After traveling from the Great Plains, the wooded hills of Minnesota were a welcome sight! We crossed into Minnesota early in our day traveling that didn’t get started until about 11:00. Sleeping late was helpful for both Becky and Jo, who are both under the weather. We decided today that we would do better to stay one more night on the road, and push on to Grand Maris tomorrow. We learned from Becky’s mom that a marathon in Duluth and a wooden boat festival in Grand Marais would probably leave little accommodation available. We also decided that another night in a bed would probably be helpful for both Becky and Jo’s cold recovery. So we headed south to Lake Mille Lacs where Becky’s family has a cabin.
Unser Schloh (our castle in german) has been in the family for a long time and Becky has a very special place in her heart for this place. I haven’t been since 2002, and the place looks almost the same as when I here last. It is the kind of place where every thing has a dear memory associated with it, even if you don’t know the memories first hand. The cabin has various additions to meet a growing family with changing needs. The screened in porch with yellow bug lights is decorated with various water skiing inventions from a hydroplaning ski set to a canoe paddle mounted with a binding! Inside is a lovely old rock fireplace. The cabin walls are log with mortar chinking. The last time I was here there was an old wood burning kitchen stove which has been replaced by a small wood burning stove.
The upstairs is filled with four beds and several cots are tucked away, all speaking to the nature of this place as an epicenter for family gatherings. Stories are locked away in to the varnished wood walls. I have probably only spent a few days total in this place, but it is warm and welcoming in a way that eludes description.
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