From back door to airplane door

Back in Dallas though I almost didn't make it. There was an accident on my route to the airport and it was raining. Traffic was going less than 10 miles per hour!

I caught some luck with the TSA opening a new security line and I was the first through. I boldly stopped to get coffee at the Carabou along the way. Got to the gate. Showed by boarding pass. Boarded the plane.

Ford Focus

This week I actually got the level of car I rented. A small compact, the Ford Focus. It is a cute little car. The seat goes back far enough unlike my Ford Escort I had years ago.

The seating is kind of high so even though my head doesn't hit the roof the windshield doesn't go up far enough for me.

It is a fun car to drive. One feature that I've only seen on a Honda is the delayed last swipe after pressing the windshield cleaner. You press the button to wash the windshield and the wipers come on. The wipers stop then a few seconds later they make one more swipe. Clever idea to get those drips that always happen.

Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog launch

The Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog was launched on Wednesday. The office and distribution center celebrated the launch with an outdoor modeling show and displays of some of the 'fantasy' gifts.

Also on display was this ultralight used to follow and document the monarch butterfly migration. Neiman Marcus' logo is a butterfly.

BWCAW (Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

So much to tell but I'll keep it short. Here we are picking up the canoes. Fresh.

Many thanks to Scott Baune and his mom and dad for letting us spend the night at the Baune house in Silver Bay on Wednesday night.

We got up early and went to the Ranger Station to watch the video and answer the test questions. This is when we found out it was moose hunting season in the Boundary Waters.

It was a wet trip in. It didn't rain during the five hours of canoing and portaging (carrying canoes and gear to next lake) but it was very wet. I did rain right after we got our tents set up. Perfect timing. It was followed by the most incredible double rainbow. The end of one of the rainbow actually ended just on the other side of the lake.

Friday was the most beautiful day. We canoed around our lake. Jenny and Andrew fished along the way while Julie and I paddled. We found a beautiful waterfall and all fell asleep on a big rock next to the falls.

Saturday was a rainy day. Julie and I stayed at camp and kept the campfire going. Jenny and Andrew went fishing. Got completely dumped on but came back with a large small-mouthed bass. Andrew did a great job cleaning and cutting it. Jenny did a fantastic job frying it up. We ate very well.

Sunday was another 5 hours out canoing and portaging. We saw a huge moose (cow). We also saw an otter. We ran into three hunters we had seen on the way in. One had gotten a bull moose. He was so proud. It is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.

It was rainy and windy and kind of a tough trip out. The hunters had taken the moose meat and trophy head out. They were on the second trip out with their gear. When we reached the truck (my Escape Hybrid), we stopped to see the head in their trailer. It wasn't real big but still fascinating.


Julie has great photos on Kodak.com. Please try this link click here

And here we are after returning the canoes. Not too worn for the wear.

Back from Boundary Waters and off to Dallas

Made it back from Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness yesterday (Sunday) evening. A great trip. I'll provide details later this week.

Down to Dallas again this week.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

BWCAW here we come. Jenny and Andrew, me and Julie are heading up to the Boundary Waters today.

We are overnighting it at my friend and co-worker's parent's place in Silver Bay. Thursday we'll go to the ranger station to take the test for the permit and putting in at entry point #39 off the Sawbill Trail.

Here's to warm(ish) weather and NO rain!

Home this week and heading to Boundary Waters

Working from home this week - Mon, Tues, Wed. Going up to the wilderness for a long weekend.