Escape from Al Capone - Hideout Refuge in Ely, Minnesota
89This is a true story...
What does the State of Minnesota, the words escape and refuge, the gangster Al Capone and the City of Ely have in common? Stay tuned to hear about the spunk of two people that my grandparents first met and got to know many years ago.
First some background...
This all first started back in the days when Al Capone's gang solicited payments from store owners in Chicago for "protection." This was sheer blackmail and the store owners knew it but most felt pressured to give in rather than incur the wrath and/or destruction that might take place if they refused.
Al Capone
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Al Capone gang
George and Minn Hibbard were the proprietors of a store in Chicago and when they were approached by Capone gang members and ordered to pay protection money, they refused!
Long story short, one business day some gang members came into their store and blasted them with bullets. This was their first warning. Minn was injured but George was pretty severely wounded. Often fires would be started in those days and businesses would burn to the ground for stubborn business owners who refused to make payments.
When exiting the store, the Hibbard's were threatened by the shooters that if they testified against them in a court of law, they would not survive the experience.
No one...even Al Capone gangsters...were about to threaten this most spunky of couples!
Testify they did, and the gangsters went to jail.
But...the Hibbard's knew that their lives were now endangered and they decided to leave Chicago behind them.
Winter in Ely, Minnesota
Their new life begins...
Fleeing for their lives, the Hibbard's decided to get as far away into a remote area where they would probably not be followed for the threatened retribution of testifying against Capone gang members.
According to what they told my grandparents and later, us, they eventually made their way to Ely, Minnesota.
Gravel and dirt roads leading back into their place (as I got to see in 1967) did not yet exist back then. Supposedly they had to carry their belongings and do some portaging (walking overland with their canoe and possessions between waterways) and finally settled near a beautiful lakeside location that would later become their home and eventual business.
The first winter they lived in a tent!
Minnesota
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Ely, Minnesota
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Cabin and lake in Ely, Minnesota
Fast forward...
One summer between college sessions I got to drive Minn Hibbard up to her home in Ely from McAllen, Texas.
Looking at a map of the mid-section of the United States, this trip traversed roadways from about as far south (near Mexico) as one can get to the opposite northern extreme.
Primarily waterways and spits of land and islands separate Minnesota from Canada in this northern part of the country.
Her husband, George, had already died and Hibbard's Lodge...a deluxe fishing resort...had already been sold. What remained was the log cabin home that had been built on the banks of Moose Lake.
Many "Finlanders" as Minn called them (people coming from Finland) did the wonderful construction work in years past building and designing the log cabins, lodges and many other structures using the native trees and rocks found in that part of the country.
Her home had the most unusual and beautiful naturally curving wooden railing leading up to the second floor. It had been crafted from one branch of a local tree. Sadly, I no longer remember the type of wood...but the beauty of it all polished up remains within my memory.
Naturally I got to see the Lodge and just as her log-cabin constructed home, the Lodge was of a similar design...only much larger, of course. The massive stone fireplace in the Lodge was gorgeous and would have warmed many bodies through the years when lit and glowing. The smaller one in her home was also inviting and she was well supplied with wood for the warming and crackling fires.
During the days, I hiked in the woods or took her boat out onto the lake and rowed to my hearts content while singing. (Hope the landlubbers liked my cater-walling! Ha!)
It was a lovely glimpse into the life of these folks who had worked hard and rebuilt their lives after their Chicago experience. They had developed a regular clientele for their Hibbard's Lodge. Because of the nature of their work and the weather in Ely, Minnesota, they had winters to relax.
While vacationing, that is where they had met my grandparents (also vacationing) in McAllen, Texas. When they all retired down there years later, the friendships were maintained.
Other images viewed near the Hibbard's home in Ely, Minnesota
(Just a note of thanks here to my cousin Bill Gullickson. All of these old colored photos from 1967 were very faded. He worked his magic on them and brought them back to life again. He is a wonderful photographer who added the majority of photos to my hub about mushrooms and fungi. Thanks Bill!)
Looking across the lake at Hibbard's Lodge from Keithan's cabin.
