August 14, 2005
Sal’s Camp
Warba, Minnesota

When you change the way you look at things, things change – Paul Harvey

Left Red Cliff behind and headed east to go west. Ran through the Bad River Reservation and had to stop at their casino to pay our respects. Again a five dollar limit on the 1 dollar slots- bet two dollars pull- zip- bet one dollar pull- zip bet the last two dollars pull- jackpot $800.00. cool! Cashed it out and took $100.00 to play. Pulled 49 times- zip last two dollars pull- $200.00. Cashed it out and took $100.00 to play. Pulled 49 times- zip last two dollars pull- zip time to leave the Bad River Res. Cool up $900.00 plus the $100.00 from last night. Drove down the road with $1,000.00 in our pockets feelen rather pleased with ourselves.

Stopped along the way and harvested some birch bark for Heather to paint on. Did it in a good way offering tobacco and only cutting the downed trees. Should make interesting canvases for her. I’m thinking I might be able to print on it as well…..

Crossed over into Minnesota again at Duluth and headed west on Hwy 2. Landscape changed from deep forests back into wetlands. Seems like the wetlands are growing. Many dead trees standing in the mashes as a reminder to the forests than once where.

Arrived at Sal’s Camp 12 miles east of Grand Rapids around 6 pm. Looked good from the road, small campground lots of trees and sitting on the edge of Sand Lake ( a small private lake- read no fishing license required!). Water, septic, electricity, showers, boat rental, looks like a good place to spend my birthday! Pulled in and met Ike the man in charge and after a bit of chatting we set about setting up our camp. Across the street is The Lake Market, where we met Dan, the owner, and talked about –40 degree winters,, what bait was best in the lake for the Northern Pike that get up to 43 lbs. and spent a good while inspecting all the live bait behind the beer coolers in the back room. Selected about 2 dozen Northern Minnows, a few movies on cd and headed home. The minnows are in the bait bucket floating in the lake by the boat and we’ve high hopes for tomorrows fishing.

Bridge to Duluth

Show me the money!!

Sal”s sign

Heather Sand Lake

Sal’s Camp

Bathrooms at Sal’s