RVentures with Doug and Chris: Trading Miles for Smiles: A Slow-Down Summer in the Land of 10,000 Lakes

Today's Little Moments Become Tomorrow's Precious Memories

It's been a while since I sat down to blog, and that's actually a good thing. When we arrived back in Minnesota at the end of May, our social calendar began to fill up ... and we couldn't be happier. Catching up with family and friends, along with squeezing in those "necessary" appointments, filled our first few weeks. As the days grew longer, so did our desire to slow our pace in order to soak up the summer beauty in this land of 10,000 lakes. We quickly learned to cherish the precious gifts that come our way as we spent the summer trading miles for smiles.

For the past seven summers, our friends Marybeth and Gary have graciously allowed us to make their driveway our temporary home whenever we were in Rochester. Assisting with gardening, cooking, and pet-cares gave me a small taste of the joys (and responsibilities) of home ownership. But in the last few years there was more talk about downsizing as they moved towards a new phase in their retired life.

When we arrived, a "SOLD" sign confirmed what we already knew ... that the meticulous care they had poured into their beloved home over the years had attracted a buyer in no time. I'd like to think my enthusiastic lectures on the "joys of downsizing" played a small role in helping them empty the house in record time, but the truth is, it was their determination, hard work, and willingness to embrace this new chapter that made it happen.

I am pretty proud of my former

downsizing "student" who is now the "master"!

While we'll miss this "home", we realized that we are blessed to have so many other friends in the area who graciously welcome our visits and will gladly allow me to take over their kitchen.

Yes, these precious (and hungry) young friends of ours

nearly polished off a whole pan of lasagna all by themselves.

We also were able to once again spend time with our grand-pup when his parents took a trip out west. Being able to move out of the van into a "real" house is always a nice change of pace.

I just have to get used to the fact that these luxurious sleeping conditions come equipped with a "live" alarm clock reminding me that it surely must be time for breakfast.

Our experience of settling into Minneapolis, exploring the surrounding area, and meeting up with friends got us thinking about what the next chapter of our travel life might look like. Instead of always being on the move, we wondered if we'd enjoy lingering longer in one place and weaving in more house- and pet-sitting opportunities. It seems like it could possibly be the perfect way to experience "community" while still enjoying the freedom and flexibility that has made RV life so rewarding.

Through a mutual friend, we connected with a woman in Rochester who was looking for someone to stay in her home while she traveled for a few weeks. It turned out to be the perfect arrangement.

And, no, that was not the house that we stayed in ... we just liked taking walks around the grounds of the nearby historic Plummer House.

We enjoyed being able to spend more time in Rochester, while Tita, a slightly anxious pup, was content to be able to stay in familiar surroundings during her owner's absence. It was a win-win for everyone.

Tita is happiest when she's chillin' out, surrounded by her favorite toys and her favorite peeps. Thankfully, it didn't take her long to decide we qualified as two of her favorite peeps.

One doesn't have to travel too far in the land of 10,000 lakes to find peaceful waterways and scenic shorelines. It's no surprise, then, that many of our favorite summer memories were made alongside rivers, lakes, and waterfalls, where slowing down came as naturally as the gentle flow of the water.

Smiles were shared while hiking to waterfalls tucked away in a nearby state park,

or along the bike trail in Minneapolis.

Family and friends with lake cabins and swimming pools invited us to ...

... cool off at a 4th of July pool party,

... test our kayaking skills,

... and celebrate years of friendship

... while enjoying elegant lakeside grilling

... and dining.

And of course, Minnesota's 10,000 lakes provide the perfect place to stay cool during the "extreme heat warning" days that seem to be occurring in greater frequency than in the past. We were grateful to have a lakefront view, cooling breezes, and built-in entertainment of long-time friends along with their children and grandchildren during our two week stay at Lake Carlos State Park.

Pontoon rides,

campfires,

puzzles and games,

and "deep" conversations reminded us that some of life's greatest treasures are found by slowing down and allowing nature's gentle whisper ...

... to lull even the fussiest babies to sleep.

Our "slow-down summer" reminded us that life doesn’t always have to be measured in miles traveled or places checked off a list. Sometimes the best journeys happen when we park for a while,