Another seemingly leisurely start, but out the door before 10am. Put a second load of washing on before we left having done one yesterday as well.
Headed south towards Minneapolis. At one point on a slip road, an SUV about four cars ahead braked violently and then steered right which sent it off the road and up onto a bank, The SUV nearly flipped but didn't quite make it over and landed back on four wheels facing oncoming traffic. As we drove past the bloke inside it just sat looking astonished.
Made our way onwards, before the ineptitude of the road signs and Apple maps meant we missed everything and then having turned round went to Fort Snelling State Park rather than Fort Snelling Historical Monument. Eventually got to the right place. Parking was free as their barriers weren't working which was a bonus.
Went in and got to the fort just in time to see a bloke dressed in costume shoot a rifle.
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| Gunsmoke |
We didn't get to hear what he said beforehand so no real idea what he was demonstrating. Spent time idling around the fort. Found out most of it has been rebuilt bar about four parts, so it is a recreation rather than the original. Still worth looking at the history of it.
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| The fort from the round tower |
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| Weapons |
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| Olde Shoppe |
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| Barracks |
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| Magazine |
Another place with links to slavery. Famously Dred Scott and his wife, who were slaves of the camp doctor, sued for their freedom in 1846 as they were living in a free state. It was ruled against by the Supreme Court who stated that Black people were not citizens and therefore could not sue in federal court. As a landmark decision, the case brought slavery to the national forefront and is cited as a major catalyst for the civil war.
Eventually headed back to the visitor centre to get a magnet and a drink. Woman on the door asked me about my Shawshank t-shirt. Is it a real place you can go to? Yes. Turns out the drink choice wasn't great so we headed to the car to find somewhere to go. Eventually settled on The Patty Wagon. Arrived to find it pretty much empty which is never a good sign. Nonetheless we ordered and ate and it was fine. I had grilled cheese. Ann had something.
Next we headed up to the Basilica of St Mary as Ann wanted to see the stained glass windows. Parked for free in a carpark under the interstate. When we got in there was a woman practicing playing the xylophone. It made quite a sound in the large interior.
Wandered around and saw some stuff.
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| Stained glass |
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| Large organ - oh er missus |
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| Inside the basilica |
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| Out front |
As we were leaving a large party had finished some sort of celebration downstairs. A mariachi band also left when they did. We didn't get to hear them play unfortunately.
Decided that with a long journey tomorrow, we would head home early to make sure we got an earlyish night. Had a quick Saturday pub quiz with the fam on messenger.
Have now finished this and it is only 10pm. Astonishing.
States visited - 8
