Minnesota and Beyond!

 Although it is called the SSUVFL, it is anything but. The first “S” is for Super, which it is. This idealic setting is in the middle of an area mixed with forest and farmlands in western Minnesota. Rivers and lakes dot the countryside making the property of Dino and Lisa the perfect place to decompress after a few weeks at the farm. The second “S” is for Secret. I don’t think so, people by the thousands flock here to enjoy this area. 

The V and F are for Virus Free. Definitely not. There are more germs around this place than a portapotty at the state fair. From what I have determined the only way to stay germ-free here is to constantly consume alcohol. At least that is what we observed by Dino and Lisa. Not wanting to take a chance, we followed suit, resulting in our two day stay there being nothing but a blur.

The “L” is for Location which will remain unnamed as they do not want the thousands of their blog fans flocking to their property turning it into a Tent City reminiscent of downtown Portland. They have a beautiful spot which would no doubt be overrun in no time should the exact location become public.

These wanna be carnies took a few days off from slinging soup to spend time with us. 

We spent most of our time on their front porch consuming mass amounts of liquid in our attempt to stay virus free. I think we were successful as even the mosquitoes wanted nothing to do with our blood after a while.

We did get off their property a couple of times to explore the surrounding area. Holy people everywhere! There is no doubt that Barb and I lead a sheltered life in areas devoid of the masses. So, when we do get out amongst the living, it is sensory overload for us. Dino and I went to a flea market and seemed everyone and their brother were out along with their kids and dogs. The people watching was as interesting as the wares for sale.

For supper the first night Dino prepared a couple of sandwiches from their food trailer. I am not sure if they were fresh made or leftovers from their last carnival, but they were delicious. We sampled the Cheesy Sasquatch and a Tado’s Meatball Hoagie. I asked about the soup and all Dino said was “No soup for you!”.

The girls were happy to get out and run around. Dakota explored the area leaving our sight for a few minutes, she returned looking like this, wagging her tail and a big smile on her face.

So, off we went down to the river to wash her off. 

Zoey was obsessed with Moose and Journey. Moose was tolerant and I think was even having fun playing with Zoey. 

Journey, not so much.....

Afterward, Zoey was so tired she had to head to Dino and Lisa's bed and take a nap. 

As many of you know, both Dino and Lisa were stylists in their previous lives, so when Lisa volunteered to trim Barb's hair she was all over it. They wanted nothing to do with mine, however. 

While she was doing that, Dino was showing me his Hotwheel's collection. 

A good time was had by all. If you want to read Dino's entirely different perspective on our visit, you can read it here. Me? I like always, I took the highroad as I value our friendship and would not want to say or do anything to jeopardize it. 

From there it was off to other parts unknown. At least unknown to us as this was new territory for us. We were off to visit our friends Dan and Jeannie at their place outside of Long Prairie Minnesota. I am not sure why they call it Long Prairie, as there is not a prairie in sight. Along the way we stopped and got a picture of The Foot. I mean, who wouldn't stop, right?

Dan is Chris's uncle or Skinny Bob's brother. We have known each other since the late 70's. They recently bought a place on a lake up in the area. An area where his parents were raised, and they used to visit frequently as kids. I think it is always cool when people return to their roots later in life. 

We were so busy talking and catching up that I forgot to take pictures, but I did sneak this one when Jeannie was showing Barb her mad accordion skills. 

One thing I recall about Bob and Dan's mom is that she used to make Head Cheese. I never tried it as I just cannot get past what it is made from. But when Dan said, he had just made some, Barb had to try it! I still passed. 

We were off early the next morning continuing east to our next destination near McGregor MN. Our friend Kay has a cabin on Big Sandy, a perfect spot for a one-night stop. It has been better than 10 years since I have seen Kay. Barb got to spend some time with her last year when Kay stopped by our place in South Dakota while I was at the farm. 

Her place on Big Sandy is incredible. She took us out in their pontoon, showing us just a portion of this over 6,500 acre lake. We could have not asked for better weather. Well, at least early in the day. 

Her Golden, Sonny is about as friendly as they get. So friendly, he has no problem knocking you over and mauling you when you greet him! Everyone enjoyed the boat ride, well, except for Dakota who just kind of sat in one place the entire trip. She did get out and splash around when Kay stopped at a sand bar however. 

We spent the later part of the afternoon enjoying a fire and the view from her deck with a little Fireball (very little) and a couple of mini-beers. 

Until the clouds moved in. Then there was an occasional ripple in the water which at first, I thought was a fish feeding on the surface. Then another, and another, then all hell broke loose!

Sorry for the sideway video, very bad internet here and I could not edit it. 

We fell asleep to the pitter patter of rain on the roof of our camper. Oh, how I love the sound of rain on the camper roof!

Here were a couple other stops we wished we would have had time for on our trek across Minnesota, but we had a schedule to keep. Next up, three weeks in Ontario! I don't know when or how I will be able to post again as we will be off grid. But rest assured, I will have tales of out fishing Barb!