• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • HOME
  • SHOP
  • BLOG
  • ABOUT CATHY
  • CONTACT

CZ Design

Okay people…wrap it up and move along

August 27, 2009

Okay people…wrap it up and move along

1-dan

As much as I'd like to milk the vacation wrap-up forever, it's time to git 'er movin' along. So today, I present the final installment of What I Did on My Summer Vacation aka The Recap Trifecta, if you will.

Above? Dan at the Mineview in the Sky, just outside of Eveleth. Did you know they mine up on the Iron Range? As in, dig in the earth mining? WHO KNEW?

And when they finish, sometimes the mine will fill in with water and look like this?

3-pit 

2-cole

4-cath

(At this point on our road trip, I said to Dan: "You know what makes road trips SO much easier? Living in the age of the iPod." To which he replied: "You know what else makes it easier? The fact that we didn't bring Bushwick Bill along for the ride.") Note: This is an extremely old inside road trip joke between me and Dan. No offense to Bill and the Geto Boys.

In Chisolm, we saw the Iron Man statue:

5-iron 

And then it was onto Grand Rapids, the childhood home of Judy Garland, where we saw the house she lived in until she was three years old.

6-judy home 

We visited the Judy Garland Museum right next door and saw bits of memorabilia from her life, like this carriage which was the actual one they used in the Wizard of Oz when they rode into the city:

7-from WizardofOz 

7-v 

And Dan couldn't help himself at this stop's "Insert Head Here" opportunity, as he carefully channeled each of the character's key traits:

Dan4ways 

Then it was onto the Greyhound Bus Museum, in lovely Hibbing. Did you know Greyhound started in Minnesota? Well, now you do.

8-a 

8-b 

Aidan fell hard for a boy, but alas, road trip romance never lasts.

8-c 

Then after a quick lunch at Zimmy's (a restaurant celebrating all things Bob Dylan, who also hails from Hibbing), we hit the road again.

We saw more big things on our way to Bemidji:

9a

9b 

Even the biggest of 'em all: Paul and Babe.

9d 

Dan and I even had a chance to pose for a prom-like picture right between Paul's knees. Who wouldn't want this shot?

9e 

Then it was off to see the headwaters of the Mighty Mississippi River. Did you know it starts in Minnesota and that you can walk across it? Well, now you do.

10a 

10b

10c 

As we turned our compass Southward, we found more statues:

11a 

(Note: her McCain shirt was in the laundry this day. FYI.)

11b 

(There's your big bird, babe.)

And I managed to capture some truly magical moments of sibling togetherness.

11c 

We worked our way back down to Nisswa, where Dan's grandmother's cabin was waiting to greet some energized and happy travelers. But not without a few more stops.

11d 

11e 

11f 

11g 

11t 

11zb  

Aah 

On our way home, we stopped in Garrison, on Lake Mille Lacs, and while we were about to leave, I saw a cute young couple with a baby, and the Dad was taking a picture of his lovely wife and child in front of another giant fish. I asked if he wanted me to take their picture. As I was framing the shot, I asked him: Do you want the whole fish or just the family? To which he gave me my favorite quote of the entire trip:

The family is more important than the fish.

Amen, brother. Amen.

And here's also to finding a magical vacation in your own backyard.

Fishorfamily?

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jeanne Pellerin says

    August 27, 2009 at 9:37 am

    You let your kid wear an Obama shirt????? Why, Cathy? Why?

    Reply
  2. christine velazco-villacarlos says

    August 27, 2009 at 9:38 am

    beautiful photos! i am envious of your wonderful, amazing trip!

    and yes, amen to that last quote! tfs!

    Reply
  3. jen says

    August 27, 2009 at 9:48 am

    i think the minnesota slogan needs to change to “land of 10000 statues”.

    Reply
  4. JillS says

    August 27, 2009 at 9:50 am

    I’m cracking up over Aidan’s shorts with leg warmers and flip-flop combo.

    Reply
  5. Bety says

    August 27, 2009 at 9:50 am

    What an amazing trip! and yes! ………A-M-E-N……..

    Reply
  6. Lezlie says

    August 27, 2009 at 9:51 am

    What a great trip! Thank you for sharing your vacay recap. And I must say…you look great CZ!

