Voyageurs National Park

Although it is said the best way to see the park is by boat, there is camping nearby, and there are trails along the way. The one thing the brochures did not advertise was the black flies. There is a 10-mile bike trail from International Falls MN to the Visitor Center. After many bites to the ankles, the sting gets so intense; one can be found crying inside. Thank goodness for “OFF.” The 20-mile bike ride with fly bites was more than enough riding for the day. I thought I discovered a new method for getting henna tattoos.

I stayed at a resort called Cabin-O-Pines on beautiful Pelican Lake. The above sunset was from the beach at the campground. On my arrival, the owner warned me that I would meet a bear. They told me that daily since the July 4th weekend the bear came thru the campground and knocked over all the trashcans sometime between 6 – 9 am. They said, “don’t be alarmed if he bumps into your tent.” Yeah, nothing to be alarmed about it is just a wild animal. Thus, I have the answer to the REI advertising sign, “Do you sleep better with bear spray?” YES! But being an amateur photographer, I thought I would take advantage of this rare opportunity. Thus, I had my camera on its tripod, and then I strategically placed the trash cans so I could catch the bear in action. Patiently I waited. I guess the bear heard that the paparazzi were in the neighborhood and he did not show up. I decided to make breakfast, and it wasn’t long, and I experienced the attack from the local range chickens. I guess one must be careful in the selection of the color of toenail polish cause these chickens were relentless. They wanted to peck my toenails.