Traveling Fool

Well, it's finally happening, Super Bowl LII is days away. I've been trying to capture some of the sights downtown. If you want to capture the whole atmosphere and you live where there is real winter, then just go outside. Otherwise, go into a walk-in freezer and you'll get the idea. There are a lot of activities happening in both Minneapolis and St. Paul, and I have not experienced most of them (I missed zip lining across the Mississippi River, damn it), but here are some snippets (if I brave the cold and get off my ass on Saturday, I will go to Minneapolis for one of the free concerts for my one of my faves, The Jayhawks, Stay tuned. Meanwhile, welcome to downtown Minneapolis: A little skiing on Nicollet Mall A virtual experience, near Orchestra Hall/Peavey Plaza A free ice skating experience on Peavey Plaza (stop by Brits after for a beverage) One of several ice sculptures, holding up nicely in the 8 degree weather Snow carving With l

Sunrise over US Bank Stadium They are 'skyways' not 'skywalks', if you call them that, you are not from here. And skyways hold the secret to discovering downtown Minneapolis. I know that sounds melodramatic, but when it's -20 outside and you need to get from Target Center to your office, it may take longer, but you will be nice and warm, and can get something to eat along the way. I walk the skyway every morning, sometimes doing a three mile loop (when I'm not climbing 25 flights of stairs). I thought it would be helpful, since we're expecting tens of thousands of people in Minneapolis over the next 10 days, and I'm sure there will be some lost souls. First of all, don't panic if you do think you are lost. A lot of the skyways will take you in a loop, so, be cool, you'll be fine; there are going to be a lot of Super Bowl helpers, but most of us regular inhabitants can help you as well, just ask. There are a lot of signs, so you can always

Over a year ago, I found another way to entertain myself on my walks around downtown, looking for decorative manhole covers . Unfortunately, I missed quite a few as they were removed for the renovation on Nicollet Mall. But, they have been replaced, some a little rougher for wear, and I still think I'm missing a couple. Since it's -2 and you may not want to look for yourself, here they are. Fish Wolf Loons Plants, fruit, wildlife