Hot town, summer in the city

Summer in Minneapolis offers the best of both worlds — urban sophistication and pastoral charm, an impressive steel skyline that reaches right out of a sweet chain of lakes.

We lowered our gangly selves into kayaks Saturday afternoon and headed out to explore Lake of the Isles with a group of experienced but thankfully patient fellow paddlers.

I loved it all — the pull on arm muscles that could use a little work, the peaceful trail of boat through the water, the laughter, the lily pads! Glance to the right and you feel like you’re floating past an island (because you are), look left and you think you’re smack in the center of the city (because you are).

I saw sweet little dogs wearing cute little life vests and having a swell time skimming along the waves on their owner’s paddle boards. (City folks). I also saw ducks, mallards and a great blue heron that posed briefly and then slowly snuck away (country birds).

Best of all, each of us — birds, boarders, boaters and buddies — enjoyed the same beautiful Saturday afternoon and no one seemed to mind the other’s company.

Thanks again, Minneapolis, for a spectacular weekend.

We can’t wait to come back.