On our way back from the Amethyst mine, we decided to make a stop at Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, located just west of Thunder Bay. I actually had this one confused with the middle falls on the Pigeon River, which is a much smaller, less dramatic falls. Kakabeka was very scenic and well worth the short drive out of our way back to the border. Plus the road to Kakabeka passes a Tim Hortons…

I always thought this was the very northeast tip of Minnesota, but Google seems to say otherwise…

On Friday, the girls and I drove to Canada to visit Amethyst Mine Panorama, located about 30 miles east of Thunder Bay, Ontario.

I visited this mine when I was a little boy and should have gone back sooner–it was a blast! The mine has a large open pit area with water hoses that you can use to create your own little mining sluice. Amethyst was everywhere, but it was like a little treasure hunt searching for that “perfect” find. After almost forty pounds of rock and tiny cuts on all my finger-tips, we headed back towards Thunder Bay.

Pictures available in both the private and the North Shore albums.

Took a quick drive up to Grand Marais after returning from the west coast. The girls have been staying with my mom and dad at the cabin on the big lake while I was away, so it’s been great to see them.

Today we got in some mini golf after the rain moved through (which washed out our Lutsen Alpine Slide and bonfire plans). Tonight we won first place in the Sven and Ole’s trivia contest. The “Gooneybirds Love Donuts” team won a $75 gift certificate for our efforts.

Not sure what the rest of the week will bring–maybe Canada, maybe Lutsen, maybe the Wolf Center near Ely.

Some pictures are up in the private area of the photo gallery. More posts and pics as I can get online…

Arrived back from LA yesterday on Sun Country. Flight was fine, but the airport experience was not pleasant. In addition to very long lines, I got the dreaded “SSSS” designation on my ticket (extra special screening). I’m sure it was because I was traveling alone on a one-way ticket, but don’t you think the system could be a little more intelligent?

The week finished up OK, although there are still a ton of things that need to be completed out there before school starts. I’ll likely return in mid-August for a few days to complete the roll-out. The wiring and construction contractors should be finished by then and I’ll have more practice with imaging machines here that can be replicated out there.

On Sunday I drove straight east from my hotel to Buena Park and Knott’s Berry Farm. The classic chicken dinner at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant is worth the always-constant one hour wait in line.

The rest of the day didn’t go great–I dropped my doggie bag in the dirt and the crappy internet access in the hotel was broken all day. The wireless provider for the hotel, “Zoxzones,” was pathetic. Not only did they charge for the service, I had to call every single day to have them reset the access point so I could login. Never again.

Today was IKEA day for me and the new office. People know me as an IKEA freak, but you just can’t beat the pricing and style–especially for small business and school offices. $1.50 for a hot dog and glass of lingonberry juice is pretty awesome too…

While Minnesota only has one IKEA, California has eight. I decided the Carson location was the closest and went over lunch. It was really different from the Bloomington store–smaller, one additional floor, not as much selection and no full buffet restaurant.

My ugly rental car came in handy, as I managed to get three tables, six chairs, a locking cabinet, two desk lamps, six light bulbs, two power cords and a small love seat in that thing. I got most everything put together today, despite cutting a finger open with the scissors, getting a blister in the palm of my hand and dropping the love seat box on my foot. Also got to drive back to the store again after I received mixed table legs for one of the tables. Everything should be good to go by lunchtime tomorrow, though.

When I got back, I rested for a bit in the room, then walked down the PCH to Pier Avenue and over to the Hermosa Beach Pier. The weather was gray and grim, but it was still fun to see the big waves and watch people attempt to surf.

I had a quick dinner of fish and chips at the Hermosa Fish Market Cafe, located at 20 Pier Avenue (right by the start of the pier). Always great to sit outside and eat anywhere, but this atmosphere was especially fun.

I walked back to the hotel by following the Strand and was knocked out by the cool beach-side houses. Zillow says $1 million to $7 million for that stretch. Sheesh again.

7 Minute Miles Los Angeles Photo Gallery