    Reply
  7. Michele says

    August 27, 2009 at 9:56 am

    I love your vacation pictures – brought back fond memories of my two year stint in Dubuque, Iowa, home to everything-is-a-religious-icon. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  8. Lisa says

    August 27, 2009 at 9:56 am

    For the first time ever, I’m a little sad that the vacation slide show has ended. You are a great story teller and photographer. Dude, you should totally give scrapbooking a try!

    Reply
  9. Tara says

    August 27, 2009 at 10:00 am

    Next time the whitneys are coming.

    Reply
  10. TracyBzz says

    August 27, 2009 at 10:01 am

    Holy moly there are alot of big statues in Minnesota!! WOW! Looks a great vacation. I see Dan had fun on the roller coaster 😉

    Reply
  11. Marcie L says

    August 27, 2009 at 10:04 am

    Third day = best recap Very, very funny stuff.
    I wish all my vacation recaps could be this funny!

    Reply
  12. Sara says

    August 27, 2009 at 10:17 am

    Being from Minnesota, I never knew there were so many cool statues! I’ll need to get out and look for myself. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  13. Krys72599 says

    August 27, 2009 at 10:24 am

    #1. These photos and this vacation – what a gift for your children once they’re older…
    #2. You have convinced me that I must, no matter what, do the same thing here in NJ – I think this will be next year’s vacation.
    #3. Amen and Hallelujah to the “…family is more important than the fish” sentence!

    Reply
  14. Katie Scott says

    August 27, 2009 at 10:24 am

    Love the man’s quote! I went to Orlando last week and while my kids were swimming in the hotel pool, I chatted with a nice man from England whose daughter was swimming with mine. He told me about how they come to Disney every summer – and I asked him why they didn’t just go to the one in France because its closer. And he said that only Americans can get the Happiest Place On Earth thing right, which made me proud and happy to be one. Also – my husband’s got a vacation quote for when anyone’s getting cranky: “Life’s short, but this vacation is even shorter, so just have fun.” 🙂 Loved the photo recap of your trip.

    Reply
  15. Joy M. says

    August 27, 2009 at 10:33 am

    Wonderful photos. I used to live in SE South Dakota and some of that giant statue mentality flowed across the border. I’ve missed it. What a hoot. It looks like your family really enjoyed the trip, and as a museum professional, I’m glad you included a few museums (even kitschy ones) in your itinerary. Thanks for sharing with us, Cathy.

    PS. I liked the Obama T! 😉

    Reply
  16. cathy says

    August 27, 2009 at 10:35 am

    LOL. Seriously. That made me literally laugh out loud.

    Reply
  17. cathy says

    August 27, 2009 at 10:35 am

    Well as long as you’re not as annoying as Bushwick Bill would’ve been…

    Reply
  18. Kathy F says

    August 27, 2009 at 10:45 am

    Cathy- I loved your recap! 🙂 I was laughing pretty much the WHOLE time! 🙂 I love how you capture all of the personality in your family! 🙂 Awesome! 🙂

    Reply
  19. heather says

    August 27, 2009 at 10:48 am

    thanks for the laughs this week. looks like your state-cation was fantastic. i’ve already searched for a weird washington book. i think we’ll have to give it a try some day.

    Reply
  20. Kelly in Canada says

    August 27, 2009 at 10:51 am

    I can’t remember whether or not I already posted a comment (on one of your previous wrap-up days) but your photos so totally remind me of vacations my family took 30 or so years ago and being reminded of those times is a very, very good thing.
    Thank you, sister.
    Kelly

    Reply
  21. Dixie Lee says

    August 27, 2009 at 10:57 am

    I have loved this walk through your vacay. Thanks for sharing it. All things Big must hail from Minnesota…

    Reply
  22. Jennifer M. says

    August 27, 2009 at 11:00 am

    I am totally jealous of your vacation. So awesome.

