Yikes! Blame this on lack of computers at the hotels we stayed at after Madison. That said here's a recap to the best of my memory:
Saturday, Aug. 3:
From Madison we set out to Minneapolis for a Twins game. Got there in time, but parking was a bit of a hassle. Found out it was a sell-out and only SRO was available. Even so we did make it to some seats in the upper deck (moved once due to a late group). In our second attempt to sit Sam made friends (of course) with a 3-yr old sitting behind us...and up until then annoying me quite a bit. Yeah, karma IS a Mitch. By game's end we made it to the outfield seats, and safe to say this is one of the BEST MLB parks going. Amazing views and liberal use of limestone - pretty! Afterwards we walked around downtown a bit - but were eager to get to the hotel.
Sunday, Aug. 4:
After a night of sleep in a queen-sized bed (thank GOD!) we hit the road for a big day of traveling. Halfway thru we stopped in Fargo, ND for a Redhawks game. Nice place and decent crowd attendance. Afterwards we decided to ride around the nearby ND State campus - and visit the Fargodome. Well, on the outside - it was locked up tight. Then after getting some supplies...off to the border. I will admit being a bit nervous approaching the border but it really was no big deal. Made it into Canada with zero trouble - even if the guard made Sam nervous. We glided thru to Winnipeg in a rain, then settled into our hotel. The place, an EconLodge, used to be the worst hotel in the city (nice). However it had been wonderfully refurbished and we enjoyed all three nights there...even without a pool.
Monday, Aug. 5:
Okay, time to meet Sam's X-box buddy Danny and his dad at the nearby mall. To be honest, I could see how this might wig them out - here are two folks driving up to Winnipeg (which is NOT a destination) to visit a 13-yr old. Anyways we met them at a Starbucks (of course) and had a GREAT time. I got to meet Danny's father Russ, who turned out to be very conversational and we walked around the mall several times talking about everything. Sam and Danny wasted a good two hours in the arcade. After is was clear that we were NOT weirdos, they agreed to meet up with us the next day for a Goldeyes baseball game. From there Sam and I visited a national park called The Forks and even rented a tandem bike for an hour. Whoa...almost tipped over a couple of times, but it turned out to be a great time. Next was another visit to Tim Horton's (famous coffee and dount store in Canada), and then to the hotel.
Tuesday, Aug. 6:
Woke up, and off to Tim Horton's...again. Sam REALLY likes this place and I did agree that yes, while we are in Canada, let's do this. Afterwards we killed time in the hotel then met Russ, Danny and his little sister at The Forks to grab a bite to eat and then the game. Before dinner we took a half-hour cruise down the rivers that make up the forks. We enjoyed a great meal at the Old Spaghetti Factory, then off to the game. It was a Goldeyes game at Shaw Park, which is a beautiful park right on the Red River. The temperature began to fall, but the game itself was great - and topped off by post-game fireworks. From there we walked back to our cars, and bid adieu. Great times with great people!
Wednesday, Aug. 7:
Up early (for us) and out on the road to Thunder Bay - an 8 hour ride along the Trans-Canada Highway. Although the distance was long, the scenery was simply stunning - once we got out of Manitoba. There were lakes galore - and as blue as I have ever seen them. The highway wound through a seemingly endless series of picture-postcard views of tall pine trees, rock outcroppings, hills...and of course those magnificent lakes. Eventually we rode into Thunder Bay, but first stopped by Kakabeka Falls - which were beyond breathtaking. Couldn't believe how majestic these were - words do no justice. Sam and I just viewed them in total awe...and did our best to pull ourselves away and get into town. Once there we found out that the Border Cats were playing a doubleheader since they were rained out the night before. Yea! Good thing - we got into town an hour later since this place is on EASTERN time! (DOH!). At the game, as we pulled into the parking lot, an older chap named Gary told us to sit in a certain section for foul balls, and when we entered the stadium - there he was, and he invited us to sit with him. Sure enough Sam did shag two foul balls, and Gary even got our names announced at the game for all to hear. As for the game - ick. The Border Cats lost 12-3...which is typical for them. REALLY bad team. However GREAT fans and Gary had his wife and friends around - heckling and cheering all night. Good times. Afterwards Sam and I visited downtown TB to gaze at Lake Superior in the dark. We'll get better views in the morning...
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