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susan
13th February 2011, 06:01 PM
Since it has been a little slow on the board thought I would do a mini trip report on how a couple of TIers in Minnesota cure cabin fever.

This is going to be photo intensive. Last weekend Patmex and I walked along Minnehaha Creek from the Falls down to the Mississippi River. This is in Minneapolis and very peaceful in the winter.

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Afterward we grabbed some lunch at the Midtown Global Market which is a conglomeration of retail and restaurants from around the world. If you can't find something you like to eat here then it doesn't exist.
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This weekend we went to see the trumpeter swans of Monticello which is about 30 Miles NW of Minneapolis. This is a great success story as these birds were nearly extinct. In the 1980s the Minnesota DNR began a recovery program and now 2000 swans winter in this area of the Missisppi River which remains open year round. There are ducks and geese as well in these photos which gives some perspective on the size of these birds. I will let the pictures tell the story.

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And Patmex's find for Valentine's Day

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Just a small taste of what we saw today. I managed to fill up an 8GB card with photos.

Just a FYI Patmex and I became friends because of this board along with a couple of other Minnesotans,Minniemex and Phyllis along with their hubbies and of course honorary Minnesotan Beachreader. So not only have I gotten valuable info on Tulum I have gained friendships and travel buddies, a love of Tulum was what brought us all together.
tbpeaceful
13th February 2011, 06:43 PM
Susan ~ those are BEAUTIFUL photos!

The frozen falls are so pretty, but those swan pictures are just amazing. We have many Canadian geese around here in the summer, and I know how big they are. Those swans must be huge!

Thank you for taking the time to show us your part of the world.
babycakes
13th February 2011, 07:47 PM
Loved the swans! They are amazing. You help us to remember that even though we love our beach and tropical temps, there are joys in all nature. Even in the most extreme of weather, there are things that make our hearts warm.
Solbound
14th February 2011, 05:46 AM
Loved the swans! They are amazing. You help us to remember that even though we love our beach and tropical temps, there are joys in all nature. Even in the most extreme of weather, there are things that make our hearts warm.

Ditto....awesome pics!
beachreader
14th February 2011, 09:25 AM
Wow, what wonderful photos, Susan! Do the swans make a loud noise? I remember the children's book The Trumpet of the Swan, by EB White, but I don't remember it clearly...

I love this pic, looks like all the males are standing around, talking all at once, like at a party:

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patmex
14th February 2011, 05:38 PM
They do make loud trumpeter noises, BR. It's so cool. And the weather was even nice this past weekend. Above freezing!
susan
14th February 2011, 05:43 PM
Oh yes they were loud, really loud. While it was beautiful to see I can't imagine listening to it every day all winter.
They were amazing, they use their feet like water skis when landing and glide across the surface until coming to a rest, not as graceful as it sounds because they kind of end with a plop.
jlooneyb
14th February 2011, 10:12 PM
Thank you for posting this!! I live in Buffalo MN, Monticello is close have never gone to see the Swans although they come parts of the year to stay on the pond behind our house.
And Midtown Global Market!!! That looks great! I haven't been down there in a long time I guess. THANK YOU!
minniemex
15th February 2011, 07:47 AM
Great pictures Sue! Were those with the new camera?

I love Minnehaha Falls and the creek. I forgot that the creek didn't fully freeze over. We try to make it there every year. I think if this weekend is nice, we may just take the GK's there for a long walk.

Been to Monticello for those birds too! I would not want to be one of those houses next to there though. What a sight it is though! Beautiful!


Just a FYI Patmex and I became friends because of this board along with a couple of other Minnesotans,Minniemex and Phyllis along with their hubbies and of course honorary Minnesotan Beachreader. So not only have I gotten valuable info on Tulum I have gained friendships and travel buddies, a love of Tulum was what brought us all together.

Just a note here ~ if there are others out there who would like to meet with us, just let us know! We have a great time sharing our experiences in Tulum!
PhyllisB
27th February 2011, 03:35 PM
Just catching up a little and saw this. Wonderful! I'll leave the outdoor hikes in February to you tried and true Minnesotans, though. :D
TheWindyCity
10th March 2011, 02:48 PM
Nice to see others deal with the cold for a change. I like that you managed to find the beauty in it. Some folks have to have the change of season. We try to make the best of it as well:


Alice and I sledding in Wisconsin
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A little sleigh ride through the woods
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Alice out on frozen Lake Geneva (I only got her to walk out far enough to hear the ice crack!)
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Westybchbum
11th March 2011, 10:07 AM
TWC.... WOW way different look for you and Alice but you guys rock it!! Even though I like seeing you in warmer climates better.... lol.... Hey congrats on your upcoming anniversary trip, can't wait to see THAT trip report (hint, hint)....
Westy
TheWindyCity
11th March 2011, 01:29 PM
TWC.... WOW way different look for you and Alice but you guys rock it!! Even though I like seeing you in warmer climates better.... lol.... Hey congrats on your upcoming anniversary trip, can't wait to see THAT trip report (hint, hint)....
Westy

Yep Westy, clothes suck...especially layers and layers! Also, yep...got the anniversary trip coming up, I'm taking Alice to Italy for our 30th...her dream..... so I have to make it happen. Were spending 14 days there, and seeing a big chunk for the first time, with visits to Roma, Orvieto, Florence, Venice, Pisa, Pompeii, Naples, Assisi, Sorrento, Capri.....and then two days to ourselves in Roma. Can't wait to see it all....and the food....ahhhh, the food! Don't know if I'll push my luck with a trip report here though....they might oust me from the board!! Wouldn't want to take advantage of the kindness again!