tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79326441444113402392024-03-13T04:58:00.683-05:003000 miles north & backAbout 3000 Miles North...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18379404514861381552noreply@blogger.comBlogger245125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644144411340239.post-16228041526287954482017-10-21T12:01:00.000-05:002019-07-26T11:12:18.323-05:00Rush the Rails. <div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The first weekend in October, Matt and I headed down to Kansas for Rush the Rails, an event held to officially open the Flint Hills Nature Trail. The trail stretches 117 across east-central Kansas from Osawatomie in the east to Harington in the west. The ride went from Osawatomie to Council Grove, which is approximately 96 miles.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img alt="" height="480" id="id_28d_32b6_6054_ee5c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6_ZV4HyPRFk/Wei--RlBKmI/AAAAAAAAJGg/zPapwRMNBXgj47jGSLK5Lp0vDFoF_1m1QCHMYCw/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" width="640" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As its name suggests, the trail crosses the beautiful Flint Hills. According to the <a href="http://kanzatrails.org/flint-hills-nature-trail/" target="_blank">Flint Hills Nature Trail website</a>, the Flint Hills represent one of the last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems in the world. It is home to abundant prairie plant and wildlife species, spectacular views, national historic sites, and a diverse set of recreational areas. The eastern portions of the route travels alongside the Marais Des Cygnes River, between rushing waters and towering bluffs, through rolling farmland and riparian woodlands.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Flint Hills Nature Trail is the seventh-longest rail-trail in America, and the longest trail in Kansas. It follows the general route of the Santa Fe National Historic Trail and forms a component of the coast-to-coast American Discovery Trail.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
<img alt="" id="id_d29a_f49d_9ea9_40d3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mRkhUHFdr8M/Wei-_mhJWNI/AAAAAAAAJGs/o2mZaWbWlKghnxI6P30ZoClasj2931uagCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Flint Hills Nature Trail is built on an old railroad corridor. The route was originally developed in the late 1880s, as the Council Grove, Osage City & Ottawa Railway. It later became the Missouri Pacific Railroad.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">MoPac discontinued railway service on the line in the 1980s, and subsequently abandoned. The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy acquired and railbanked the corridor in 1995 and later transferred ownership to the Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img alt="" id="id_f066_91d8_142_b7b2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2n49vTIuMdE/Wei--7rKBYI/AAAAAAAAJGk/e_WMkJJjMHIC64PvfgEVRnOimvHxHJC4ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The KRTC has been developing the trail in sections, where volunteers have been available, and where grant funding and donations have permitted the old corridor to be refurbished. Proceeds from Rush the Rails helped to fund sections of the project.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img alt="" id="id_6a68_a1ff_4c19_6981" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jbp6WsCUJis/Wei-_aW3p2I/AAAAAAAAJGo/DJ_kpUbEAqIa15medc6fTEFFz9aa9nfBwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
The day started with rain, but by the end, it was sunny and in the high 70s.</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img alt="" id="id_ac8c_7c6f_f320_db81" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sXK-syTOgic/Wei_BQBb0TI/AAAAAAAAJGw/izH1lekyo7oKJguR_yuTBKqwHIoVhu7IgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We thought the trail was going to be mostly crushed limestone; however, the trail consisted of terrain that included rocks, mud, sand and everything in between... </span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img alt="" id="id_bfa0_413_85a6_7529" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZjpX6mBv1oQ/Wei__Fw1mUI/AAAAAAAAJHE/m6pUlYt92y8c7jrDV5pPZzFaPi8qc5JGACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Every 15-20 miles there was a town that hosted a supported check point. Food consisted of bananas, pickles, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, salty chips and GU...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img alt="" id="id_2173_4b5c_783f_3a40" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gmhg-HZWJh8/WejABUGC11I/AAAAAAAAJHI/r09PbpywLH0xIAfDBkhWZwIy7g_DhusWgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After the Admire checkpoint, which was about 75 miles into the ride, I decided to quit. Matt's dad met us at the checkpoint, and I convinced myself I could ride no longer. I had endured the hardest ride I have ever tried, and I was done.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img alt="" id="id_607f_758_2fc3_6be" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8d_Vu74_Awo/Wei_-msGprI/AAAAAAAAJHA/ZcxB7Ry_1q0UIWQLfQdJvjCZ3BC8CYzUgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Matt continued on the trail and finished all 96 miles of the ride. Seeing him cross the finish line, I somewhat regretted not completing the last 25 miles of the ride, especially after he said it was the easiest trail of the ride. Oh well.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img alt="" id="id_371_a680_bb81_6005" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JQjOaXFZrH0/Wei_6fElJ9I/AAAAAAAAJG8/Adq2N0SSfMo_Sc7NY_iiwx8nas5gg_PTACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Matt finished in about 12 hours and 30 minutes Soon after, fireworks started, but we didn't stay for them because we headed to Matt's sister's house for a BBQ dinner and to see Matt's new twin nephews.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img alt="" id="id_1c0b_6ba3_d54e_7d24" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sb6L2LkGmPw/WejAC428EUI/AAAAAAAAJHM/ooWmvqywnhM4sFafhHPwtipsfjQnuuPFgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Conner and Chase were born just a couple weeks earlier...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img alt="" id="id_e5e6_123e_2d6e_3930" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o8SVh83wtW8/WejAD7BekzI/AAAAAAAAJHU/i-_shwCWHh4qCIM_yJwJpP8OKO1IyvtRwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">It is always fun to go to Kansas to see Matt's family, and it is even more fun to be able to tie in an event like Rush the Rails to keep us busy. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />
