October 6, 2008
I have been to St Paul and northern Minnesota before, specifically on the shore of Lake Superior in winter for the only thing resembling real skiing you can do in the midwest. All I remember from skiing there is how bitterly cold Lutsen Mountain was and that it boasted an 800 ft vertical drop and a gondola. Lest you western skiers scoff at 800 ft., Olympic skier Cindy Nelson got her start there on what used to be her grandfather's land and I challenge any of you to deal with a headwind off Lake Superior when you are coming down that slope. Today I will only visit the southeast corner and fortunately it is seasonably warm. I get on scenic route 6 west of La Crescent and the sun is peaking through the clouds enough to light up a barn. I take advantage of the weather while it lasts to do a quick painting. Route 6 is very pretty and full of picturesque barns and hills, so I stop and take pictures where I can, always keeping my eye on the weather. I need to get another painting done the same day in Iowa. The next 3 days have rain forecast.