    Reply
  23. Kim K says

    August 27, 2009 at 11:08 am

    Looks like you had a blast! Thanks for sharing the fun!
    I’d like to add a suggestion for next year. Head to this place in Wisconsin…you’ll have more random fiberglass shots to add to your collection!
    http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2253

    Reply
  24. Diana says

    August 27, 2009 at 11:08 am

    Okay, Cathy, I need to correct you. The Judy Garland museum is in Grand Rapids, not Hibbing. (We Grand Rapidites hate Hibbing – well maybe not hate, but strongly dislike.) Loved your vacation shots. We are coming to your neck of the woods tomorrow for the Great Minnesota Get Together. Got any giant fish for photo ops?

    Reply
  25. Melony Wells says

    August 27, 2009 at 11:10 am

    Cathy Z. – you put a smile on my face every time I visit your blog. We are so very lucky you share yourself with all of us 🙂 You ROCK lady 🙂

    Reply
  26. alexa says

    August 27, 2009 at 11:13 am

    Sigh! Feel as if I’ve been on holiday myself! Thank-you! Love the shots of you and Dan – there aren’t enough of those, Aidan and Cole!

    Reply
  27. Fletch says

    August 27, 2009 at 11:13 am

    Totally cool. Thanks for the road trip Cathy. Since my hubby and I did not get a chance to head out on vacation this summer (keeping our fingers crossed for a fall trip) it was fun to see Minnesota. My husband’s family is actually from Evelyth, MN so nice to see a bit of it via blogville since I am actually a native of California. The Vikings are my all time favorite football team – since the Fran Tarkenton days…still root for them to this day along with my SF 49ers and Raiders.

    Reply
  28. stephanie says

    August 27, 2009 at 11:14 am

    Those were the funnest vacation pictures I have ever seen!!! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  29. Maureen says

    August 27, 2009 at 11:24 am

    you don’t find statuary like that in Mass. Looks like a fun trip.

    Reply
  30. Marian H says

    August 27, 2009 at 11:32 am

    Tell Dan I loved his great Zoolander faces in those Wizard of Oz cutouts. He could have been Ben Stiller’s “Face” double… hee hee.

    Reply
  31. steph says

    August 27, 2009 at 11:32 am

    awesome……..awesome pics!
    makes me miss minnesota so.so badly

    Reply
  32. Nicky Hurt says

    August 27, 2009 at 11:40 am

    A. I love Dan’s expressions in the Wizard characters.

    B. Are those lime green leg warmers? With flip flops? Are leg warmers back in style again? Dang- my past is coming back to haunt!

    Sounds like you all had a great time! Love the photos!

    Reply
  33. Cathy S says

    August 27, 2009 at 11:40 am

    “Well, the Mississippi’s mighty, but it starts in Minnesota at a place that you can walk across with five steps down…” I’ll be singing “Ghost” by the Indigo Girls and reminiscing about old loves the rest of the day. Thanks. But I’ve loved following you on your trip.

    Reply
  34. Caroline C. says

    August 27, 2009 at 12:06 pm

    I highly recommend you travel to Alexandria, MN to visit the one and only Big Ole! Worth the drive!

    Reply
  35. Julie says

    August 27, 2009 at 12:34 pm

    All right, just another correction. They don’t actually fill the mine pits with water. That just happens naturally. 😉 Used to swim in those pits when I was a girl…

    Reply
  36. Kym says

    August 27, 2009 at 12:44 pm

    I second what Cathy S. said…everything I needed to know about the Mississippi I learned from the Indigo Girls. 🙂
    Oh, and? Way to go on the Obama shirt. 🙂

    Reply
  37. Kim J. says

    August 27, 2009 at 12:44 pm

    Loved all of the photos. Next time you need to stop in Fergus Falls and have your picture taken by the big Otter! Also, would love to have my picture taken by your state fair sign when we head down there tomorrow!

    Reply
  38. Cindy Phillips says

    August 27, 2009 at 12:59 pm

    Oh Cathy! What a wonderful trip. We need the story behind Aidan’s bright green leg warmers and the flip flops? Who took this kid shopping??

    Reply
  39. Trude says

    August 27, 2009 at 1:00 pm

    What a bunch of hambones. All of ya. 😉 And what is it about PW’s 70s action that its perfect for, like, every photo?

    Love this series. What an awesome album they’re going to make!

