Cool, Wet May Weather

We definitely pushed ourselves to get back to our Midwest roots and the ability to see family, specifically Jeff’s Mom who is 97-1/2.  Three days of travel racked up the 1,030 miles (or 25.55 over-the-road hours) on this trip, so when we pulled into our first rest stop outside of Fairmont it was indeed a welcome sight to stretch our legs. 

 

Finding a SA gas station further up the road that had an area for big rigs so that we could  stay overnight was a relief as we were tired.  There weren’t many trucks parked as of yet and we were told by the cashier that it was first come, first serve.   We’ll have to make sure that we let other RV’s know about this free, overnight site via the Day’s End Directory of boondocking that we belong to as Escapee RV Club members.

Rested and ready to travel the mere 91 miles to Hutchinson, we arrived at River’s End Masonic Campground.  The date was April 29, and the park didn’t officially open until May 1; just a slight bump in the road.  Jeff called the Police Department to see if it would be okay for us to park and dry camp in one of the sites until that following Monday.  They were definitely okay with it but made a call to the person who managed the park (and this was on a weekend) to get the “thumbs-up” for us to park.  Once this was done, we were able to make the Jeep trip to Albertville (57 miles one way) to see Jeff’s Mom for our first visit of the year.  It was good to see her, but we definitely needed to get parked closer to her assisted living apartment.

One of our visits to see Dorothy with granddaughter, Julia

A phone call to Baker Park Campground, in Maple Plain (about 19 miles away from Albertville) was made and good news was that they had a site available for a 10 day period.  This was very good as the weekends are usually booked up by on-line reservations way before we come into town.  The best part was that we were so much closer to Jeff’s Mom and that was our goal.

When we left Baker Park, we had an appointment at Gary’s Diesel in Loretto, Minnesota.  We wanted to get the coach hooked up to their computers to help us determine what codes were setting off the alarms in our home.  This can be especially frustrating when everything that Jeff was reading on our gauges was reading just fine.  The bottom line was that one code went off 126 times because of a loose wire on the engine pre-heat solenoid - an easy fix.  The price for the scan test was $80 with the ½ hour of labor at $47.50.  If we would have had this done in the Minneapolis area, we probably would have to double that price so we are glad that it’s been resolved.



Okay, which wire is it now?

 Our destination at this point in our travels was for a spot next to daughter, Jill, who lives in St. Louis Park (a first-ring western suburb of Minneapolis).  It is here where grandkids, Joe (14-1/2) and Julia (4-1/2) live.  Our 6 day stay was very uneventful as we were parked on her side street.  Not one police car drove by to check us out and that was a good thing.  Her neighbors were so nice and accommodating and we thanked them for letting us stay, but it was time to travel into Wisconsin.

 

Time to read a book to Julia before bedtime.



Mother's Day brunch at Doug's (Jill's boyfriend) with family



Had to stop for a Dago in NE Minneapolis -
where Kay grew up



And a cold Grain Belt on tap



Julia, busy in the water with swimming lessons



Grandpa's little girl

We had planned to stay at Hoffman Park, in River Falls, Wisconsin so that we could be close to the town of Hudson for a scheduled doctor appointment.  At this time of the year, there were several sites open so this was good.  The park is a first come, first serve 15-site park with electricity only at each site.  Water and a dump location are nearby.  A 14-day maximum stay (14 in & 7 out) at a mere $15/night is very reasonable.  There is a beautiful ball field, ample play areas for the kids with Frisbee golf, volleyball and soccer areas that makes this one of the best community parks that we have stayed at.    

 

Memorial Day get-together with Jill & Doug and grandkids Joe & Julia

Our time here will end on June 1, and new plans are to travel to the ranch of our good friends, Karen & Ron, who live in Mondovi, Wisconsin.  We will then get a chance to be see son Eric and daughter Jena and the rest of the grandkids.  It will be good to see them. 

God Bless America! 

 

Hugs,

Kay and Jeff