Opinion
Notes from all over
Cook / Tower / Orr / Surrounding Communities in the summer we have mosquitoes ready to carry someone away. In the winter we have some of the coldest temperatures in the country. If we are “lucky,” there is enough snow for snowmobiling. A lot of people will say, “Oh my, what a horrible place.” I had friends up from Chicago, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Denver over the last couple of weeks. To a person, “OH, MY GOD, it is so beautiful up here.” It’s kind of unfortunate and fortunate that more people don’t get to experience it.
Notes From All Over
I spent last week in the BWCA. We used LaTourell’s Outfitters on Moose Lake. Bob does a phenomenal job. Normally we would paddle for two hours up Moose Lake and then head off up into Wind, Splash or Ensign. This year we decided to take a shuttle boat and then head into Splash. I felt guilty getting a lift, but not after we did it. We were setting up camp about an hour and a half after we left Latourell’s. We went to an island that we had been to once so we set up camp quickly and went fishing. Three big walleyes to start the day -- everyone caught one but -- yeah, me. Meal number one was walleye and beans; it was fantastic. We stayed up late playing cards and catching crawdads, having a few cocktails. Not a bad start to the trip.
“Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it” – George Santayanna
Last Sunday I was in Krakow, Poland. I visited Auschwitz and Birkenau Concentration camps. That was quote was posted on our visit. Almost 2,000,000 people visit the museum annually. During my tour there were hundreds of visitors throughout the museum. It was silent except for the tour guide. People didn’t talk the entire time. Kids behaved no one was running around being loud and obnoxious. I cannot ever remember being on a tour that was so sobering and somber.
Beyond Reason
Germany is efficient. France is flirtatious. Canada apologizes for being in your way, even though I don’t know anyone on their way to the North Pole other than Will Steiger. But America? If you want to understand America, skip the textbooks or history lessons. At a distance, just observe the month of July.
For What It’s Worth
Nature programs are a favorite, and it never ceases to amaze me how, after feeding at sea, a mother penguin returns to her colony with the mission of listening for “Junior” among the ear-busting din of up to a million neighbors. It seems impossible, but I think humans relate. In fact, it seems we register voices in our mind almost as well. I’m warmly reminded of the high-pitched laughter of neighbor Bill Haavisto, the velvet drawl of my bus driver, John Hill, the violin pitches of writer Nelmi Koivu, the staccato retort of coach Frank Fortune, the business-like monotone of Cook business owner, Don Simonson, the neighborly bluster of Orr’s, Everett Soger, the matter-of-fact command of neighbor, Irma Lokken, and the circus-style banter of teacher, Kathy Leding. They’ve all been gone for a decade or more, but their memories and voices live on.
Notes from all over
On Wednesday, I’m heading to Spain for my annual running with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain. I get a lot of questions about the run. I’ve ran 11 times. The run dates back to the 14th century. It was started by Spanish butchers, and they wore white and red outfits, which most of us still wear today. The length is .54 miles and ends in the bullring. It lasts 2-3 minutes. Since 1910, there have been 16 deaths. It is held every year on July 6 to July 14. The 6th is the opening ceremony – no run that day.