Sister Bash Traditions + Options

HILL SUMMER SISTER BASH 2018

The Hill sisters & at least one sister-in-law will gather at David & Carmen's Chalet on Little Island Lake near Nevis, MN, July 14-18. Some of you may find these traditions interesting if not fascinating.

• Much red wine is consumed, & I hesitate to divulge just how much. Suffice it to say that the traditional Sister Bash does not lack for "fruits of the vine" & other libations. [Not to worry. Designated drivers will be available. SEE items re:  husbands below.]
• Fou-fou coffee is also a must, which is a distinct bummer for those of us who delight in dark roast coffee. However, we males must make do, because it's a SISTER bash.
• Husbands are usually not included, but this summer will prove to be an exception. One of the Hill brothers makes his summer repose at the David & Carmen Chalet. He will undoubtedly serve as 1st mate on the SS Sunfish. [I just made up that name for the pontoon boat that resides at the lakefront marina * & will be available for fishing, touring, & other aqua-adventures.] * Locals often refer to these marinas as "docks." In fact, it may be best not to use the term "marina" & alienate the local population.
• It will be my honor to serve as 1st mate. I hope to discharge my duties faithfully yet unobtrusively.
• Sisters have ultimate authority over itineraries & daily agendas. Traditionally, it takes hours of discourse to arrive at plans for the day. It's also not out of the ordinary for a time of departure on a field trip to be decided only to be pushed back for a variety of conditions, which are best left unspoken at this time.
• Shopping is a must. [A field trip to Mall of America is most likely unfeasible due to the extensive travel needed for a round trip to the Twin Cities & back.] Fortunately, a plethora of other mercantile venues is available.
• Topics which are generally avoided include politics & religion. This is easier for some sisters & husbands than others. For the sake of tranquility, topics should be limited to the weather & fishing.
• Although historic sites are generally not a high priority, one of the husbands will be more than happy to research & propose field trips of historical interest.
• Cheap yet tacky tourist traps are not necessarily banned.

Excursions

Because of my extensive experience, I will endeavor to share information about various excursions, noting that--because I am conspicuously NOT a sister--these are merely options which I will neither promote nor "pooh pooh" [to use the common North Woods vernacular]; i.e., keep an open mind.

Park Rapids *

"Founded in 1880 as a logging town, Park Rapids is the gateway to Itasca State Park, Fishing is particularly good for walleye, bass, northern pike, trout & muskellunge. Park Rapids is the southern terminus of a scenic portion of US 71. The 27-mile-long section of the paved Heartland State Trail is part of the state's rails-to-trails system. The trail, which runs through woodland to Cass Lake, is popular with hikers, bikers, inline skaters, joggers & bird-watchers . . . Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce phone #(800)247-0054."

COMMENTS:  Exquisite cuisine is available in Park Rapids, which is the major metropolis (population 3,709) in this area, depending on one's definition of "exquisite." There are also exquisite shopping locales [SEE previous aside.], especially of the bait & tackle variety. There's a Wal-Mart, too. [I can neither confirm nor deny that locals do NOT appreciate it being referred to as "Wally World." It's probably best for those SISTERS who are more urban-centric to avoid any comments that may be interpreted as demeaning by the local citizenry.]

* Source:  AAA Tour Book