are, through the most barren desolate area we have ever been in. We drove through the Chippewa National Forest first and we both agreed that this was more scenic than the national park. Also - we came in close proximity, but not contact, with 11 deer on the way up. Once we passed through the forest we came to barren parts - we could drive for miles and miles and not see a car, and, not see a home or anything. This must be amazing in the winter - 
they say it gets to 50 below and lots of snow. While in International Falls we were to visit the Koochiching County Museum which detailed how the Ojibwa Indians were living, then the French-Canadians and the Fur Trading business came in and how that affected the area, and how the Mando (now Boise Cascade) Paper Mill was started. We were upset that they didn't allow us to take pictures. Oh - and also in the museum was dedicated to Bronko Nagurski, one of the 100 greatest football players of all time. He is actually a Canadian, but International Falls MN claims that he is from MN. Also - there is no Falls of International Falls. Actually there is, but it is underwater now since they put in the Paper Mill over 100 years ago - dammed up the river and it's now a lake.
The National park is a water-based park meaning that in order to see it you have to be on a boat and go to designated areas to day-camp, over-night camp, or hike or fish for the day. Can't drive in and
walk around and see. The name of the national park is dedicated to the voyageurs who traveled and worked these lakes of the fur trade area of the late 1700s and early 1800s. Some of the rocks in the park have been dated to being the oldest in the world - older than the rock found at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. We boarded the boat Voyageur at 1pm and went to see what we could from a tour boat for two hours. We never were in Canadian waters although we saw it most of the time from the boat. Three large lakes make up the National Park: Rainy - which is the only lake that borders Canada, Kabetogama Lake, and Namakan Lake. Pretty, lots and lots of boats, saw numerous house boats which you can rent for a day/week and then go camping at
the National Park. This park does not require any use fees, it is free to camp for up to 14 consecutive days, and does not require permits to fish. However, you do need to check in at one of three ranger stations prior to embarking on your visit. We had a naturalist aboard the boat and she described the history, ecology, environmental aspects of the area. Very informative. We did see two eagles, some loons and a couple of chicks, geese. No moose which we wouldn't since the population is gone due to the deforesting of the area and hence moose had nothing to eat. Deer population grew and they brought in their diseases which attributed to the moose dying off or moving elsewhere. The two hour boat ride was fun although from a boat you can't see alot. We were impressed with the house boat aspect - you could see fishing boats rafted off the back of a house boat, then moving along. Best of both worlds - you have a toilet and a bed to sleep in while out on the lake and then camping overnight instead of building a latrine while camping. Another fact - while camping you HAVE to put all your food stuffs in a bear locker provided at each campsite. If a ranger does a spot check and see that you haven't followed this rule, you are fined and told to leave. Our drive home was very long and boring. We only saw 2 deer on the way home, did drive past numerous piles of birch and cedar wood piles waiting to go to mills, saw the deforestation of large areas. Quite sad. Again, drive for miles and miles and not see a car or a house. Amazing. Dave and I agreed that this is not the area for us to live in. We are not going to move more north to the Ojibwa casino as planned. Chip is still not doing well, although better, want him to be better before we uproot him and move on. We will use this site for some of the other things we still want to see. Lots of driving for us but better than a sick cat.
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