We moved through Horseshoe & Caribou - & no one was camped on either lake. Our theory: the recent Ham Lake fire had scared off the weekenders, leaving the likes of Omega Lake still populated while the "bring your cooler" lakes were eerily empty. Last time we went through Caribou it looked like the carnival had come to town. Caribou to Lizz, to Poplar, & finally sitting against a chair with back support again. It's the little things.

My brain always kicks into gear on exit day. Family, home, friends, & work start to creep back to the top of the thought process. I feel like I want to slow down, draw it out, while at the same time wishing I could teleport to the nearest Dairy Queen for a traditional post-trip Blizzard.

Life goes on. A September return engagement is on the calendar. Until then, I'll have the pictures of Moon & moose & the fond dream of my little girls growing big enough to join me. Soon.