Cheers!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
About 3000 Miles North...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18379404514861381552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644144411340239.post-1865631891660852312017-09-27T02:02:00.001-05:002017-10-21T12:02:31.267-05:00Iowa City. <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I headed down to Iowa City for a weekend in early September. It was my first time traveling from Madison, and I sure didn’t mind the 3 hour drive, which was two hours shorter than driving to Iowa City from Minneapolis. #winning</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Saturday morning started off with two soccer games, one game for each of my older two nieces. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img alt="" id="id_2c12_8261_8fd8_7a9b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-79wipkmK6LQ/WctM-qI6maI/AAAAAAAAJFk/_Desp_kULQctEzotTqDXpDSzxO4lWph0ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I sure enjoyed some quality time with each of them...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br /></span><img alt="" id="id_c7da_aca1_6028_cc2f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-smHm1Hfmnvg/WctM-SumeSI/AAAAAAAAJFg/k6pGJgMfH5M3G2NpIEJxhxZlpYM6Bn0WACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Saturday afternoon we headed to Kinnick for the game...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img alt="" id="id_299_cc56_5288_72ef" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_T-J_PF3OaA/WctNA37fB_I/AAAAAAAAJFs/N7hpIiY3wQ8NBl7MnjSgHPsi844kKP_mwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">...and met up with some family friends to tailgate...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img alt="" id="id_1d8c_db6_c232_3074" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ngqYX_JV2wA/WctNBGY75vI/AAAAAAAAJFw/XpUMTNG-Ad4hxX2lNBcQFARekra-TabKQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br /></span>It was around 90 degrees, but nothing beats watching a game in Kinnick...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img alt="" id="id_da73_d2b1_73ba_6302" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D0dBU9EQWP8/WctNBtco1YI/AAAAAAAAJF0/QhdjZe7hJvMBJprv-un7s4Ir5cDn6_zgQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Iowa played the Mean Green of North Texas...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img alt="" id="id_477e_d2f3_fbab_d3ef" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zMrSTiFIUbg/WctNA4sAHDI/AAAAAAAAJFo/KPXr2Z9a-2og1O6ifAbPHRyK9vSUcOsOACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">...our section had to wear yellow...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img alt="" id="id_7541_3034_382b_49ff" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NN7xsikoDww/WctNB95GjJI/AAAAAAAAJF4/H9WrnyVzvyQ3D57ef7JGxgwWKEp1YQldQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Hawkeyes won!!! Cheers!</span></div>
</div>
About 3000 Miles North...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18379404514861381552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644144411340239.post-46323092381735181782017-09-26T18:34:00.000-05:002017-09-26T18:34:21.340-05:00New Orleans.<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Leah and I traveled to New Orleans for a long weekend over
Martin Luther King Jr. Day last winter (yes, I know, it's taken more FOREVER to
write this post...but, better late than never, right??!). We had a couple travel
vouchers to use up before the end of January after having to cancel a trip to
Aruba in October. While we both have been to NOLA more than a few times in the
past for business (me) and to visit my Uncle Tom, we had never spent a long
amount of time intentionally visiting the city. Plus, with Tom and his family
now living almost right in the city, we had a couple tour guides who were
willing to take us anywhere and who provided some wonderful recommendations for
local eateries and flare. The trip was one we will never forget.</span></span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span><br />
<div style="border-image: none; line-height: 12.65pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfcLI11BvwA257W1WR5rqlVkovx5m090pCYCS98L87MNLIBiwPJI9y2zZkIsUqM4SV-StoVSx0EwNxaprHkMH1R1LL8z6o7wTl4sJgR2qb30_mXha2ZYbgcj51llRLwKKR3ZttS9zZh8y/s640/IMG_2283.jpg" width="640" /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-image: none; line-height: 12.65pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The trip we had originally planned to Aruba was much more
expensive than flying to NOLA. So, we decided to upgrade to first class. Full
advantage of the extra hospitality was had by both of us.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Upon arriving in New Orleans, we were picked up by my Aunt Laurie and cousin
Annie. We visited a local café for lunch in Metairie. I dined on a yummy bowl
of gumbo and fried eggplant.</span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></span></span></div>
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Metairie is the community where Tom and Laurie live. It is
the first suburb of New Orleans, located on the south shore of Lake
Pontchartrain between the cities of New Orleans and Kenner. Kenner is home to
the New Orleans International Airport.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">On Friday evening we enjoyed a dinner of homemade shrimp
pasta made by Laurie. It was delicious and a perfect meal to start our weekend.