The Red God's Call
To the right is the back of a brochure from Hibbard's Lodge. On the front the following was found:
"HIBBARD'S Lodge
ELY, MINNESOTA
ALL AMERICAN PLAN
ACCOMMODATIONS ARE COMPLETELY MODERN (With hot and cold water showers and lavatory, and flush toilets)
Deluxe --Per person per day--$12.00
No weekly rates
Boat and maid Service Included
Children under 8 half price
ALSO STEAM BATH (Sauna) with SHOWERS"
In addition to the above, it was triple A (AAA) approved. For an extra charge one could hire guides for a charge of $14.00 per day. Motors for the boats were also an extra charge from $3.50 to $5.00 per day or $21.00 to $31.00 per week (obviously depending upon the size of the motor.)
You can tell from these prices just how old this brochure must have been when the Hibbard's were in business.
Today there are many Lodges in that part of the country and most of them are probably still of a rustic nature that would blend in with the natural scenery found there.
View to west - northwest from Gin Hill - Moose Lake - Canadian Border Bay
Moose Lake in the distance (obviously taken from the air)
The beautiful area around Ely!
George and Minn Hibbard holding fish caught at their Lodge in Ely, Minnesota.
- Superior National Forest - Welcome!
More information about the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
- Conditions for Ely, MN at 4:32 am CDT
Current Conditions: Rain, 55 F Forecast: Thu - Rain/Thunder. High: 60 Low: 49 Fri - AM Showers. High: 60 Low: 38 Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather (provided by The Weather Channel) - 73 minutes ago
As a side note, when one of my brothers became an Eagle Scout, his boy scout troop went canoeing in the waters around Ely, Minnesota.
This is a wonderland up there consisting of the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. There are multiple trail-heads and canoe portage sites.
Crystal clear waters and unpolluted air are a delight to the senses. There are over 1,500 miles in which one can canoe on waterways consisting of 1,000 lakes and streams. Numerous campsites are available.
Wildlife is abundant.
The population of people remains small.
It is no wonder to me that the Hibbard's not only sought refuge in Ely, Minnesota to escape Al Capone's gangsters but that they absolutely fell in love with the place. If you are looking for a pristine area of the country in which to visit...this just might be the place you are seeking!
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Ely, Minnesota
Ely, Minnesota - CommentsLoading...
I just recieved a B/W photo from my brother in Illinois. the inscription on the photo in my mothers handwriting was ....."focus of attention Charlie Warner"..... "Gin Hill". My parents before they were marrine in 1939 used to venture up to Ely from West of Chicago to vacation and fish. My father located Charlie Warner a guide for him back then down in a home in Duluth. we also made a trip up to the resort and my folks stood on the resort shore and reflected about all the good times they had there. my mother would play a piano that they had at the lodge and they had the best of times. thanks for your history articles. Joel
Hi Janet S,
So glad that you liked this article. I am lucky that I got to know them as I did. My parents as well as my grandparents are all in that same mausoleum in McAllen. Ely, Minnesota is a gorgeous part of the country. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Thanks for the wonderful story! George and Minn were my Great Uncle and Aunt on my Dad's side of the family - and although I never met them, I visited the Mausoleum while on a business trip to McAllen and added photos of their resting place to my collection of family cemetery pictures. We also visited Ely, MN - on a camping and canoeing trip - and it is indeed beautiful up there.
Hi Mn Ted,
I haven't thought about that drink in years! George and Minn often served that drink and as she used to say "It will put hairs on your chest!" It is strong! Going back in memory, here are the ingredients: Gin, Bourbon, lemon juice and pure Maple Syrup. 3 of the ingredients were equal parts. I think that it was the maple syrup that might have been a bit less...or it was the lemon juice. Experiment around to get the right flavor. Served over ice. LOTS of ice!
It was a favorite drink served by the Hibbard's at their home in McAllen. Obviously it also goes back to the days at Hibbard's Lodge from what you say.
How long did your dad work for the Hibbard's? Was he a fishing guide?
Thanks for your query and comment.
Does anyone know the ingredients of the infamous "Texas Steer" drink? My dad worked/guided at Hibbard's and at Christmas this year Hibbard's came up in conversation and Texas Steers were mentioned. Googling around for the mix brought me to this page. Great read!
Hi Mike,
I'll go check that gmail acct. again. If it did not show up there for some reason I'll check Facebook and get in touch with you that way. Thanks!
