Herrs at the Lake

Last weekend, Betsy's family was here at the lake with us. One of our first outings was to Copper Falls State Park, which was a new adventure for them. Kathie and I have been there several times to see the beautiful deep gorge and water falls. There is a nice picnicking facility and a playground, so after the one hour drive to get there, Clara and Henry tried out the swings. I guess Henry thought the baby swing would be more interesting--it didn't fit him very well!

After the picnic, we did the several mile hike around the gorge and falls.

There are some rest stops along the way and lots of overlooks for viewing. Frederick needed constant reminders about respecting the fences.

The geology and terrain in the park are quite different from the area where our cabin is located. It almost seems more like northern Minnesota with lots of rock, hills, and cascading water. Very beautiful.

Frederick was quite good about not having to be carried the whole way, but he did rest a bit at the end of the loop.

Loon Lake is partially contained within the park, and there is a beach area there. Being such a warm day, we had prepared for some swimming before heading back to the cabin.

On Betsy and Pete's wedding anniversary, we rented a pontoon boat for a good part of the day. We cruised around the western portion of the lake, which we don't visit as often, and there was lots of clowning, photography, and other fun.

Here is the happy couple after 12 years of marriage.

Sometimes reading overtakes sight seeing.

But there was fishing too, and I recall everyone who tried fishing caught something.

Mr. Loon honored us with a close encounter.

Then there was more wading and a picnic.

Somewhat like the earlier photo, I know, but here is the entire family on the day of the wedding anniversary. Kathie and I took care of the kids so that Betsy and Pete could go out for dinner. Alas, we didn't quite succeed in getting them down for the night before they got home.

Before heading home on Monday, Pete took Fritz for a ride in our little jon boat, and Henry played with the catapult that he, his dad, and I built several summers ago. Henry was working out the launching of rocks onto lily pads out in the lake.