    Reply
  40. Kim Strother says

    August 27, 2009 at 1:08 pm

    Is there a road map to all the statues?? You know like in Hollywood they have maps to all the star homes! I’ve never seen so many statues in all my life.

    Reply
  41. Laurie Weaver says

    August 27, 2009 at 1:17 pm

    These reports were so very fun to read. Thanks for bringing laughter into our lives.

    Reply
  42. laura kate says

    August 27, 2009 at 1:46 pm

    i love midwestern statues and general silly old school roadtrip awesomeness. this is just great.

    and the last shot of the fam is priceless.

    i just have a feeling, now that i’ve moved to england, that i won’t be able to find anything such as a giant muskie statue anywhere. pity…

    Reply
  43. cathy says

    August 27, 2009 at 1:55 pm

    DIANA! ACK! i KNEW this. Shoot. Retract. RETRACT!
    : )

    Thanks for the clarification!

    Reply
  44. cathy says

    August 27, 2009 at 1:57 pm

    Okay, Cathy…. i TOTALLY love that song. I’m listening to it because you just reminded me of it!

    Reply
  45. cathy says

    August 27, 2009 at 1:58 pm

    Right! I just meant they fill, meaning, the pits themselves eventually fill. ; )

    Reply
  46. cathy says

    August 27, 2009 at 1:58 pm

    Kim we DID! I just had SOOOO many shots to share, i had to edit a few out!

    Reply
  47. cathy says

    August 27, 2009 at 1:59 pm

    Aidan buys all her own things… or at least she chooses her own things. I claim the 5th.

    Reply
  48. BunnyKissd says

    August 27, 2009 at 2:12 pm

    I usually don’t like looking at other people’s vacation photos, but yours are just so beautiful and *so* amusing! ^-^ Thank you!

    Reply
  49. Jennifer says

    August 27, 2009 at 2:12 pm

    I am very homesick for Minnesota, now that I’ve seen the Pelican statue, and you said you stopped by the otter. Did you see the loon statue in Vergas?? I am totally going to look for a guidebook about Arizona; I think we have our own fair share of big, weird statues!

    Reply
  50. Maureen says

    August 27, 2009 at 2:25 pm

    You can take me on any of your road trips Cathy!

    but dear girl, you were surprised at the mining???? Uh, Iron Range??? Not Pumpkin Range or Snowflake Range…Iron. I’m almost remembering hs chemistry and the periodic table on the wall but I tried to ignore it so…someone else will have look it up!!

    Reply
  51. Linda Barber says

    August 27, 2009 at 2:27 pm

    OMG, Cathy Zielske, you complete me. Or your family completes my family. Or something like that. AND you’ve got the world’s tallest thirteen year old.

    Reply
  52. Elizabeth says

    August 27, 2009 at 2:45 pm

    These have been the most entertaining family vacation photos I’ve ever seen. I’m sad we won’t be seeing any more.

    I never realized there were so many stick you head in the hole photo opportunities, or so many large statues. You certainly made the most of all of them!

    I’m looking forward to seeking them out on our next vacation.

    Reply
  53. Etta says

    August 27, 2009 at 2:48 pm

    I’ve never seen so many GIANT things on one blog.

    Reply
  54. cathy says

    August 27, 2009 at 3:05 pm

    Yes, we saw and photographed the Loon!

    Reply
  55. Pattie says

    August 27, 2009 at 3:10 pm

    Love the pictures, although the one of Dan as Dorothy scared me a little…

    I think DH and I need to plan a little tour of Pennsylvania, although I don’t think we have as many big statues here! 🙂

    Reply
  56. anna says

    August 27, 2009 at 3:50 pm

    i still can hardly imagine a state with THAT many big, amusing and frankly tacky things! 🙂 i think it’s really neat to make them into a fam vac. thanks for sharing with us; as always very entertaining!!!
    a

    Reply
  57. Jennifer Larson says

    August 27, 2009 at 4:10 pm

    This was terrific. Made me smile and look forward to traveling throughout this wonderful state as my boys get older. I’m curious about the museum: did they ever get the ruby slippers back from when they were stolen?

