Minneapolis, MN - Sep 30, 2010

The day dawned with tons of sunshine. We made our way back to Dave and Sandy's and Manuel took breakfast with him. He made breakfast tacos for everyone. Thanks Manny. Then it was off to Minneapolis with our guides, Dave and Sandy. But first, we make a stop at a toy store. It's called Dave Hasselberg's r us. What an assortment of vehicles. Sandy and their new bus.

Check out this 64 Chevelle.

This is soon to be replaced with a trike.

Of course there's a boat.

We arrive at Minnehaha Park. It has quite an expanse.

This picture looks like I'm taking it through a dirty windshield. I guess it's because I was shooting in the sun.

Such a pretty sight. This is in a public park called Minnehaha.

Taking pictures of people taking pictures.

They have toys too.

Some of the flowers.

The Mighty Mississippi.

This is the replacement bridge for the one that collapsed a couple of years ago. It only took them a year to make a new one. I think that was the first bridge to fall causing an epidemic.

Look at how pretty this is.

The guys waiting for us to catch up.

Our destination.

This museum show many facets of the flour industry. There was an explosion and fire and this is the ruins.

These ruins look like faces.

A very important part of the flour industry.

You walk into a huge factory. They have done a pretty good job of filling up the space.

Looking up river towards St Anthony's falls.

Part of the lock and dam system.

The stone arch bridge. A landmark for Minneapolis.

You'll see many familiar brands here. But first, who's that guy with Connie?

A replica of the kitchen they used for bakeoffs.

Neat old stove.

Imagine using this to harvest wheat.

Couldn't get the "Grands" sign.

We took that flour tour. It was a ride up and down to different floors in the mill.

All the different cook books.

All the different Betty Crockers.

A Piece of wheat.

Dave and Sandy Hasselberg at Champps for dinner. Thanks for everything, guys.

Dem Esparzas at the same place. Thanks for breakfast.

And bringing up the rear.

Casino time---we donated, Sandy. Not much to be thankful for here except new friends and old friends.

Mystic Lake, MN - Sep 29, 2010

After spending the night at the repair shop, Connie called to see what we were going to do while the RV was being fixed. We decided on the capitol of Minnesota - St Paul. It was about 30 miles from the campground. Looks like it's getting a makeover. There were way too many steps for us to go inside.

Gonna be pretty when done.

There were guys all the way up at the top. It made me dizzy just looking at them.

As we drove around the building, I got this shot.

Then off to St Paul Cathedral.

A picture hanging in the hall shows the cathedral in earlier days. (from an angle I could never achieve)

When you walk in the door of the Welcome Center, this replica waits for people to investigate. It is built entirely of legos.

I couldn't get directly under the dome because there was a tour there.

The Piety is to the right as you enter the front doors.

The view to the right from the front door.

The view to the left from the same spot.

We then did our town tour. We found the Historic District. Connie was shooting one side and me the other. Can't wait to see her pictures.

The governor's mansion.

We had a really good day. We found a Mexican Restaurant that wasn't too bad. We were leery but all was well. The day ended with friends of Manuel and Connie, Dave and Sandy. They met them a couple of years ago at Quartzsite. Sandy made a great dinner and afterwards we played "The Game". Thank you for old friends and new ones.