When one flower blooms, spring beckons you to take a stroll.
But if you happen to be in the Midwest ...
don't forget your down jacket!
In late April, we left Philadelphia and turned westward where familiar roads would lead us back to the great Midwest. But first, Baby Beest was in need of some attention, so we were headed to a small town in central Pennsylvania where "the dynamic duo" of Hymer van repairs have set up shop.
A leak in our propane line prevented us from running our propane heat at night, so it was time to have Nick and Greg work their magic. After a day in the "spa" for Baby Beest, she was once again ready to keep us warm as we headed back to ...
... the land of Kwik Trip lattes and blueberry dunker donuts!
The Great Midwest!
Now most travelers could have made the trip back to Minnesota in one or two travel days, but what fun is that?? It's much better to visit favorite sites and spend time with family along the way!
Boondocking near Cuyahoga Trail National Park was the first test of our heater repair. The sun shone along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail during the day,
and we were, thankfully, very toasty at night.
Hiking along the trails leading to Brandywine Falls, we realized that the trees and wildflowers were just starting to wake up from their long winter nap.
The next day our journey took a special detour as we stopped in Michigan to visit Doug's dad and dine on the local culinary classic
... the Michigan coney dog.
Cute towns and Amish buggies greeted us as we made a stop in northern Indiana to visit Doug's sister's "new" 100+ year old adorable country farmhouse.
Doug has long been interested in trying out a popular boondocking spot near the heart of downtown Chicago, so we headed to the Windy City ... with winter coats handy just in case. We were able to park in the long term parking lot near North America's largest convention center, McCormick Place. A short walk brought us to the commuter train station that took us into The Loop.
Spring was in the air as Chicago's famous culinary scene welcomed us to indulge ... and indulge we did.
Doug was able to add a few more breweries to his list,
while I was happy to top off our Giordano pizza feast with dessert at Molly's Cupcakes.
After visiting more family in Milwaukee, we decided to take advantage of the abundance of unique bike trails in Wisconsin,
... but we were a tad too early, as the Sparta Trail's tunnels had not yet come out of hibernation. But it is a good thing that we were forced to turn around, because another true sign of spring in the Midwest was moving right towards us!
The next day we crossed over the Mississippi River ...
and arrived in my "happy place", Rochester, Minnesota
... where a wave of wild bluebells,
... and an abundance of smiles welcomed us back.
Since our anniversary, Mother's Day, and my birthday all take place in May, Doug lets me turn the whole month into a celebration. And celebrate we did!
Highlights of my "Anni-Ma-Bir" month
Arriving back in our favorite driveway, we were greeted by the warm hospitality of our dear friends, Mary Beth and Gary ... and of course, Zoey, their dog who always seems ready to settle in and hit the road with us.
Celebrating 40 years of wedded "bliss" with a family picnic on Star Wars day ...
May the Forth be with you!
Taking hikes with friends, surrounded by wildflowers just waking up to spring.
Soaking up the Vitamin D along with a healthy dose of laughter with our camping buddies.
Celebrating my Godchild's high school graduation ... so proud, and honestly wondering where the time went.
Savoring special meals along with delightful conversations that just seem to continue where we last left off.
And just like that, May is in the rear-view mirror ... and it’s time to start dreaming up our summer adventures after a week of "grand" pug bonding in Minneapolis.
It’s always wonderful to celebrate Spring in the great Midwest with those whose friendships continue to fill us with bursts of color and joy.
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