    Reply
  58. Kelli P. says

    August 27, 2009 at 4:17 pm

    Quick! Somebody pull me back to the 21st century! I’m having an 80’s flashback thanks to Aiden’s leg warmers! Love it! Your pictures and storytelling are impeccable as usual! Glad you had a great time together as a family!

    Reply
  59. Jodee says

    August 27, 2009 at 4:17 pm

    I have enjoyed your vacay recap! I am a little saddened to see it end. Thanks for sharing so much fun stuff! Love the last photo! Wonderful!

    Reply
  60. tami newman says

    August 27, 2009 at 4:23 pm

    I see Minnesota in a whole new light, beautiful!!! and did leg warmers ever go out of style??

    Reply
  61. Manon says

    August 27, 2009 at 4:41 pm

    Looks like you had the best holiday ever!!! Thanks for sharing and giving me a good few giggles!!
    ps. that photo of Dan is so hot 😉

    Reply
  62. kait says

    August 27, 2009 at 5:20 pm

    Awesome photos!

    Reply
  63. Jennifer says

    August 27, 2009 at 8:35 pm

    what’s with all the giant statues!? just kidding. it looks like you guys had a great time and with posing for all of those pictures, how could you not have?! ha ha giving the kids some good, clean memories…

    Reply
  64. kp says

    August 27, 2009 at 8:51 pm

    Love, love, love this. I have been to all of those spots, on various family trips, but doing it all in one vacation would be such fun! Glad you stopped in my hometown and got a chance to get a prom shot with Paul and Babe (I actually HAVE a prom shot in front of Paul and Babe…)

    Reply
  65. Amy S. says

    August 27, 2009 at 9:04 pm

    Now you have me wondering if Minnesota has a freakish number of large thing statues or if all states have them and we just never sought them all out in one trip? I am only next door in Wisconsin and I know we have must have some large fish and cows but I don’t know about that many?

    Reply
  66. Julie Trout says

    August 27, 2009 at 9:30 pm

    Looks like you had a great vacation with your family…..had to laugh because you were ‘up north’ in our neck of the woods being in Grand Rapids and Deer River!

    Hope all is well your way!
    Julie

    Reply
  67. reyanna says

    August 27, 2009 at 10:03 pm

    I was super excited just *seeing* the names of these towns in your post. YAY! I’m SO going to link this post for my friend, Jill (from Embarrass). Her dad is an iron miner! He has been for her WHOLE life. Man, does that man look tired, bless his heart. 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing your vacation notes and photos with us! 😀

    Reply
  68. Christina says

    August 27, 2009 at 11:15 pm

    How can one state have so much kitsch? Is there a special tour guide? If not, there should be. I love it!

    Reply
  69. Jenn from MN says

    August 27, 2009 at 11:53 pm

    Cathy ~
    Thanks for taking us along on your summer vacation. I am inspired to do more in my own backyard next year… thank you, thank you, thank you!

    Reply
  70. Tricia Wilson says

    August 28, 2009 at 12:41 am

    Would it be okay if I go on your family vacation next year? You guys have way too much fun and see all of the best stuff!

    Reply
  71. Margy Eastman says

    August 28, 2009 at 1:52 am

    I totally enjoyed your vacation photos. I used to spend a lot of my free time in northern Minnesota – what a great place you live in!

    Paul Bunyan’s the boss!

    Reply
  72. Nancy M says

    August 28, 2009 at 6:42 am

    very cool!

    Reply
  73. Wendy A says

    August 28, 2009 at 7:27 am

    What a great vacation – maybe my husband, the kids & I will have to try this for next year – the kids might actually like it! Great documenting the trip too! Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
  74. Stéphanie B. says

    August 28, 2009 at 7:38 am

    Many thanks to you for sharing your road trip (stories & Pictures). I didn’t take any vacation this year so I’m glad you gave us a guided tour of part of Minnesota. You definitely are a great story teller…when should we expect your first novel/book …seriously??

    Reply
  75. Sonja Chandler says

    August 28, 2009 at 9:33 am

    LOL “The family is more important than the fish” That is funny! Great pics. Fun times. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  76. Angie Lucas says

    August 28, 2009 at 5:04 pm

    Thanks for that, Cathy. Now I almost feel like I went on vacation too. My favorite is the Hackenstack wood cutout where the man is cutting his wife’s boob off with an axe.

