Interesting Geology

     I have long loved the geology of the upper Midwest due to the glacial impact in the area.  As I drove across North Dakota and admire all the wetlands dotting the landscape, I think of glacial Lake Agassiz and try to imagine the entire area underwater.  If you study a broad view of the terrain features of North and South Dakota and Minnesota, one can see where the drainage from the lake carved out the Minnesota River Valley.
     Another very unique geographic feature I've noted is known as the Coteau des Prairies, a high plateau formed by the glaciers thousands of years ago and now dotted by lakes.  Then, to the east of the plateau is lies the headwaters for both the Red River flowing north to Hudson Bay, and the Minnesota River flowing south to join the Mississippi River and flow to the Gulf of Mexico.  It is a very diverse and interesting area.
     We had a wonderful visit with my niece and her husband on their farm just outside of Rosholt.  There hospitality is warm and welcoming and we have always enjoyed wonderful visits with them and their children.
     Their daughter-in-law, Tricia has a website that I recommend taking a look at.  Here's the url:

sentimetal.webs.com/


     We left South Dakota and crossed into Minnesota yesterday afternoon. As we headed east toward Brainerd, we chose Minnesota Highway 27 going toward Alexandria. 

     NEVER, I repeat NEVER take that road nor Minnesota highway 29 going north either!!! Or at least for the next three years.  In driving through 18 states and 4500 miles in the past month, Minnesota has the distinction of having the WORST road we have driven on!!  It is miles of bad highway joints and continuous bumping and jolting.  It is so bad, I called the Minnesota Dept of Transportation and complained.  Here is a state that thrives on tourism and then lets their roads get into such deplorable conditions.
     We arrived safely in the Brainerd Lakes area and spent a wonderful evening reminiscing and catching up with dear friends.  This area was home for us for about 10 years and our boys did a lot of growing up here.  In fact, Erik was born in Brained.
     So, we're back "home", or at least where a lot of our roots are and we will simply chill with family and great friends and see what God has for us here.