Posts Tagged With: Arrowhead Lake MN

St. Paul, MN. Saturday Aug. 26

Friday afternoon paddle on Arrowhead Lake

Friday morning camp continued but after breakfast of pancakes and sausage, etc., we skipped morning classes and went for our own walk in the area around the Laurentian Environmental Center. Nothing dramatic, just an opportunity to be on our own, get some exercise, and observe nature. Temperatures were in the low 60s with clear skies.

The first afternoon class was on biomimicry. Biomimicry is the study and use of natural actions to improve human life. Some examples that were given in class included: 1.) the use of the shape of the bill of the kingfisher bill to redesign the engine of the Japanese bullet train to reduce the boom-like noise made when the ultra-fast train exited tunnels along its route: 2.) how the plants with burrs helped imagine the development of Velcro; 3.) the whale fin with ridges helped improve the design of wind turbine blades; and 4.) the German paint company Sto used the features of the lotus plant to design exterior coatings that are highly water and dirt resistant. Another intriguing animal was the wood frog which remains frozen for eight months during the winter and then defrosts over two days and goes back into a normal living cycle.

Bald Eagle perched in tree on Arrowhead Lake MN

After that class we went out for another canoe ride on Arrowhead Lake. We saw a bald eagle perched in a tree, a loon fishing for food, and a family of ducks. I only had my iPhone and not the camera so I was unable to zoom in for a great picture. You will have to endure less than dramatic photos.

Archery class

Archery class was the final afternoon adventure. Ten of us went out to the archery range on the property. The last time I shot a bow and arrow was probably 50 years ago, with a long bow that gave me a burn along the left arm holding the bow. We used compound bows set for 20 pound pull. Result: I am not Robin Hood. I got one bulls-eye in the practice target and three minor touches on a fake deer. I won’t tell you how many arrows in total I shot. P.S. the targets were not set a great distance from the stand. But it was fun.

Friday night’s musical presentation

Our evening entertainment was a two-hour musical presentation put on by one of the staff and a friend of his; one of our participants sat in for a portion of it. The music was usually familiar and the patter of the two musicians was a blast. The group viewed it as a highlight of the week.

Saturday morning while there was a walk with a humorous twist, it was raining and so after brunch, we left for St. Paul.

So what did we think of this adventure? We both enjoyed it. Chris would go back next year in a heart beat; I might prefer to try another new adventure. The instructors were knowledgeable and friendly. The courses were interesting. The food was good and well-balanced. Each day, three to four blocks of time were set up and one was able to pick and choose from numerous classes, hikes, and service projects. One was able to leave the property and explore other area attractions if desired. The participants were friendly and pleasant.

The lodging was great from a camping viewpoint, plenty of hot water, clean, no creepy-crawlies, spacious enough and bunks long enough although somewhat hard. The lodging would not qualify for a AAA star, as long as your expectations are reasonable, you would be comfortable.

Did we tell you the price? $210 per person for five nights lodging, 15 meals, use of equipment, and programming. Can’t beat it.👍

Ed and Chris. St. Paul MN. Aug. 26