Bob and I took a quick getaway to the Brainerd area last weekend. We drove up to Mille Lacs and stayed at Eddy's Resort on the Lake Saturday night. We took the shuttle over to the casino to
donate play the slots. Since I am cheap, I walked out with the same dollar I put in the machine. I only play nickels (one or 5 at a time.) Since Bob is a big spender, he lost $10. In the morning, we had a huge breakfast at their restaurant overlooking the lake, then drove another hour to Cross Lake. We checked in at Manhattan Beach Resort on Trout Lake. The resort is a cross between a B&B and an upscale hotel. Very northwoodsy. Log furniture. Murals of Birch trees. Fireplaces. It was built in the 20's and frequented by the wealthy from Chicago and the Twin Cities who would take the train up there. During the depression and prohibition, the clientele were gangsters, but their money was welcome the same. In the 30's and 40's it was a stop for the big bands and a playground for Hollywood (according to the fact sheet that was in our room.) It's been added on many times, but all the rooms face the lake and it hasn't lost it's charm. Bob went for a bike ride and I went garage saleing in town. After his solo ride, we met up again for a car ride around the lakes to gawk at the houses and then went to the 'sister' resort to use the pool/hot-tub. When I realized we were the ONLY ones there, I pouted! I would've put on my suit too if I had known. (The front desk clerk told us there were only 7 people checked in for the night). We went back to our Inn, set up the beach front firepit for the evening, then ate dinner at the Resort. After a nice sit at 'our' fire and a stab at stargazing in the beach lounges, we went back to the hot tub. This time there was another couple, but I didn't care. We sampled the pool, hot-tub and sauna before bed. In the morning we ate a continental breakfast before heading out to try a couple hikes on the Paul Bunyan Trail. It was a warm and sunny weekend, and a not-bad drive. I look forward to doing it again.
Manhattan Beach Resort in Cross Lake.
The Lake was clear and calm. The docks seemed a little rickety to me, but Bob is brave! Of course he tried to sway the dock when I was standing on the end of it...
Hiking on the Paul Bunyan trail.
The old logging FireTower which was fenced off "for our protection"
The beginning of the beautiful fall colors.
I was hoping to see a bear or at least a deer, and this is what I got! I should have specified
Blackbear instead of
woolybear when I was wishing.
