No new pictures today. Windows downloaded some junk to the computer, and now I can't seem to make my pictures transfer from phone to desktop. I'll figure it out later and post some pictures of the area around Lake Harriet in Minneapolis the next time I have WIFI.
We're in the town of Maple Grove, MN, 15 miles north of Minneapolis for two nights to get a little rest from driving. We had a nice day around the lakes in Minneapolis, walking on the lovely path by Lake Harriet, viewing the beautiful municipal flower garden, and having lunch with Joe Everson, a friend from California who is spending a semester in Minnesota. Doogie even got to jump in the lake to cool off! Minneapolis looks like a uniquely livable city. Today is not so hot and humid, and it seemed as if all the people in town were out enjoying the parks and lakes. The houses in the south part of the city are large old frame houses with old growth trees and flower gardens with hostas and ferns on their front lawns. There are a lots of churches and each little neighborhood seems to have inviting restaurants and little shops. Last night we went to a German restaurant near the university and enjoyed talking with the om-pah accordion player. Tonight we're having German restaurant leftovers.
We were a little disappointed that we didn't spend more time to see Bismark and Fargo. We stayed in a really nice municipal park in Fargo that has RV spaces. It's huge and has a golf course, ball fields, pools, and miles of trails. Unfortunately, it was really, really hot, and we couldn't leave Doogie in the car to visit any of the museums. In addition, the oil-change light came on when we crossed the 3,000 mile mark, and given the wear on Mary (the truck) we decided to change the oil and get her washed. It's odd how finding a Jiffy Lube and a full-service car wash can take forever when you're in a strange place.
So on to Madison, tomorrow, also for two nights, then Grand Rapids or Battle Creek, then to Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Thanks for the comments!
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2 comments:
Jean and Steve,
Thanks for the ongoing update and view of the country from the road. Was concerned after your discussions with the folks at Flathead Lake, that you might stay on the road forever! Your commentary about glaciers is consistent with the "spin" we heard in Alaska. You are right on with your kudos for the National Parks - an amazing resource that goes under recognized. On the other hand, until one gets to the national park or forest, we don't know what we have. Wish we could mandate that all children attend summer camp in forests for at least two weeks each year. Perhaps future generations would be better able to appreciate what the country has to offer. Your trip is inspiring. Enjoy!
Thanks, Sally, for your insightful comments on national parks. We've always loved them and wish more resources were directed to them. Perhaps if people knew what wonderful state and federal parks we have there would be. The more famous parks are pretty crowded, but Glacier, Acadia, Shenandoah, and other smaller parks we have visited are not.
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