On the Road

We've been on the road now for six days and what a start it's been! We left our home with anticipation, excitement and a family prayer for what was ahead.

Our first destination was a creamery in Westby, WI. The location is part of the network of farm, wineries, vineyards and points of interest called Harvest Hosts (HH). These sites let you boondock, camp without amenities, for one night for free and then you purchase something from their store. Our first HH site did not disappoint! Three mares and foals greeted us at the fence of rolling hills. This was a great distraction for Ben and Kate as we discovered the water and propane didn't work in the RV. So, PB&J wraps for dinner! Then, a family bike ride before turning in for the night.

Day two started with Chuck getting the propane going and ice cream for breakfast from the creamery. We also left with sheep, goat and cow's milk cheeses and butters for the road.

We had a long travel day ahead, a really long travel day. Our route was cross country through rural small towns, beautiful but slow, less stressful with little traffic but slow. Ten hours and 400+ miles later, with one 15-minute stop to stretch our legs in Ottawa, IL, we arrived at our campground in Logansport, IN. Thankfully Mike was working that night because he checked us in even though we were late (he said the owner would have turned us away).

We were greeted by a rowdy crowd and a DJ for an end of summer bash. Chuck got the party going with cheers and lighters as he sang "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood. This was the stress release he needed after a long day of driving with blinkers that stopped working the last 30 miles. Ugh!

Sunday morning Ben, Kate and I attended church service at the campground with about a half dozen other campers. We sang together and heard a message preached from Jeremiah about seeking God and being present where he has you. How fitting...

Chuck and Mallory, on a mission for parts to fix our blinkers, got tied up in Logansport, IN, and had the honor of being part of the thousands who viewed the processional bringing home one of the 13 Marines killed in Afghanistan. They witnessed a community lining the streets, air force jets flying above, and more than 10,000 motorcycles from five surrounding states all supporting the mother and family of this young man. This experience provided perspective for our family that evening during our campfire conversation regarding the challenges we were having.

The highlight of Logansport, IN, was connecting with family! We spent time with Aunt Sandy and Uncle Tom as well as cousins Chris, Zach and Bryan. We are all now adults with families and jobs and it had been way too long since we'd spent time together. We were able to catch up over meals, ice cream, and kids playing and splashing in the pool. By the way, it was HOT in Indiana, 90 degrees and sunny each day.

School and work took place in a tent one day, right next to the campground store. Just because they promote free WIFI doesn't mean it is actually available at your site (good to know). We have also found libraries to be an excellent place with little distractions, quiet and great WIFI.

We have filled our time together crayfish and frog catching, hanging out in the kids' rooms (table and couch) chatting and playing games, bike rides, fishing, and playing at parks. We have also experienced hospitality and kindness from many along the way.

I'll leave you with the rules of the road we have established so far.

1. No throwing food in the RV.

2. No Starbucks stops when the the RV is pulling a trailer. (so stop asking)

3. Put it in park before dark.

You can also check out the list of our favorite people and places so far...