August 25, 2017

Spent the last several days drifting south from our brief Canadian visit.  Our RV was inspected both going into Canada and leaving. 

All we had when coming back into the states was a very sad looking pluot.  The agents didn't know what to make of it.  They looked it over then huffed, saying "looks like it grew in Canada all right."!

 

We are about a week behind Ed & Claudia, Sue and Bruce.  We will be in Yellowstone next week.

 

 Hurricane news has everyone NOT at Sandpipers worried...and those who are there wet.  Hopefully it won't flood too much.  Several years ago a hurricane flooded the field so badly that I bought mosquito eating fish and released them to a banquet.

 

We are just drifting along, not doing much of anything.  I have learned quite a bit from Jim however.  Did you know all the drivers on the road are assholes?  Who knew?

Last Few Days

Yesterday-Thurs, Aug 17

We are in Grand Marais, Mn...Finally stopped raining. Yesterday was Duluth where the wind cancelled our proposed harbor cruise. Poured all night, and COLD! Still chilly (low 60's) overcast but not raining.

 

Today-Friday, Aug 18

Phew! Got pulled over for a thorough exam by Canadian customs...Texas license plate you know. Looking for dogs, guns and booze. Usually happens when we come back into the states. They must have been bored. Gorgeous day, low 70's and sunny.

Why?

I think I know why Avatan is so appealing to us South Texans.

 

  It is lush and green and flowery with lots of trees. Lots of private and public gardens.

 

Everone is smiling.

 

 Dick and company keep it clean and well groomed, and did I metion it's cool?  Last night in the 50's!

 

We are headed north then west.  Who knows where, just drifting.

Avatan weekend

Lovely, lovely day.  High in the low to mid 70's. 

 

 Lazy morning followed with poolside Bingo,

 very relaxed rules water volleyball,

 a wedding

and then a corn feed!

 

Any place that offers popcorn and lemonade by the pool

 has my support!

 

The wedding was very nice...dress code was hats.

The whole camp must have turned out for the ceremony.

 

There is a vibe here....an acceptance and friendliness I remember from Sandpipers years ago.  Not that Sandpipers of today isn't friendly.  Far from it. But something here is different.  Hard to describe.

In the Woods

We finally made it to Avatan,

that lovely oasis in the Minnesota woods.

 

  Spent a couple of days at a casino where Jim had the Midas touch with a few slot machines...won $300! Nice stop after our escape from the Winnebago factory.

 

Tonight we are going out for prime rib...I am so excited to not be making and cleaning up dinner.

 

Weather is gorgeous.  We went on a tour of the property and our guide was moaning about how hot and sweaty it was...78 degrees! And no humidity.

Can't believe they even can swim as it's so cool (for me).

 

Met up with Cher and Steve, and of course Frankie & Dick.  Other Sandpeeps are around and we'll run into them in the next few days, if not tonight.