Everything on a Stick!

From Mike:

We let lady Garmin direct us to Minneaopolis from Springfield, IL as we went to visit our good friends Mike and Patricia and also the Mall of America and the Minneapolis State fair. 

Leaving Illinois on Route 74, I was totally amazed by the fields of wind turbines which left me thinking I was on the set of Independence day.  Wow, are those things big!
More surprising was that coming through IOWA was much more exciting and beautiful than I thought it would be. Starting out cloudy, and a bit ominous, the day became very pleasant by the end of the day.

After entering Iowa, We stopped at the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site . I was both surprised and impressed. This humble Quaker, orphaned at 10, truly shows the blessing of opportunity available to all. The house of his birth was smaller than Lincoln's.

Hoover's gravesite was quiet, unimposing, yet very peaceful. A fitting tribute to his Quaker upbringing. The sign says "The Prarie Trail".  Had we more time, I would have liked to venture a bit down its path.

Minnesota

Minnesota had an entirely different feel, a good feel.  Who couldn't feel good about the Mall of America outside of Minneapolis?... a full size indoor amusement park bordered on all four sides with Four (4) floors of shopping... Minnesota seems to do everything in National proportions, while remaining a down home and comfortable place to visit with friendly people and great food!
Our friends Patricia and Mike

The original Rainforest Cafe started at the Mall of America.There were at least 4 full size roller coasters, a huge ferris wheel, an aquarium, and many other attractions...all inside and bordered by 4 floors of shopping (theaters, and nightclubs on the top floor)...

Minnesota State Fair

The Minnesota State fair was AMAZING.  This 12 day event is one of the largest, if not the largest and most attended State fair in the nation (1.7 million people annually.  We saw Garrison Keillor (Prairie Home Companion) in his annual home State Fair appearance. The grandstand was packed.  Have you ever heard thousands of people quietly sing America the Beautiful?  Wow.

One of the features of the fair is that you can buy almost anything on a stick. They even have a map of where to get what on a stick (81 + different items) Here I am with a pickle on a stick...

 
I did NOT  try:
 "alligator on a stick",
"chocolate covered cheesecake on a stick",
"Walleye on a stick"
 "Camel on a stick (at the international plaza)",
"macaroni & cheese on a stick",
"key lime pie on a stick",
"mashed potatoes on a stick",
"pizza on a stick"
or any of the traditional items (ice cream, corn dogs, kabobs, cotton candy, caramel apples).

Not much in life better than Minnesota fresh roasted corn!

Our stay in Minnesota was far too short--as we have found everywhere.  Thank you Mike and Patricia for making us feel so at home.

--Mike