Sherburne Wildlife Refuge (8/27/2017) and Minneapolis (8/28/2017)

It seems to me that most people in the US are basically unaware of the National Wildlife Refuge System that was started by Teddy Roosevelt in 1903.  Managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, this system consists of 600 properties totaling more than 150 million acres.  This vast acreage is primarily for the protection of fish, wildlife and plants, but also allows for human visitation to a small degree.  Most of the land is accessible only on foot, although some roads are provided for vehicular traffic. 

Sherburne Wildlife Refuge is a 20,000 acre tract of both woods and wetlands established in 1965.  An auto trail, 7 miles long, enables limited access to a very small part of the refuge.  It appears the refuge is most heavily used during the fall migration season.  On the day of our visit, we spotted bald eagles, sandhill cranes and trumpeter swans.  Any waterfowl present were able to stay out of view on the large lakes and ponds available to them.

A trip to downtown Minneapolis was intended to take a tour of the new Vikings Stadium, officially known as US Bank Stadium.  Unfortunately, because of a Vikings game the night before, tours were not offered on this day while cleanup was in progress.  We had to settle for a walk around the outside, watching as workmen used high-level lift equipment to replace some windows damaged since construction was completed.  The stadium's design is meant to mimic the prow of a Viking ship, and is certainly spectacular.

We consoled ourselves by making a run to Buster's On 28th, a pub once featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.  As one might expect, the restaurant is located in an "eclectic" neighborhood featuring interesting shops and murals. 

Buster's is such a revered institution in the area, neighbors helped rebuild it following a fire that might have put it out of business.  The food is great and a wide selection of beers and wines is part of the appeal.  A few tables are available on the sidewalk, but we found it cozier inside.  Due to this favorable experience, I've added the "Triple D" website to my favorites so I can check out other colorful restaurants in my travels.

The afternoon included a quick visit to Fort Snelling, which is unfortunately also closed on Mondays.  However, it was interesting to learn that this fort was used in the US-Dakota (Sioux) War of 1862.  After the war, many Dakota leaders and warriors were imprisoned here.  More than 300 Sioux were convicted of killing civilians and sentenced to death.  President Lincoln pardoned all but 38, who were hanged in the largest mass execution in US history. 

St. Cloud, MN (8/25/2017)

St. Cloud is more than 160 years old and has a population of nearly 70,000.  Including the nearby communities in its metropolitan area brings the total population to nearly 200,000.  Straddling the Mississippi River, it is known for recreation areas that take advantage of its location.  However, it may be best known for the two beautiful gardens that lie along the river and attract thousands of visitors to walk the paths and admire the colorful plantings.

Munsinger Gardens occupies a 14 acre site that was once a sawmill, then a city park and garden, and finally improved in the 1930s as part of the Works Progress Administration, a program designed to put people to work during the Great Depression while adding to the beauty of America.  With many large pine and oak trees, this garden specializes in shade-loving plants.  Its beauty includes ponds, fountains, a wishing well and a gazebo.  Many special events take place on these grounds, including untold numbers of wedding photographs.

Across the street and up the hill, the more open Clemens Gardens is home to sun-loving plants.  Started in 1986 by Bill Clemens as a gift to his wife, the 7 acre site now has six separate gardens, including a rose garden with more than 1100 bushes. There is a bronze statue of Bill and Virginia, who especially loved the gardens after she became confined to a wheelchair.  The couple donated the gardens to the city of St. Cloud.

Although it was very overcast, exploring the gardens made it a lovely day.

US 50/US 285, CO (8/22/2017) and Hennepin County, MN (8/23/2017)

A plan to visit Pam in Minnesota finally came to fruition on Aug. 22.  I left home at 5 am, driving the LRJ rather than the motor home, and made good time, eventually covering more than 1000 miles before stopping for the night.  Near Gunnison, CO, I was treated to a lovely sunrise, which I captured through the window without slowing down at all.

Nearing Fairplay, CO, the strong early light lit up the mountains to the west, which I snapped through the side window, again without slowing down.

Once I hit the Interstate system, I maintained good speed and didn't bother to take more photos during the remainder of the drive to the Minneapolis area.

Since I arrived early on the second day (despite the delay of being pulled over for speeding), we decided to head out for a little touring.  A quick visit to the beautiful town of Excelsior gave us the chance to view Lake Minnetonka, one of the larger lakes in the area.  It was also a good time to buy ice cream cones to enjoy while driving around.

The Carver Park Reserve was our choice for a couple hours of bird watching.  Although there didn't seem to be many birds around, possibly due to the windy conditions, we did capture a few barn swallows and what I think is a prairie warbler.

We finished the day by stopping at the Coon Rapids Dam to watch the sunset over the mighty Mississippi River.

It was a good outing for us, not so sure about Pam's little Bichon, Jesse.