Alaska Trip: Almost Home!! - Day 66, Moorhead, MN to Cokato, MN – Days 67 and 68

A Heads Up - This blog will probably only be of interest to Family!

Also, Stay Tuned: I hope to do one more blog to share a few thoughts and reflections of our Alaska Trip! It will not be posted until sometime next week as we are heading to IL for our second grandson’s Baptism –

Matthew Thomas Maercklein, born June 22, 2010.

Day 66

Friday, September 3^rd

The three-hour drive from Moorhead to Cokato was uneventful UNTIL we arrived at the “Cokato Campground.” The reserved-site we were given was NOT going to work. It was like Anastasia and Drusilla trying to get their foot into the infamous Glass Slipper! (Remember Cinderella’s ugly stepsisters?)

We were given a second location – No Go – same thing!

Finally, we were given an overflow spot (Being Labor Day Weekend they were full.)

Alas, 2-hours after arriving, we were situated.

We were finally able to head to the family’s Lake Washington cabin (by the tiny town of Darwin, MN – “Noted for the largest ball of twine”) to meet up with Peter’s family.

The weekend focus was to celebrate the “cabin’s” being in the family for 50-years! The cabin was built in the 1920’s or 30’s as a hunting “retreat.”

Peter’s Grandfather, Frank Bernard, bought it for his three daughters’ (Mary, Betty & Barbara) and their families to use. The cabin was named "Hopsahi" - meaning Hopes are High!

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Saturday and Sunday, September 4^th and 5^th

The celebration!

A good time was had by ALL 50+ that came.

Since the cabin only has three bedrooms, so some came for the day but many camped out in tents.

Peter and his siblings (the event organizers) plus "Peaches the pooch".

Jamming!

Sisters-in-law

He's not as tough as he looks!

Critiquing/judging a water skier.

Friends

Family Twins, Jeremy (blue shirt) and Mary Jo (red shirt) with friends!

Family

Family with friend, John, on the right.

What are the rules again?

Good laughs!

A Grandma hug.

These plates are getting too heavy!

Brothers - getting along!!!

Food stampede!

Sunset on the lake

Cousins

Traditional evening bonfire

Frank Bernard's Daughters
Aunt Barb and Aunt Betty (Mary had passed away in 1995)

No shortage to conversations

Family Friends

Who'd ever guess they are brothers!

Cousins
Twins (set-2) Olivia-left, Zander-right, cousin Mathew-center!

Cars cars and more cars!

Three Cousins braved the cool weather and went for a swim - Sophie and Victor
(Natasha - not pictured)

So many Memories for everyone.
A scrapbook/log has been kept since the beginning!
Every-time family used the cabin, they journal-ed about their stay and pasted in pictures on their next visit.