Hi Again,
I sent you an email through hubpages, don't know if you got it or not - no pictures attached but it gave my email address; however, if you'd like to see some old photos, I am on facebook at www.facebook.com/mikel7878. I put 4 up that include the cabin, George, Mina, and my Grandmother.
Hi Mike L,
I would love to see those old photos. I probably have photos of the Hibbards that you have not seen. We could email them to one another. Thanks!
Actually, the contractor's name was John Brown, but I believe a number of Finns (1st or 2nd generation) worked on it. They had the traditional roof raising party. I have some pictures of George and Min and the building of the cabin if you'd like to see them. I'm putting together a video for my family of about 200 pictures and several minutes of old home movies of the years we spent up there, narrated, etc. about 35 minutes. My two brothers and I spent a combined total of 600 days up there growing up. It shaped our lives in many ways.
Hi Mike L,
So glad that you found this hub about George and Minn Hibbard and to know that you were related to George makes your comment extra special. We were told that the cabins and lodge were built by Finnish people. Is that who also built your grandfather's cabin? Such a lovely area! I would have walked past your grandfather's cabin during my stay up there one summer. Those memories for you must be wonderful. Thanks for your comment. I will always think kindly of the Hibbards from my days knowing them in McAllen.
Hello Peggy,
George Hibbard was my grandfather's half brother. Our family grew up calling him Uncle Art (his name was George Arthur Hibbard). I started going up to Moose Lake in 1952 staying at their lodge and then the cabin my grandfather had built, two cabins toward the lodge from George and Min's cabin (the Stuga). Spent parts of 8 summers up there until 1963, then 3 more times. Heard a lot of stories about Austrian George. And have a lot of photos taken from the 1930's to the 1980's. btw, the place in Chicago was called the Shady Rest or Shady Cottage Restaurant. My grandfather helped out there but missed the shootings, thankfully. And George and Min were always nice to us nephews and nieces.
Hello Dawn S,
Sorry, I can't help you directly. Perhaps you could contact a newspaper in that area or a library or courthouse and see if you can't find names in that manner from old files. Someone should be able to help you. Another thought...the Mormons keep great genealogical records from what I have heard. Starting with your grandmother's name, perhaps they can help you? Or...tracking it down by the reference to Al Capone...if you can locate the homes on either side of where he lived, court records should be able to tell you the former owners of the homes...assuming your grandmother owned and was not a renter. Good luck with your search. Glad that you liked this hub and thanks for your comment.
I am doing family history research about my Grandmother Lillian Johnson Olson. I was told that she was raised by her Grandmother and she lived next to Al Capone's Minnesota home... the kicker is no one can remember Lillian's Grandmother's name... I would appreciate if you could pass on some of the names of the other families that lived in the area during the 20's and 30's.
Thank you, I loved the story!
Hello Greg A,
How very interesting that your father used to be a guide at Hibbard's Lodge! Small world! "Austrian George" must have been a memorable character! That pre-dated my time of knowing the Hibbards, obviously. Thanks for your comment!
I found this site after looking at an old photo of my father's. He used to be a guide at Hibbard's Lodge in the 30's. I remember him mentioning the name "Austrian George", and was surprised to see him mentioned in the above post. I have several photos of Dad's days as a guide at Hibbard's if anyone is interested.
Hello M.Parker,
Actually it was some of Al Capone's gang that shot them and since they originally had to portage (no roads back then!) and actually lived in a tent that first year including the winter! while they were slowly building the lodge and cabins, they were probably so far off of the radar screen by then that they hopefully no longer had to worry. Interesting tidbit however! Thanks!
How funny. Al Capone had a hide out in Finland, MN, just up the Hefflefinger Rd and only about a hours drives now a days, from Ely, MN. I wonder how the Hibbard's would have felt knowing that?
Hello Old Guide,
Am so happy to hear more of the story from someone else who knew George and Minn and who is also related to them.
Obviously since I was a teenager when I first met them and after George died, Minn became a regular "adopted" part of our family, I have fond memories only.
The store part in Chicago is what we were told. Bootlegging was rather common back then so I would not be surprised. They were threatened and shot by Al Capone gang members from what we were told. Had you never heard that part?
As to the rest...
I remember the Texas Steers! When I was old enough to drink...had several and they were tasty! (Smile)
Is that door sign the one that read Kwitchyerbellyakin? Spelling might be a little off but it was something like that burned into a piece of wood.
