Letters to Minnesota

July 19, 2013

Dear Minnesota,

I would like to extend my sincere appreciation for the ambassador of tourism I was granted upon entering your great state. I have yet to discern which species, horse or deer, s/he is as this individual is so dedicated to his/her assignment of incessantly circling my head that I have yet to see him/her land. I understand that both species survive partly on drawing blood so I am thankful for his/her work ethic in not eating on the job. I am really quite amazed that even after several miles down the road at 55 mph, the moment I stop my Minnesota tourism ambassador immediately takes up his/her duties, undeterred by my helmet.

I am thoroughly enjoying the countless lakes, diverse foliage and of course endless rivers of your beautiful state and a appreciative of the full experience provided by your Department of Tourism.

Kind Regards,

Jen

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July 20, 2013

Dear Minnesota,

I am writing to share some disappointing feedback and compensating appreciation.

First off, I recently spent 2.5 days in your great state and failed to see a Moose. It clearly stated on the brochure the abundance of Minnesota wildlife (which has been true!) and the Moose pictured made a clear implication of a sighting. I have even travelled to the far northern reaches of your state with no success. I am very disappointed and to avoid a similar experience for other visitors have the following suggestions:

* instead of 'deer' crossing signs, of which there are many, place some Moose crossing signs so the Moose know where to show up

* instruct the Moose to wait near said signs, well back, I recommend15'-20' from the highway, for their safety while still being visible from a speeding vehicle. I also suggest they choose straight stretches with wide shoulders so there are safe places for us to stop/turn/park.

* At dusk maybe the Moose could wear some sort of reflector on their massive, impressive racks so to provide the experience of evening sightings.

Secondly, I want to extend my near speechless gratitude for Highway 23 (Orr-Byuck Road) and Highway 116 (Echo Trail) through the Kabetogama State Forest. They are f#@&ing AMAZING dual sport motorcycle roads - 72 miles of twisting, rolling broken pavement, sumptuous gravel and even a little fresh blacktop winding tirelessly through lakes, forest, rivers with virtually NO traffic (but alas no Moose.. see above). This section of road alone will provide countless hours of envy inducing reminiscing with my DS compadres.

Thank-you.

Warm regards,

Jen

ps. Wyoming provide not only Moose but countless Buffalo sightings in the same time span.. just sayin.

 

 

 

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