Even Roads share stories and often present teaching opportunities. Sadly, we are often busily scurrying from place to place to really understand what is passing by us. Last fall, we went on a camping trip that kept us busy visiting the Forest History Center, watching bears at the Vincent Shute Bear Sanctuary and explore Voyageur's national park. On the trip home from Voyageur's, we were tired. I had passed some places that I really wanted to because I was concerned we would miss the tour in International Falls. I was also concerned that we would be too busy to stop on the way home. Our boat ride had been at noon and ended an hour an a half later. It is a long ride from International Falls to down by Rochester in a single day--especially when we were starting out so late to begin with, but I also knew that it would be a long time before we got back up here. On the way home I couldn't help but stop at "the fish." This oversized fish is the main attraction at the roadside stop that also offers educational information on the area. While I took pictures of the signs, we only really remember the fish for obvious reasons. What would you remember of the side excursion? The fish have stairs that help people climb the fish for the precursory photo op. Loved it.
We also drove by rocks that had been cut into for the road. It was interesting to see the drill holes that were made to help remove the stone. The kids all thought it was cool that we could also see where molten lava had been infused into the bedrock fractures millions of years ago. While geological forces are still present and working, both pieces of evidence will be around for a very, very long time.
We made another stop along a roadside resting area that the Minnesota Civilian Conservation Corps built during the Great Depression. The "boys" that were employed creating the public works project like this one have been passing away, but their work is still remembered and being used. I wonder how so many people's interest and curiosity are not sparked when driving by these places. I love how when we stop at places like this, my children will engage in conversations about these people, the times they lived and and the historical significance of the time. Is there any greater way to honor the people's legacy than to stop, think about their works, and just remember them?
No comments:
Post a Comment