Minnesota Nice

Minnesota is known for its 10,000 lakes. It's also known for the mosquito being the state bird. One thing you may not know is that the people here are sooooo nice. When I told Rita this last weekend at the BBQ, she said "Minnesota Nice." When Anthony and I went to a visitors information center, the lady there said that if we had any questions, to please ask someone and that people are happy to help. And she added that if we just stand around long enough, someone will just come up to us and start talking to us. Believe it or not, that very thing happened not more than an hour later, lol. A man came up to us when we were just looking at an old train, and started talking to us and said to make sure to see something else he thought was interesting in his town. And that is what we have experienced everywhere we have traveled.

When we decided we were coming to Minnesota, I knew this may be my only opportunity to see The Mall of America. I was extremely excited when I saw an LLBean store when we pulled up, and I got to sit on the Bean Boot right outside their store. 

Also, we got to see the amusement park within the mall.

After we left Avon, MN we headed to Duluth, which was right on Lake Superior. 

It reminded us a little of Seattle, WA. 

And we also really were enjoying the temperature (especially when the 'feels like' temp in Chattanooga was 100).

They have the neatest bridge there that is a lift bridge. It is different from a draw bridge in that the road over the water is lifted so the boats can pass through.

Here is another reminder that this place is much different in the winter.  There is so much snow that they need tall sticks on the fire hydrants.

We got to ride on the many trails that the lakefront has to offer.

And even got to ride through a beautiful rose garden. I try to imagine what it looks like covered with snow, but it is difficult because they are so beautiful in July. 

We also got to eat at a really good restaurant where all the wait staff t-shirts boasted, fresh vegetables from our parking lot. And that was true, there were all kinds of veggies just growing in raised gardens in their parking lot. And their food was really good, so we highly recommend The Duluth Grill.

I never thought I would ever be in Duluth, but am so glad we got to visit for a few days. What a gem of a town. We are looking forward to continuing our "Advanture" up Highway 61 toward Canada.

On a very sad side note, my heart and prayers are with Chattanooga this morning. We heard from several friends about the senseless attacks on innocent victims in our community. And come to find out, the shooter actually lived just a few streets away from our home in Hixson. Would you please continue to pray that people will come to know the love and saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and only through Him will they be saved. And please ask for the Holy Spirit to guide you to say what is needed to each person you see on the street each day. You don't know what is going on in their lives and in their homes.