Back to Nature

September 6, 2026

Day 17 of our trip was filled with several wildlife experiences starting with seeing 2 momma deer and a fawn when we left our campsite that morning. Unfortunately, I was too slow to capture them in a photo.

After stopping briefly to catch a picture of Sugar Loaf Bluff, a natural rock-climbing area near Winona, Minnesota, we enjoyed one of the most scenic drives yet. Just west of the Mississippi River, there were beautiful hills and valleys, with lots of corn fields scattered in between. It truly felt like God’s Country.

And then we turned down a gravel road for a bit (per Lola’s instructions!) and found a beautiful campground tucked neatly into a valley with a large creek running through it! There were leafy shade trees, lots of green grass, and a lovely breeze. What a relaxing place!

After a shower in the clean shower house (yay!), Terry brought out our new camp chairs, and we just sat and enjoyed the view. And then I spotted a blue heron flying over and then Terry pointed out a bald eagle!

Later when we took a stroll beside the creek, we spotted a fawn on the other side. She shyly leaped away when we tried to get close enough for a photo.

We may not have had internet or cell service, but we certainly enjoyed being back in nature!

That night, we kept the back doors open and were lulled to sleep by the sound of the creek. . . priceless!

Just when we thought the trip couldn’t get any better, the next day hit it out of the park!