Yesterday, for the first time in a year, I was able to get out of town. My sister-in-law and I took a day trip to the northern part of the state to check out the Icelandic State Park and the Pembina Gorge. The park was small but nice. It had a visitor center that showed the history of settlers in the area and a glimpse of early settler life on the prairie. Hardship at its finest, not only for the indigenous people, but also for the settlers who stole the land and displaced them. As romantic as it can sound, there is no chance that I would choose to live like the the settlers did. One can fool themselves a bit (like on the TV show 'Alone') that they are living as 'our ancestors' and living off the land . . . but knowing that groceries and medical help are available if needed.
As far north as we traveled, I was a bit disappointed that the leaves in the park and the gorge were no more colorful than here at home. But it was a nice trip and it was good to get away, even for just a day.
At home this morning, the sunrise was lovely. There's the added bonus of an airliner headed for Mpls in the photo.
