave me permission to climb around on the most gorgeous Aeronca Sedan parked at the doc. I've always been enamored with these aircraft and it was a pleasure. The only thing better would have been to take it for a few laps.
Ever been inside one? Very roomy with the back seat removed. BTW you can have a brand new one...just call Burl Rogers.
So many Skywagon guys here...probably thinking "who cares, what about that wagon?" Snooze...
Anyone recognize this Super Cub?
It belonged to the late great Minnesota local boy David Jarenson. I didn't catch the name of the new owner but it's still a beautiful machine.
Back to the house for a little Fourth of July pontoon flotilla around the lake with 5 young girls ages 2 to 11. Kids are truly a way to stay young or die trying.
Final day...off to MSP at 6:30am...gorgeous wx to be flying so low. 'Til next time, Minnesota.