I did not know about Charles Kuralt staying at Hibbard's cabin. Interesting! Apparently they had many wealthy people from Chicago and elsewhere regularly returning year after year to the Lodge.
We got to know a couple in McAllen and the wife had worked at the Lodge for the Hibbard's in her youth. She always told us (and to Minn...as they were also friends) that Minn was a hard task master...but fair. Anyone working for them would be well prepared to work elsewhere. They tolerated no nonsense...the help could not associate with the guests...things like that.
I agree with you that Ely is God's Country. So pristine and beautiful.
There is no way that I can jump into the middle of a family feud as those details are only known by you guys.
I will always think fondly of the Hibbards the way that I had gotten to know them...primarily Minn as she outlived George for so long a time and she was often in my parent's home.
I have a little jug from Chicago that Minn gave to my husband and me that we have had made into a small lamp. It is a treasured memory of her to both of us as he had gotten to know her also. He also remembers the Texas Steers! Ha!
Thanks for your additional information.
Sorry for the double post. Feel free to deep six one.
Actually your story is not true. I knew Min and George Hibbard quite well. Well enough that her bedroom furniture is now in our bedroom as are other things she left to our family to whom she chose to sell her home (It is now owned by someone else who has changed it, unfortunately). She told us the story of how she got it.
I also still have the custom door sign she had made when she sold it to my parents.
But first, your story, Min and George were bootleggers. You cannot gild that by calling them store keepers. Their bootlegging is why they got in trouble in Chicago. I still have the top to the still they used to brew whiskey. When he tended bar at the lodge George made it plain he did not learn bartending in Minnesota.
There is much more to the story, but not enough space to tell it all.
And no, George was no SOB. Actually when it came to running the resort it was Min who was all business.
One comment must be made. Min and George were old school. You had to earn their trust, but if you did they were your friends for life.
Oh yes, George--and Min after he died--could mix a mean Texas steer which was made in a Texas-sized shot glass.
A few other tidbits: the cabin was build by Austrian George, who had to be kept sober while he worked. The fireplace was an early Heatilator that consisted of rocks the Hibbards had collected. The one person is right that the stair rail was made with diamond willow which grew in a thicket in back of the house. They also had hangers made of deer antlers.
As for the Hibbard's character, there is a reason guests came back year after year to the lodge--they knew how to treat people. If George was an SOB he would not have stayed in business long. If anyone reading this remembers the Brush Batty Club (whose credo I still have) they know what I am talking about. A well-worn trail went from the lodge to the Hibbard's cabin which unfortunately fell into a state of disrepair when snobs moved into the row of cabins and discontinued the afternoon cocktail hour.
Trivia: Charles Kuralt stayed in the Hibbard cabin when he wrote his book about America and fell in love with Ely.
Ely is God's country. My parents lie in the cemetery there. The Hibbard's were God's people.
I have no desire to stir up family resentments, but I know well what both Hibbards thought about the situation and that is all I will say. Min and George were a part of our family and I cannot let their memory be defamed.
Actually your story is not true. I knew Min and George Hibbard quite well. Well enough that her bedroom furniture is now in our bedroom as are other things she left to our family to whom she chose to sell her home (It is now owned by someone else who has changed it, unfortunately). She told us the story of how she got it.
I also still have the custom door sign she had made when she sold it to my parents.
But first, your story, Min and George were bootleggers. You cannot gild that by calling them store keepers. Their bootlegging is why they got in trouble in Chicago. I still have the top to the still they used to brew whiskey. When he tended bar at the lodge George made it plain he did not learn bartending in Minnesota.
There is much more to the story, but not enough space to tell it all.
And no, George was no SOB. Actually when it came to running the resort it was Min who was all business.
One comment must be made. Min and George were old school. You had to earn their trust, but if you did they were your friends for life.
Oh yes, George--and Min after he died--could mix a mean Texas steer which was made in a Texas-sized shot glass.
A few other tidbits: the cabin was build by Austrian George, who had to be kept sober while he worked. The fireplace was an early Heatilator that consisted of rocks the Hibbards had collected. The one person is right that the stair rail was made with diamond willow which grew in a thicket in back of the house. They also had hangers made of deer antlers.