YUM!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YOAfdTnuJ3WE2BsS_l8g2N0t1-z2VMcyhsOthpgKFotlNypEX6NMmTYCqICwNVSwtI1FeMi-q722LclWrdjyqgbvMR4MfaD50tOO00Rz5DS54FvB5lpJHaGR7XqF_s3-ySFWpbaVoGuf/s640/IMG_2284.jpg" style="font-family: Times; text-align: center;" width="640" /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">On Saturday morning, we visited the school where Tom worked.
This school is unique because it was formerly known as William Frantz
Elementary School, and is the school Ruby Bridges attended during the New
Orleans school desegregation crisis in 1960. Ruby was six years old when she
became the first African-American child to integrate a white elementary school.
Her parents had responded to a request from the National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People and volunteered Ruby to participate. Ruby was one
of six black children in New Orleans to pass the test that determined they
could go to an all while school. Two of the children decided to stay at their
old school, three children were transferred to another all-white school, and
Ruby attended William Frantz. She had to be escorted to class by her mother and
United States marshals every day due to threats of violence. She was taught in
a classroom by herself with her own teacher and was also not allowed to eat
lunch with the other students in fear of being poisoned. </span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLd-Nn60AKvY_HThQPehiKvblUjnTZ0g2eoo3AcZjKJmG3vIacM_UR6icXbwqeZEkP2zi_IRN1u12oYl-sBiyMIPh5SwlKS980ZYFu7TnrYLKykrfSO7wAfKbjEikHfJS5Tp9vUwiWCiFa/s640/IMG_2285.jpg" style="font-family: Times; text-align: center;" width="480" /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">She was quoted as saying that the only way she knew other students attended the
school was because she could hear their voices while they were outside for
recess.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2X-1EdFTGO4dFMtzYfMWTbaj2fhvtpJUyRvg0npw2aKKl5Qc3TJyyPVv-cAHLYXeH5ilGM7SsfQl8bZMcw8ZJI28G4MTKMcGjva7WXunrj0ub4bJCVFH1pJTCxOJ4kFcQJT1HbWLtu3A/s640/IMG_2286.jpg" style="font-family: Times; text-align: center;" width="640" /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">According to an </span><a href="http://secure-web.cisco.com/1d3g4k5EP0YMGSasXiFIE1w6AsWAZE-cfYPxdzmP8gmrb8FD_HGdLqYxAQXPlyd66uD-FvrnhmHZV5IergdPNRWzrd6Penm1D8uoMrmC1xmx93o0KdRwULl8Pm6w9mGSS4_aa3xka98qSAYrNpVmG8JYkUm_-LnWPjl-DWTH1sEKMR95dpsdux6SJTmaU2p3rTGJXDd1He51wsEeW8YSU-ceoSyrr_0_l0AkgvnQx9r9p7G9QuJjlHMlL3uS3pcxD-3gg1hlcXS9a2szayDQ8ag/http%3A%2F%2Fwww.huffingtonpost.com%2Fnational-trust-for-historic-preservation%2Fnew-life-for-the-school-w_b_4956789.html"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">article from the Huffington Post</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">, after
Hurricane Katrina, William Frantz Elementary, along with 113 other schools,
fell under the oversight of Louisiana’s Recovery School District. As part of a
master plan for New Orleans, $1.8 billion was invested in primary and secondary
education buildings. William Frantz Elementary became home to Akili Academy in
2013 and $23.5 million was invested in a new building that is attached to the
historic elementary school. The older building received rehabilitation of
period-style features and hardwood floors and windows were replaced. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ruby’s classroom was restored with period-appropriate
furniture. Classrooms are used in all parts of both buildings. Akili Academy is
