Winter has hit the north-lands, and though I may be loosing feeling in my finger-tips, I at least have the satisfaction of knowing that my computer is running at a more efficient rate. At least I got to say goodbye to the few weeks of good weather with an Oktoberfest celebration. I originally invited Hops, Amare, and Bika, but in the end only Amare was able to make it. Friday we explored the bluffs of Quarry Hill, a local wildlife refuge. The weather was perfect and we managed to find some trails which lead to an excellent view of the city.

A crunchy trail of leaves.

A small lake shimmering in the sun.

A good view of the prison hospital next door.

The Rochester skyline, this shot was Amare's idea.

   On Saturday we made the long drive to Lanesboro, MN. One of those historical towns, which still retains a lot of it's old German and Norwegian architecture and heritage. The small town was pretty packed for Oktoberfest, so Amare rented a bike and we hit the local bike trail.

The weather was cool and the wind continually blew leaves across the path.

A lone tree sheds its leaves in a small Minnesota town.

Amare poses next to his bike and in front of the Root river.

   We rode the trails of Lanesboro until I thought my legs were just about ready to fall off. Our original plan was to try to hit up one of the local German restaurant , but we quickly discovered that they were all pretty packed with people. At this point we were beginning to feel the stiffness in our legs, so we decided to bail and just go to my favorite pub back in Rochester. At least we tried...

Coda decided to opt out of the weekend activities and stay in the apartment with his computer.

   That night we retired to the apartment and watched two of Mel Brooks best movies: Young Frankenstein and Blazing Saddles. We also picked up one of my favorite marital arts spoofs: Kung Fu Hustle. All in all it was a good way to tip my hat to my favorite season of the year. As short as it might be this far north of the equator.