As for the Hibbard's character, there is a reason guests came back year after year to the lodge--they knew how to treat people. If George was an SOB he would not have stayed in business long. If anyone reading this remembers the Brush Batty Club (whose credo I still have) they know what I am talking about. A well-worn trail went from the lodge to the Hibbard's cabin which unfortunately fell into a state of disrepair when snobs moved into the row of cabins and discontinued the afternoon cocktail hour.
Trivia: Charles Kuralt stayed in the Hibbard cabin when he wrote his book about America and fell in love with Ely.
Ely is God's country. My parents lie in the cemetery there. The Hibbard's were God's people.
I have no desire to stir up family resentments, but I know well what both Hibbards thought about the situation and that is all I will say. Min and George were a part of our family and I cannot let their memory be defamed.
Hi dahoglund,
It truly is beautiful up in the Ely, Minnesota area. Would make for a nice vacation for you since you live relatively close in Wisconsin.
As to mentioning my name, of course I do not mind. Can't wait to read your hub and see what pictures you have of your Dad's artwork. Going there now...
Peggy W.
I've never been there which seems bad since I was raised in Minnesota. It is a favorite area for outdoor types, such as a friend of mine who became a Forest Range out west. Furhter north than Brainard of Duluth used to be considered an adventure.
my first thought when you connected Al Capone and Minnesota is the fact that St. Paul was a "sanctuary" city for the gangsters during prohibition.As long as they didn't cause trouble in St. Paul they were left alone to hide out.
I posted a hub about my father and his artwork. I hope you don't mind that I put in a note mentioning your name as encouraging me to do so. If you do object for any reason than I will remove it. I don't have the pictures that I want but decided to make do with what I have.
Hi Linda,
So very sorry to hear about the George you knew as your grandfather. I did hear that he and Minn had met when she was his nurse so that part of the story is accurate. Had no idea about the rest.
I barely got to know him before he passed away but knew Minn for many years. She was pretty much adopted into our family for special occasions and many Sunday dinners.
All I can say is that she was a fun and very friendly older lady that was most enjoyable to be around.
I knew that she was Swedish but did not know that she was actually born in Sweden.
As to the mausoleum, I have a very different idea of it as both of my parents and grandparents are interred there. Guess all mausoleums have a certain coldness to them with so much marble, etc. Very friendly folks that operate it however.
Again...so very sorry for your less than good memories of your grandfather. Needless-to-say, I saw an entirely different side of these people at a much older age and my memories are good ones.
If I were in your shoes...I would feel the same as you. Thanks for this very interesting comment.
Hi From George's grandaughter
The magnificent wood that some of the furniture was made from was Diamond willow. Minna gave me a stool.
We stayed at Canadien Boarder Lodge when my husband and I were firt married. Boy the lodge owner had absolutely no kind words about George Hibbard.
He would take his clients at night and trespass over Canadien Borders land at night to Hibbard's Lodge..there were no roads to his lodge..I got the impression he was a shnook. And the stories mhy mother and her sibs told O my what an evil man. He drove me to town one day and never said a word. That whole family should have been sent back to God and readjusted. Minna left Sweden not speaking to anyone in her family. I am a Swanson now and she couldn't understand why we were Catholic..we should have been 9utheran. She was amazed when she bragged about being married by Dr Norman Vincent Peale..and I didn't know who he was...I was 8 or 9 at the time.
I also found out from his son, my Uncle George, that he had to sleep under a porch outside in all sorts of weather when he worked as a dock boy during the summer..HIS OWN SON...
He would get my grandmother pregnant and then leave her..she had5 kids that she had to support alone..then he takes off and marries Minna who was his nurse while he was in a hospital. hmm nice one grandpa
For a wedding gift I got a used wool blanket..gee thanks.
They were the coldest people I ever met..and he was family.
I went to see their grave in McAllen. They are buried in the Mausoleum..It was as cold a setting as the two of them.
I have lots of history and newspaper clippings from the family and went I relate my stories to my children I hope Minna and George feel the pain they caused Eva Patterson HIbbards children.
In closing I loved the resort sorry my Grandpa was an unfriendly SOB.
Linda Jean Nevins Swanson
Hello Micky Dee,
Glad that you enjoyed this true life story about my grandparent's friends and their encounter with some of Al Capone's gang members in Chicago and their flight to Ely, Minnesota. It is a beautiful part of the country! Thanks for the comment.
