AL and UB

So we left Larimore Dam this morning, some 30
odd miles west of Grand Forks, North Dakota, and drove forthwith into Minnesota.

We were sorry to leave this nice, grassy area, but time and family call, so off we go....

Straight into the 1896 town of Bemidji, Minnesota, one of the homes of Paul Bunyan and his blue ox, Babe. We are fortunate to meet Donna's brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Linda, in Bemidji, for a couple of days of exploring before going to their home just outside Minneapolis for two weeks of family time.  You'll see more of them later....

We spent the afternoon and evening catching up on old times, and exploring historic downtown Bemidji.  There are a number of restored old homes in the area, and a really nice tourist info center and park on the shores of Lake Bemidji, which is some 25 miles long, but only about 75 feet deep.

A closer look at a map of the area reveals why Minnesota has the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" name, as there must be 50 or more sizable lakes within 25 miles.

Of course, the evening couldn't end without something to eat, so Brigit's Irish Pub to the rescue.  In a refurbished building in downtown, we enjoyed Irish Egg Rolls and potato pancakes.

Ok, Ok, the Egg Rolls were stuffed with corned beef, ok?

Then we had Grilled Walleye, Irish Stew, and Vegetarian Shepard's Pie for dinner.  Sorry, no room for dessert after all that!  And Donna, Bill and Linda had.....OK, I kid....

We cruised through downtown Bemidji following glimpses of a tower that occasionally popped up from behind buildings.

We pulled over to snap a couple of pics and then noticed that the building was the local Police Station, and we were parked beside a sign that said "Police and Sheriff Parking Only".  Oop's, we're outta here.
Back at the homestead, a bit of conversation and then off to bed.  These midwesterners rise early, so we've got to try and keep up.

And the AL and UB reference?  Why, Aunt Linda and Uncle Bill, of course!