The weather was perfect for a sunset cruise on the Alexandria chain of lakes last night. A massive snow pack raised the area lakes to levels never seen by old-timers like Russ and Bobby, the lake shore natives who co-own this ancient craft. A spillway on the north end of Lake Carlos drains the overage as fast as it can, flushing torrents down the Long Prairie River to the bloated Old Man. Flooded basements and spongy lawns are presently the norm for this century-old central Minnesota playground. Last night Stan and this crew of fun-seekers cruised to the outdoor deck at the famed Arrowwood Lodge, where a be-sotted oldies band in black shorts and sunglasses crooned 50s favorites (Trini Lopez, the Everly Brothers, Elvis, etc) and the deck burgers and sweet potato fries satisfied old rock-and-rollers bringing down the sun.
