North into Lake and Loon Country

Just like that ... 

colorful flower baskets made their cheerful debut,

we crossed a fun fix-it task off the list at our cozy "adopted" home in Rochester,

and it was time to break the news to Peter the Pug that our game of fetch would have to be put on hold until next spring.

With summer's arrival came the call of the road ... along with the call of the loons ... as we journeyed north into Minnesota's beautiful lake country.

If we had a title for this summer's travel playbook, it might be:

"Canadian Provinces, Capitals, and National Parks That Have Thus Far Eluded Us".

From Manitoba to Saskatchewan, and maybe even into the Northwest Territories ... our route west (and north) will be filled with plenty of national and provincial parks along the way that will no doubt tempt us to hang out for a spell.

Our ultimate goal is Alaska where a few boats (and possibly a bush plane or two) will help us reach some of the United States most remote, and yes, most expensive national parks.

But first, Minnesota's lakes and loons, along with some dear friends, gave us a beautiful sendoff.

We stopped to see the new summer hangout for our RV friends, Joanne and Gary, and I got some valuable pointers about how to "chill-ax" if I ever find myself settling in a 55+ community.

Dog sitting? Cabin sitting? What followed was more like living the dream at Mary Beth and Gary's new lake home.

The goal of someday riding every mile of the 115 mile Paul Bunyan Bike Trail enticed our friend Dave to meet up with us to complete the Pine River to Nisswa segment.

We got extra credit (and a Dairy Queen treat) for riding in conditions that more resembled early April.

A delicious barbecue and time with my sister topped off this beautiful lake visit. Although "farewells" are always hard, I take along a treasure chest full of beautiful memories as we resume RVentures. 

From Minnesota's central lake region we continued north to the shore of Lake Bemidji where Paul Bunyan and Babe, the Blue Ox greeted us,

and a hike through the state park's bog revealed more of God's delicate yet important creations that include peat-filled ponds dotted with insect-eating plants

 and colorful wildflowers.

And just as quickly as spring turned to summer, we found ourselves nearing the Canadian border

... carrying cherished memories while looking forward to new adventures.

Although I have to admit, I'm not quite ready to join these hardy Canadians for a dip in the lake just yet!

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