Sunday, July 26, 2009

Traveling to Minnesota

Well, I failed miserably at updating more frequently, and I don’t have an excuse. Inertia is such a strong force!

To pick up where I left you last, I did head to the B Rally in Louisiana in late April, and from there went over to Natchez, Mississippi and picked up the Natchez Chase Trail. I followed it through most of the state, but then cut directly north into Tennessee and on through Kentucky, Missouri, and into Illinois, where I spent one night at a campground in Marion before going to Chicago. I stayed there for a night at my friend Pat S’s house; we spent an enjoyable evening catching up on each other’s lives, then said goodbye after breakfast the next morning, and I pointed the MUTT back to Minnesota after the longest period in my life outside her borders. I apparently had been gone long enough to forget that late April in MN is not summer! The days were chilly and the nights were downright cold! I spent two months there, and the nights really never warmed up. There were a few days that were too warm for the dogs to stay in the MUTT when I was gone, but for the most part, it was a cool spring.

During the two months I was there, I traveled between my place up north of the Twin Cities and the houses of friends in the Cities. I parked on eight different driveways of friends during my stay. Thanks to all of you for your hospitality! The dogs and I slept in the MUTT every night except one (it was too cold) even though I was invited in to all their homes. As most of you RVers know, it’s easier to sleep in your own bed with all the things you need, instead of hauling everything into houses. Better for the dogs, too.

I had brought my bike along and managed to find enough nice days to go biking with my friend Pat L. at various paths in the Twin Cities area. That area has to be one of the best places in the country for biking! Pat and I also took in a play at the renowned Guthrie Theater and a Minnesota Lynx basketball game.

One of the highlights of my MN stay was going with my friend Carol H to pick up her new Golden Retriever puppy. What a cutie! The picture is of Guthrie, the new puppy, and Carol's other Golden, Harper. After spending a few days with the puppy, I decided I really couldn’t manage raising another puppy myself. Between the housebreaking, chewing, and especially the bending down to pick it up, I don’t think my body would ever be the same. You may have to remind me of this in a few years, but as of now, I think an adult dog from a rescue group would suit my body better.

To keep this account from getting any longer, I’m going to post now, then continue on with my travels after leaving MN.