May 25, 2016. South of the Border.

May 25, 2016.  South of the Border.  We left Temperance River State Park this morning and drove to Grand Portage, the last village in northern Minnesota before crossing into Canada.  We passed by the Temperance Liquor Store and I wondered if it was a deliberate oxymoron.  We next saw a store which touted itself as a duty-free establishment - whatever that means - and also a currency exchange.  I took my $40 in Canadian cash and exchanged it for $30, US cash.  With that chore completed, there was no reason to go into Canada.  We turned around and drove back to Duluth.  We are camped about 15 miles south of Duluth in a campground called Ogstons RV Park.  We will be here two nights, at least. 


We stopped in Grand Marais during the noon hour.  I had seen a billboard advertising Sven and Ole's eatery.  I suggested to Annie that we eat there and savor the taste of Swedish cooking.  I set the GPS on the address and then saw the sign displayed in the picture third from the top.  We didn't want pizza, we wanted Swedish.  And why are Sven and Ole selling Italian food? 


We drove around the block and saw another eatery called South of the Border.  Mexican food sounded good to both of us, so we parked and went in.  When we perused the menu, there was not a single Mexican dish on it.  It was a bacon and egg-breakfast and a hamburger-lunch place.  I looked at Annie and her face brightened.  "Well, we are south of the Canadian border," she said.  She was absolutely right.  The name of the place referred to the fact that it served American food.  We laughed, then we ordered. 


Our server was a hoot.  When she came for our drink orders, Annie asked if there was a special today.  "You're looking at her, honey."  She spun on her heels and walked away.  As she was leaving, I asked for lemon with the water we'd ordered.  "Ain't got no lemons," she said over her shoulder without turning her head.  I didn't understand what she said, but I just let it go.


She returned to take our orders.  Annie ordered first, then I ordered fish and chips.  "I'd like some lemon with the fish," I said. 


Without cracking a smile, she gathered the menus, spun on her heels and said while walking away, "Still ain't got no lemons."  Then I understood what she'd said the first time.


After the meal, she brought the ticket and I handed her a credit card.  "We don't take credit cards, cash only."  I wondered what she'd say if I told her I had no cash.  She didn't give me a chance.  She was gone again.  So, I left cash with a 20% tip.  Haughtiness like hers needs to be rewarded. 


See if you can enlarge the fourth picture.  The owner of the house has filled his yard with stones, sun bleached logs and yard ornaments.  I don't know whether he is one of those artsy guys or if he just doesn't like to mow the grass.  I suspect he spent more time putting all that stuff in his yard than it would take to mow.  It was piled high and deep. 


I don't know what tomorrow will bring.  We will stay here and catch our breath after five days on the road.  I am sure something blog-worthy will happen.  I just don't know what it will be. 


Goodnight.