We headed north this weekend for a little fishing trip — one that was full of delights and surprises.  We were tent camping and were fortunate to find a beautiful campsite on the shore of a northern lake.  As we drifted to sleep last night we were serenaded by a chorus of frogs and loons.  And yet in the middle of the night a storm moved through, bringing lightning and thunder, wind, and rain.  I lay wide awake in the tent, imagining a worst-case scenario and worrying about what we would do.  Luckily the worst of the dark & stormy night was off in the distance and what I was imagining didn’t develop.  When we awoke this morning we were greeted with summer temperatures, a calm lake, and clearing skies.  Today was beautiful for fishing.  With blue skies, white clouds, clear water, and the serenade of red-winged blackbirds and loons, we were successful in catching a “slug” of northern pike.  After having lived here in Minnesota for almost four years I’m appreciating even more the specialness and richness of our 10,000 plus lakes.