Day #3: Twin Cities, Western Minnesota, Fargo

Greetings from Fargo (yes, we're more than just the movie), North Dakota.
It has been a nice day of sightseeing and driving. I am the only one here at
Babb's Coffee Shop downtown, and I'm just fine with that.

Woke up to a very rainy Minneapolis. In fact, everything from overcast skies
to annoying sprinkles and near-torrential downpours have plagued my travels
today. I'm not complaining though; it was the first day that I wasn't getting
a farmer's tan (burn, actually). When the rain was in intermission, I had some
very nice drives.

I navigated through the late rush-hour of Minneapolis to the Sculpture Garden.
There, I saw the famous super-sized "Spoon and Cherry", and took pics of
other interesting outdoor art. Trying to find parking downtown was a chore,
but I eventually succeeded and snapped a photo of the statue of Mary Tyler
Moore throwing her hat in the air. I kept singing the theme song in my head,
"Who can turn the World on with her smile?..."

It wasn't long before I was in the neighboring city of St. Paul, where I arrived
in time to join a tour of the Minnesota State Capitol. This is an impressive
building, though it is unfortunately falling apart. Being able to view the city
and seeing up-close the golden horse/chariot statue on top of the Capitol
was totally worth the informative tour.

Leaving the Twin Cities, I meandered up I-94, north to US-10, to the
picturesque town of Little Falls, boyhood home of aviator Charles Lindbergh.
A problem with traveling on a Monday is that a lot of smaller operations can't
stay open five-seven days a week, so they close one day during the week
and yes--this place was closed. I took some pics and went on my way.

The 130+ miles from Little Falls to Fargo was enjoyable. I took Minnesota
State Route 108, a beautiful road connecting US-10 to I-94. Listen: they
call Minnesota the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" for a reason, folks. I was on
that stretch for a good thirty miles and I can easily attest to seeing at
least two dozen lakes. I'm not kidding. Also found some great sunflower
fields and other good photo opportunities.

Fargo is actually kinda nice. It's not large at all, but the small downtown
is charming and the city has invested well in its main strip. There are
several shops and newer developments and concentrated efforts at
beautification. Unfortunately, there's just nothing here.

Okay. I am getting hungry and sleepy, and since I don't know where I'm
staying, it's time to work on that. Hope this finds you well. :)


TOMORROW: North Dakota, South Dakota, Ocheyedan