Sky Blue Water
Northern Minnesota
Sandie Maxa
Sandie Maxa
Remarkable things about lakes
sun spots
the mirror-like surface at dawn and dusk
concentric circles formed by a bobber, rock or fish
how far sound carries
When I was around 4 or 5 my family went on a canoe camping trip. We had an old Grumman aluminum canoe that is much heavier than the new kevlar models. During the day we would paddle from one campsite to the next, sometimes needing to portage to a nearby lake. I remember my mom giving us Lifesavers to keep us still and quiet as we sat on the floor of the canoe, wedged between sleeping bags and packs. If I let my hand hang over the rail, it would touch the water as the boat sliced through the lake.
Sandie Maxa
Sandie Maxa
At about 8 or 9 my dad would let my sister and I take the fishing boat out on our own. He would stand over the 5-1/2 hp outboard motor, give the starter cord a hard pull and we were off. Inevitably the motor would die and we would row back with the old wooden oars. Being in the middle of the lake and seeing the cabin way off on the shore was heaven. It was our own island.
Sandie Maxa
Names of Minnesota lakes that are fun to say
Bee Tree / Big Too Much / Gold Mine / Jack the Horse / Kekekabic
Lac qui Parle / Leech Pit / Mille Lacs / Mukooda / No-Ta-She-Bun
Rat Root / Skinny Pit / Stinking / Zephyr
There are 4 Twin Lakes, 13 Clear Lakes, 150 Long Lakes
and 1 Long Lost Lake
Sandie Maxa
In high school we preferred the canoe. We’d paddle hard across the lake to the inlet where one swift stroke was enough to propel the canoe for several yards. Winding our way through tall reeds and cattails we’d say hello to red winged blackbirds, turtles and perch. The weeds got thicker and the water shallower until we’d have to stick a paddle in the mud and turn around. It always reminded me of The African Queen.
Sandie Maxa
Sandie Maxa