“Minnesota was Magical”

I’m going to dedicate this entire blog post to my 9 full days I spent in Minnesota with my Sister Kathleen, Brother in law Stinnet, GrandPa Jack, nephew Jackson, and niece Riley. The Gettinger family is quite large when they’re all together; upwards of 40 plus folks, but I happened to capture this quiet beautiful week on Wabana Lake and it was pretty spectacular.

I have never been to Minnesota before and the word that keeps echoing in my mind is magical…if I use it a lot during this blog, I’ll apologize now, but it’s honestly the best word that keeps coming to me.

This land and cabins have been in the Gettinger family close to 40 years. Many in the family are teachers, so they spend large parts of their summer break in this beautiful place, and it’s certainly understandable. It’s a level of relaxation and peace that’s very hard to achieve in the city.

One of the first mornings I was there, my Sister and I walked out to the point, a spot that encompasses so much beauty and peace, there just aren’t words for it. The entire walk you’re view the stunning Lake on your right, and then the path and the trees…well, it’s just magical. I took Zoey on this walk and she was a trooper. I will go again just to take photos without any distractions. Our daily routines became up early, breakfast and then down to the Lake we would go. Swimming in a Minnesota Lake is unlike anything I’ve experienced. The water is clear, refreshing and pretty chilly, but just wonderful.

My 2nd morning I rose early enough to join my brother in law and his Dad fishing, which they do every single morning; somewhere around 6:30a.m. This particular morning it was drizzly, but we didn’t let that stop us, and what a spectacular time to share this experience. The sunrise and sky were spectacular, the storm made for a photographer’s dream. I didn’t actually fish, but I still captured some of my favorite photos of the visit.

One of my favorite parts of the trip were several opportunities to kayak on the Lake. The first time I took the single kayak, and my Sis and Brother in law took one of the doubles, they wanted to show me this magical little pond area that is only accessible by kayak or canoe. It was like walking into the secret garden. Turtles of various sizes basking in the sun, white lilies absolutely everywhere, they were stunning. At the far end of the pond they showed me this huge beaver dam that has been there for years, and only gets bigger and bigger. Kayaking in this area was like having your eyes wide open in a beautiful dream.

Over the week we enjoyed pontoon rides to Trout Lake, the Joyce Estate, and Blue Water Lake; oh and a fun sunset cruise. There truly is no feasible way to describe the beauty of these woods and this amazing Lake. If you have never been to the woods and lakes of Minnesota, definitely add it to your bucket list.
I’m so grateful to my family for this special time together. I’ve been wanting to get up here for years, and it finally took me retiring to finally make it. It’s all about timing. I so enjoyed visiting with everyone. I will truly be back. Much Love, Appreciation and Peace to Beautiful Minnesota!!