Cold Camping on the Iron Range

Last week, my children and I went ventured to Northern Minnesota and went winter camping at Savanna Portage State Park. Having had friends from across the states, many would think we were insane. Truth be told, many here thought we were crazy--maybe even a little of ourselves did. However crazy it sounds, we went.

The days weren't too bad at about 38 degrees Fahrenheit; even the nights only went down to about 27. While the temps may sound cool to non-Minnesotans, they really were not horrible. I felt a tad guilty calling it "winter" camping when it was that warm. It was truly spring camping, though we had plenty of snow on the ground surrounding the camping pad that had been plowed clear. We used several layers of blankets under and over our bags and slept fully covered. The worst part was getting out in the morning.

While we were there, we did an oral interview with an old miner and went to Ironworld. Ironworld, since renamed the Minnesota Discovery Center, is a cute museum in Chisholm which is dedicated to the history of mining on the Iron range of Northern Minnesota. We also did a small hike, though that was kept short because of the snow. Walking in snow is kind of like walking in sand--it takes a lot of work!

My kids learned more about mining, saw some incredible sights and realized that they are survivors. I think it was an wonderful experience that built both their understanding of our history and of their inner strengths. I loved it!

Horses at the NAHRA conference

Last week my daughter, 15, went to her first professional conference at the Region 6 conference for NAHRA in Fargo. I cannot believe that she is so grown up. Having volunteered with a therapeutic riding program for two years already, it only made sense that she would want to go to this and learn even more about this and horses.

Several staff members drove up there with her. She learned so much; she was ablaze with enthusiasm when she came back. The people with her also taught her a lot about equipment on when they were on their way back from Fargo. They had stopped at a supply store--she found the saddle she wants to buy. (I have had to point out the wisdom in not buying a saddle until she is actually has a horse.)

I miss the days of her toddling around. I guess so many moms dread these days. I must learn to rejoice in her independence, intelligence, generosity and strength. I guess I always knew that animals would be her first love. I can only hope that I am able to do as much for my boys.

Soaring Eagles at the National Eagle Center

My family is fortunate to live in an area that allows us to get to many places in a short drive and still live in a rural setting. Last Thursday, my 3 children and I went to the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, about 40 minutes away, with another friend and her son. The NEC celebrated a fabulous new building last spring. My daughter went to a class there in the old building and she was amazed at the difference.

This building sets right on the Mississippi River and overlooks several eagles' nests on the Wisconsin side. They were beautiful and they kept the interest of all the kids. It was nice to see them interact with each other. My oldest boy, and middle child, has a hard time keeping his attention focused on things, but these magnificent birds did it. They went around the center checking out the stations that helps explain the birds' features and learned quite a lot.

We had a great time and had lunch at a small cafe nearby. As my friend put it..."memorable moments." The experience left me wishing we had chosen the other coffee shop instead. Despite surrounding conditions that would make anyone raise an eyebrow, we found the food both tasty and enjoyable.

We finished the afternoon by returning to the NEC and looking at the flag display. Every flag from our nation's history was represented from a private collection. There was also a display and short film about some Native American artifacts. All in all, the experience was worth the short drive.