Fall Is Here

The last several weeks here in Minnesota have been amazing. Our temperatures have been anywhere from 10 to 20 degrees above normal with no rain.
About 75% of the leaves are off the trees now, but I did get a few pictures several weeks ago. The colors were past their prime, but you will get the general idea.





Today is another story. We are getting wind gusts up to 60 mph and the temps are in the low 40's at best. For sure, Fall is here!
We have a lot of trees here on Coyote Ridge and that means leaves everywhere. For the past four weeks or so we have been mowing and chopping the fallen leaves about every four days so that we can stay ahead of the game.
Now the fun begins trying to time out the last of the leaves coming down and the snow.
I try to keep the mower on the tractor for as long as possible and yet try to time it out so the snow blower is installed on it in time for the snow. I hate getting caught with snow and the mower is still installed in anticipation of getting all the leaves chopped.
Last week we winterized the camper for the winter. That is always a sad time, knowing that the season is over.

Keep On Keepin On

Still busy as all get out here at work after record rains hit the area. Who would have thought that 10-12 inches of rain would cause so much trouble! I guess the fact that the ground was saturated and the rivers pretty full before the rain ever hit has something to do with it.

We were fortunate that Coyote Ridge was not affected by the rain. We only had 5.5 inches with no ill affects other that some pretty full streams running through the property. Actually, the sound of the rushing water was very nice.

Once I catch my breath, breath Bob breath, I will try to catch you up on happenings.

Link to Pictures

WOW

Sorry for the lack of posts. We have had major flooding going on after 12 inches of rain fell in a very short period of time last Wednesday night. I work for the American Red Cross, so I have been a bit busy helping coordinate disaster response for thousands of people affected by all this water. On a side note. The heavy rains have swollen rivers to all time highs. These records go back over 100 years, so you can only imagine how bad it is.

A Happy Teardrop

This past weekend we saw a very interesting RV at the lake. It was a homemade teardrop camper built by a very talented man from Mankato,Minnesota.

This little palace on two wheels was a real work of art.
According the owner and craftsman of this unit,it all started out because they stayed at a motel in the Black Hills and were not Happy with the accommodations. He thought he could build something lightweight that could be pulled with just about any vehicle.
In my opinion, he was successful!
The little beauty started out with a trailer kit from Harbor Freight. He moved the axle and started building. He used plywood for the shell with a neat stain to really bring out a beautiful wood pattern.
Inside he has LED lights, a sound system, TV and other creature comforts.

This rig can run on shore power or two on board deep cycle batteries. The inside sleeping area is 6'2" long and appeared to be very comfortable.
The back of the camper raises up to expose a nifty kitchen area accessible from the outside.
With a weight of only 700 pounds, it can be towed by almost anything.
Great job!
As we were pulling into the campground we saw some movement in the ditch and saw several turkeys flitting about. Sue was able to capture one with the camera.

As farmers begin harvesting, we have noticed more wildlife out and about. Be careful out there...those critters can cause some damage.

Heading Out

It is Thursday and that means getting ready to head out for the weekend. We will be spending the weekend in our camper on beautiful Rice Lake at Pihls Park South of Wells, Minnesota.
The manager of the park, Mary, sent these pictures that she took this Spring.



This is a very peaceful place and we are glad we found it.

Looking Good!

Age has a way of creeping up on all of us. It is just one of those things that we can't escape.
Here is a great example of how someone takes great pride in staying healthy.

A doctor on his morning walk, noticed the old lady above,
Sitting on her front step smoking a cigar, so he walked up to her and said,
"I couldn't help but notice how happy you look! What is your secret?"
"I smoke ten cigars a day," she said. "Before I go to bed, I smoke a nice big
joint. Apart from that, I drink a whole bottle of Jack Daniels every week,
and eat only junk food. On weekends, I pop pills, get a little lovin', and don't
exercise at all."
"That is absolutely amazing! How old are you?"
"Thirty-four," she replied.
So much for that method of "clean living".

Back From A Great Weekend With Pictures

I have been promising some pictures of our seasonal site near Wells, Minnesota. This is a Faribault County Park with 30 camp sites. It is called Pihls Park, named after the gentleman who donated the land to the county some years ago.
What impressed us the most about this park was the super quiet and laid back atmosphere. The manager, Mary is a great person and very accommodating.
The sites are huge as you can see in these pictures of our camper and no other rigs breathing on us. You can click on the pictures for a larger view.


And a few more pics to show distances between units.



While the park itself is about 20 acres, it is surrounded by woods and a very nice lake with a fishing pier.

Here are a few general pictures so you can get more of the cozy feel of this wonderful park.





The campground is mature and offers 110v and 30 amp electrical service and water. There is a dump station on site so hauling the "blue-boy" wheeled waste tank is not a problem at all.
Their rates are $20 per day or $175 per month May through September. That monthly fee even includes utilities. I know that there are several seasonal sites still available for next year in case you know of someone who appreciates peace and quiet.