    Reply
  77. Angie Lucas says

    August 28, 2009 at 5:05 pm

    My last comment sounded so droll. I think it needed some of these: !!! Insert some at will.

    Reply
  78. Kathy T says

    August 28, 2009 at 8:02 pm

    Thanks for sharing your vacation with us. I’m sad it’s over, got any more photos and stories??? I’ve got to find a cutout to stick my family behind. Loved it.

    Reply
  79. Wendy in ND says

    August 28, 2009 at 11:06 pm

    OMG! I could go threw my photos as POST the same ones! Pelican- honeymoon, 1987– headwaters–same honeymoon–did you go up the fire tower….you don’t want to know the view I had! 😉
    Bemidji- lived there with Paul and Babe, except they faced the other direction! Brainard-paul bunyan?? Hmmm, or was that where you turned to go to Bemidji? Can’t remember!! Also, the deer jumping, was that the petting zoo on Hwy 2 someplace?? Fun vacation! Makes me miss MN even more.

    Reply
  80. Tamara says

    August 29, 2009 at 7:08 am

    You know, you really need to come to Australia. LOTS of big stuff here. A sheep, a goldpanner, a pineapple. The Big Banana makes the BEST banana splits. Well, not the banana itself, I guess … the people who work in the restaurant. But they are good. There’s a big prawn too – very controversial that one, been all over the news lately. My son currently has a big zit too. Pop down here – I’ll give you the tour.

    Reply
  81. Judy Sanza says

    August 29, 2009 at 11:38 am

    Thanks…I had the best time on YOUR vacation!

    Reply
  82. AmyInKy says

    August 29, 2009 at 12:17 pm

    These are the funniest vacation shots I’ve ever seen. They make me want to take a road trip to MN! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  83. D@nielle says

    August 30, 2009 at 3:23 pm

    thanks for sharing those fun photo’s. Just wondering why minnesota needs so many xl statues ?? Love the quotes, i try to do that too (fun for scrapbook getaways too ;)…)

    Reply
  84. Jenrigg says

    August 30, 2009 at 5:30 pm

    wow, I feel like I was on that vacation with you 😉 Today we watched New in Town, and now all I can wonder is, Does the Zielske family talk like the characters in New Ulm? And do you eat tapioca?
    (oh dear, stereotypes……..)

    Reply
  85. Kelli says

    August 31, 2009 at 9:51 am

    Love love love your photos! And your commentary.

    Reply
  86. Tinkersdamn says

    August 31, 2009 at 1:18 pm

    You know, I think you’re now legally obligated to celebrate St. Urho’s Day.
    It’s what all those rubber grapes from Hobby Lobby are MADE for. 😀

    Reply
  87. Karin says

    September 2, 2009 at 9:08 am

    So fun to see someone elses pictures from the places we visit and drive by each year!

    Looking forward to your class starting this week.

    Reply
  88. karen says

    September 11, 2009 at 7:28 am

    Living in MN we have alot of pictures with those great statues…some we have passed by….never again!! Priceless fun!!

    Reply
  89. home security systems says

    December 27, 2010 at 5:08 pm

    What a wonderful road trip. More importantly, it was time spent with the family. We better start planning our own road trip.

    Reply
  90. Susan says

    January 11, 2011 at 7:20 am

    Aw, we saw Paul Bunyan and Babe at some point on our road trips as kids. Brings back memories!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest

Categories

  • Cards
  • Crafts
  • CZ Life
  • Free Downloads
  • Products & Classes
  • Project Life
  • Scrapbooking
  • Tutorials

Archives

Footer

About

I'm Cathy Zielske and this is one of my homes on the World Wide Web. Want to learn more about me? By all means, click the link below:

  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest

Let’s Connect

If you have specific questions that can’t be answered by stalking me on social media, please click below:

Categories

  • Cards
  • Crafts
  • CZ Life
  • Free Downloads
  • Products & Classes
  • Project Life
  • Scrapbooking
  • Tutorials

Copyright © 2023 Cathy Zielske · site by bello via design