I have to say that I had my doubts about my travel plans this Spring to my home state of Minnesota. With all the news reports of snow, cold, and recently flooding waters my hopes of kayaking or fly fishing seemed doomed.
Coming into Minnesota I could see the landscape still covered in places with still thick snow cover. In other areas, huge expanses with standing water. The lakes (usually my primary kayaking locations) are still covered with ice.
The sun was shining, ahhhh… it felt liberating as I exited the plane. To feel the warmth and intensity of the sun hitting my face melted away the memory of the recent Dutch gales and rain. Lifting my face towards the beams of light as natural as a native European on a sunny day. Now day dreaming of sitting on the nearest terrace with a glass of wine, welcoming the intense rays to burn warmth onto my pale skin.
That image was immediately shattered as other passengers hurried past me towards the passport control and the long lines to enter the United States.
I really love our Minneapolis/St Paul International Airport. I have flowen through many other ports of entry. I may be a bit bias towards MSP airport being a native Minnesotan, but I have experienced it is much faster and kinder than other US major airports.
I was through passport control and baggage pick up in less than half and hour!
Moose Lake, Minnesota covered in ice but edges starting to melt
The weather hit almost 60F (15C) and I could see the water running high in the ditches and streams as I drove North.
The lakes are still frozen but show signs of hope as the edges sport open water. Brave (maybe not so smart) ice fisherman could be seen trying their luck one last time for the season.
I pulled into my Northern destination with plenty of time to still enjoy the strength of the bright sun. Although, I had to be satisfied with only a cup of coffee and not the glass of wine.
Kayaking or fly fishing on this trip may still be in question but enjoying a sunny day is not. Carpe Diem!
Soaking up the sun on a deck in Northern Minnesota
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The Cedar Journal 
Welcome home. I do hope you can still do your fly fishing.
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Thanks. Fingers crossed.
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Hope you have a great visit that includes lots of sunshine. 🙂
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Thanks. It already has been wonderful.
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I see some sunshine and springlike temperatures. 15 degrees Celcius, The Netherlands are colder at the moment. Although, after some dull days this day promises to be 15 degrees Celcius as well. Enjoy your hiking and the signs of spring in Minnesota!
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Thanks for the well wishes. The sun – well you know is good for all sorts of things. I bet my tulips are going nuts in my garden there. Maybe the hubby can get some pictures for me? Enjoy your warmer temperatures.
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Welcome back to the States. It went a bit chilly over the weekend, but the mercury is starting to push up into the high 50’s this week – looks like you have some warming to go to get that snow/ice melted away up there.
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Yup. Looks like it could hit 70F before the weekend. Just maybe ice out on the lakes before I leave the end of April. Fingers crossed. Been thinking about you and Ron, lots of birds here!
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The sun makes such a difference! Looks like you found blue skies after all. I haven’t birded in Minnesota, but Brian’s birded there, I know. I hope the weather works out for you while you’re here!
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