Very nice Peggy. I voted no, that I wouldn't go but that's only because I don't have money for bicycle parts hardly. But this was enchanting! Thanks
Hello agusfanani,
I agree with you. That part of the country...Ely, Minnesota...is filled with glorious sights of nature combined with serenity. Wonder if we could get a hubber discount? LOL
The lodge is, indeed beautiful combined with serene environment, hubbers needing a lot of inspiration for their hubs should come and rent such a place.
Greetings Hello,hello,
Thanks for your comment and letting me know that you liked this true story of escaping to Ely, Minneosota to avoid any more interactions with Al Capone and his gang.
Really like your avatar! Could be a woods in Minnesota!
Wow, what a story and beautiful pictures. Thank you so very much for sharing it with us. I like yur writing and telling the story so beautifully.
Hi Ethel,
Yes, the Hibbards ended up with a really nice place in Ely and also a nice way to earn a living despite the tough start. Al Capone and his gang never squelched their great spirit! Thanks for the comment.
Funny how certain incidents can change your life entirely. Nice to hear that the ordinary man can win through
Hi shamelabboush,
What an avatar change! Some pirate in your soul? LOL
I am in agreement with you that their refuge from Al Capone turned out to be really nice. Thanks for the visit and comment.
Hello loveroflife,
I agree with you as to not being able to imagine living in a tent in the wintertime in Minnesota. BRRRRRRRRRR! Wish I had asked more questions when they were still among the living. Could have furnished you and others with more details as to how they managed.
Thanks for the comment.
Hi Mardi,
Happy that these photos taken in Ely, Minnesota brought back good memories for you. Minnesota is "the land of 10,000 lakes" after all!
Where I grew up in Wisconsin there were also many lakes. But this combination of forested area, all the clean water and streams and the small population density makes this a very special place.
Thanks for reading and commenting.
Hi Pete,
Since you do not like cold weather, I imagine that sleeping in a tent in the wintertime in Minnesota would be out of the question even IF you were threatened by members of the Al Capone gang. Right?
Minn was a Swedish gal who came from hearty stock obviously not afraid of cold weather. Don't know if I ever heard about George's background. In any case, they survived and their refuge turned in to an eden in Ely.
Thanks for commenting.
Nice story with those bad boys Al Capone :) and their refuge is really natural and nice...
I can only imagine the extreme hardship of spending winter in northern Minnesota in a tent. What an experience.
This is a wonderful hub Peggy. The pictures, as others have noted, are absolutely wonderful. Reminds me of lakes back home.
That was a great little story and you always have so many beautiful pictures. I'm not a fan of cold weather so I avoid Minnisota like the plague.
Thanks Candie!
I've been going through some old photo albums sending family photos to my cousin for one of his projects and I came across these old photos taken up in Ely, Minnesota. Thought that others might enjoy hearing about the genesis of how and why these family friends fled to the sparsely populated area of Ely and how they fared up there. I was so happy to have gotten to see it in person.
You always do such a great job bringing these places to life! Thank you Peggy!!!
Hi Lupo,
Yes...they surely had incentive to escape what might have happened to them had they stayed in Chicago because of the threat from Al Capone's henchmen. Ely is a small piece of heaven for those that appreciate nature's pristine beauty.
Hope you escape your frenetic between city driving and get to some solitude soon as you wish. Thanks for the comment.
Sounds like a bad way to get to a good place. Ely sounds wonderful. My past few days of driving between New York and Boston make me long for the country, a lake and some solitude that your hub describes.
Hello bingskee,
Yes, I would say that it took much bravery to stand against gang members of Al Capone. If you had known these people as we got to know them, it would not have surprised you to know that they did it. Their Minnesota refuge turned out to be a good thing for them, and Ely is such a beautiful place. Thanks for offering the first comment.
it felt exciting as well to read a true real life story that involved encounter with capone and his gang. hats off them for being very brave to stand up against. their story was almost like those we see in the movies.
Peggy W Hub Author 4 weeks ago
Hello Joel,
Thanks for adding your comment to this article about the Hibbard's Lodge and days spent in Ely, Minnesota years ago. That must have been nice to see where your mother used to play that piano and where many people had good times fishing and relaxing. The air and water is so pristine and cares just seem to melt away in environments like that. Thanks again!