Our "Mini" Minnesota Vacation: Rich Colors and Warm Friendships

 

Autumn ... the year's last, loveliest smile.

William Cullent Bryant

For travelers who love "chasing the 70s" ... the temperature range, not the disco era ... Minnesota in November wouldn't usually make the cut. But since we needed to pause our California travels for a quick eye-doctor visit, we decided to turn this detour into a "mini" Minnesota vacation.

Much to our delight, these ten days gifted us with a tapestry of

Rich Colors and Warm Friendships.

(and a delicious autumn treat or two)

We turned inland from the California coast to Palm Springs after hearing from friends about the surprisingly inexpensive flights from there to Minneapolis. And sure enough, Sun Country Airlines ... champions of the winter escape ... had a bargain direct flight waiting for us. After prepping Baby Beest, we left her at a "park and fly" lot near the airport. Loaded down with our winter gear, we bid farewell to the 90s. We hate to admit it, but we were looking forward to a slight cool-down. Even for us “chasing-the-70s” folks, these desert temps seemed a bit like overkill.

As we expected, Minneapolis greeted us with a brisk "hello" the second we stepped off the plane. Luckily, the welcoming smiles of family and friends quickly filled us with all the warmth we needed.

Heart warming Minnesota moments included ...

... a Whitewater State Park hike with Dave, our "Energizer bunny" friend,

... a "brisk" hike and lively conversation with our former biking buddies,

... a chance meeting with dear friends who just happened to be in town when we were,

... new works of art to adorn my fridge,

... an evening with friends who recently returned after hiking a portion of the Camino de Santiago in Spain ... their stories and photos definitely helped add another destination to our travel bucket list,

... a family gathering at my sister's "old" house which just so happens to be my nephew's "new" house,

... a chance to marvel at our son's "serious" skateboarding skills,

(yes, he nailed it!)

... an early "John Hardy's BBQ" Thanksgiving dinner with our boys,

... Sunday Vikings games with grand-puppies who would rather have us engage in our own game of throw and catch, 

... comfortable resting spots and delicious homemade treats,

and of course ... lots of girlfriend time!

As we know from our past experiences, there are "piles" of reasons why a November trip to Minnesota may not be the best idea ...

but those raking skills quickly come back!

And at the end of the day,

we were grateful to escape the desert heat as we enjoyed autumn's warmest and loveliest smiles that once again welcomed us "home".

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