Aug. 19th, 2010

Happy Rock is another great memory as we headed for Schroeder MN where Don and Gale Ring live.

We took 2 days to travel from Happy Rock to Schroeder as we had lots of time. We went to stay at a Casino in Bayfield WI but when we got there, there were signs that prohibited over-night stays, so we headed down the road. We found an RV park (?) in Port Wing WI, where we spent a rainy night.

The next morning was threatening rain but we left anyway as we thought Arda would be able to take a short bike ride on the bike path that will eventually go from Duluth to the Canadian Border.  Luckily, the rain held off so Arda was able to ride from Gooseberry Falls State Park to Beaver Bay (about 15 miles) where I was waiting for her. Another happy day for Biker Arda!  Then it was on to Don and Gale's. They live about 5 miles from Highway 61 back in the bush on 17 acres. It is a wonderful place where they have gardens for fresh vegetables, fruits, etc... they are very self-sufficient in many ways. The weather was also absolutely beautiful! We were able to enjoy a couple of campfires, did a little hiking, and got a tour of the area which is all forest lands. We also stopped at a local maple syrup place where we bought some homemade syrup and dill pickles. This is really a nice area. 

Of course a visit to the Rings would not be complete without Phyllis - Don's 95.5 year-old mother. She is priceless! She broke her hip last winter forcing her to have a hip replaced but that didn't stop her from joining us for a glass of wine, campfires, or playing Farkle (a Minnesota dice game). She is sharp!

Gale is also a great cook who enjoys cooking so you know we didn't go hungry!  We were also able to meet Gales mother Kate and her sister Barbara. Barbara lives in Greensboro NC and taken a vacation to visit her mother.

Today (8/18/2010) we left Don & Gale's and headed west towards Calgary where we will visit my brother Al... and maybe Vicki too!

We are taking our time going up through Ely, Grand Rapids and tonight's lodging place, Deer River... all in Minnesota. We are staying in a casino parking lot where they even have electricity for people with trailers. Arda just returned to the trailer with WINNINGS! No donation this time! Yeah!  The first place that paid us to stay in their parking lot!

Tomorrow we are headed west once again.  We stayed at the Spirit Lake Casino where we paid to stay in their parking lot but we did have electricity and internet.

We don't know where we will get to but we do know we won't drive for long.

Until next time, keep your loops open.