Hello from "Up North"

I've just enjoyed 2 wonderful days in Minong, WI - population 352 - gas $2.15 a gallon! Good friends Don & Carrie have their summer cabin here on lovely Pokegama Lake. They leave their winter home in Ft. Myers to come back up North in the early Spring to late Fall. I just seem to have followed them this year.

As I left Carlock I had planned to stop about half-way and overnight in central Wisconsin. But I forgot that I'm back where the Spring is just now starting to happen and campgrounds don't officially open until May 1st. I had to forgo the overnight and drive a straight 10-hours, to arrive before sunset. My back and my butt were really hurtin'.

Don was home when I arrived, but this being fishing opener for Wisconsin, he headed off to meet his 2 sons and grandson to catch whatever was biting. Carrie and I had just a totally relaxing day on Friday and did nothing more strenuous than walking to the mailbox and taking some photos of the local moose who hangs out at the pond down the road. We did find the energy to go to Grandma Links and enjoy a really great fish fry - a must if you're ever in Wisconsin on a Friday night.

Today we drove over to Hayward, a town of 2192 and also the home of the one-and-only Muskie museum, the 40' tall, 1/2 city block long 'Shrine to Anglers'. You can walk out to the end of the mouth to the observation deck and have your picture taken. Carrie & I wandered the quaint downtown and had a great lunch at the Angry Minnow. Right now we're sitting in front of a roaring fire, enjoying a glass of wine and getting ready to enjoy one of Carrie's delicious dinners.

Tomorrow I head down to the Twin Cities. Another short driving day and lots of special time with old friends.

Until next time....tkae care of each other.

Re