Munsinger and Clemens Gardens

Not far from our Minnesota campground is the city of St Cloud.  A short car ride led to Munsinger and Clemens Gardens, located along the Mississippi River across from St Cloud State University.

Munsinger Garden, built along the river on the site of an old sawmill, was started by Joseph Munsinger, first park superintendent. Plants were grown in an on-site greenhouse.  Shade loving hostas and other plants are nestled among the trees.  Paths, ponds, and stone fountains were built by the WPA in the 1930's.

Clemens Garden, started by William and Virginia Clemens, was donated to the city following the death of Virginia, who had a long battle with multiple sclerosis. The gardens are formally arranged, with paths and fountains interspersed among the flowers.  In 1990 the Rose Garden was constructed; roses being Virginia's favorites.

2020 Social Distancing & Facemasks

 It all started while we were still in Arizona for the winter...something called the corona virus.  First we were instructed to "social distance": keep at least 6 feet apart when socializing with friends.  Resort Activities were restricted to 20 people, then 6 people, then no activities at all.  Offices closed.  Residents started leaving to go back to their home country or state.  Facemasks were recommeded.

We stayed in Arizona until the end of April.  Finally we got word from Minnesota...our seasonal campground would be opening for the summer.  We drove the RV back, stopping at familiar campgrounds along the way.  We had no problems obtaining fuel, or picking up a few groceries along the way.  But, we could not stop to visit friends and relatives as we usually did.

When we arrived in Minnesota, we self-quarantined for 14 days.  Not too hard to do, when living in the RV.  We learned there would be no activities here either.  Facemasks were recommended. We have not traveled anywhere with the RV this summer, the year of  the pandemic.