a K-6 public, open-enrollment charter school.</span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></span></span></div>
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">After visiting Akili Academy, we went to St. Roch Market for
lunch. This place is called a "food hall" that houses several food
and beverage purveyors that range in specialties from creole to Mexican and ice
cream to kombucha. While we were walking around trying to decide what to order,
we ran into two of our favorite Food Network chefs, Marc Murphy and Aaron
Sanchez, who are regularly featured as judges on Chopped.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl859izNJeaPiHuXqxUjlN9DcWGEFkIOVnko5RI34euBXG7Ea9sSRx2ryGIrQJ7CxAYLvHiHeOK7nPjE5aQrXjtWjn_hWNU8Z52YYY9j1GP1b5Z241b2NlXlNh3FZThwVbzt9NOJrVwtGZ/s640/IMG_2288.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
After much wondering and contemplation, I decided to dine on
coconut shrimp curry...</span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga239BPMEA9r_jhlJ-FjYischSwelpWMm8hia0cFANhhiZ6Wr8neqUUjeUNFYlxthVdpqNUKN-J5t-G0lyjC8nfNHLflY9N7uaG3eE6l1G5CQb6nc5IPHPddR8SHpc5pEuQXO5_-ii-kRb/s640/IMG_2289.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
...and we all shared an order of fresh oysters.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBKGS-F___iOa6_XIoUIBEzkFOFTdtQz56oAA4ae4PYnGr7fFXLdtLyyYmdCMEyPFqTWyEMO94K8DiQwMAONaLq8GfTPqPkL9-TPXhNpa2vZvjl936bpWWFfBgoCj8EXg9rirqMLgOB4Z/s640/IMG_2290.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
We then went for a walk by the mouth of the Mississippi
River with Tom and Laurie...</span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEi-63Pmne5nb_XzWZEffWPel5GAh_JynVNxmWSo0iiT7upAZBDID2NQIEr08iCshq1KA1KJCeo5fjgzriA62tHUd8Fcb45igxLhH9OHLUyRJ8n1Yoa5ULKZPbNZuMEjBJl8J8xJ5rDJ8Q/s640/IMG_2292.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83cV6njiRlFaHL2y_Y9r1yJ9YNted7ICNtfcO5fwExscg9LMYKkfhyphenhyphenJyTvRQV61QN7dE88XHtT8Vm_nMxkOH9Z-guxE4kRxT2uDgRDxoCBg_AP2JdGMXGNtOIaSmaj6DPGRYsNuyYcLed/s640/IMG_2296.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHH0tcGP2JLvDY5aGUeNLsvYqG2wxk7nFfmhTnh44eBBMLoQGwIY-yFKUQk61NbItf-oPm5R8yWy14phns10zFvwRVJzBwYWpyaF4N7WPIe1t09Vphh2q9kbk96l6u88qoo_-0kU4j5zU8/s640/IMG_2298.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Saturday night we splurged on a fancy dinner at Peche. Let's just say, from
appetizer to dessert, all the food was divine!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctxbEYrSSN0GADyRqWloO5r_8dFolo_TEMAiIaxFRLStvv6cHsgQ-cs4nuAkkoBAZYZtN2Ge0Z8UCckDTj1NlJO8YB_WKSsJORsi6v-IWTyHiSno3VhcaIAUVwLTtmeG7gX5fhDcX73ee/s640/IMG_2300.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PvXWXvpvh-ILMzSfk2u15OeIZ-EoEA0i1RCA0QJD2FsRIUddB02iQeLZDPyMeun8ZgJSnWaEssB8h2K9z2xOB8Vrhtv5a5wayVU-poYzwY0OuVGB_GtYZWxDty26b9ju_mpG1SoYOIfJ/s640/IMG_2301.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfG4LZTuNGHWJLkTokihFkPJaUyHsDD7QEUtfYb8UrHiuZhZBU9UwDm0TDQXt_DCgps5irjTclYM6up5TlbBuay93VYTLV2RO5Z7QZnpmu7jMazlknHn8I21Ta907XGbQBNUYPLgNG8NS_/s640/IMG_2306.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Leah and I spent much of Sunday exploring the French
Quarter. The day started at the French Market...</span></div>
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tTkIxhmrVElXhzXdZlm9H7v4BkTSfqWJQyowZlMgriMwKAyK8Jw_FbjLoUVrFzwcvG5WzDOmxF16TUjGIIJzd9srh8xLA7y2G65FFx9Vt2DyuBWB2eGOPKXqj5xo3eFxK5V2_kkOOKs1/s640/IMG_2309.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-NRFcUueiMoHl94tvvZu5pVI-dCfTYh1sJx7mQ04t-EVkb3dG2ij6xavAFX1fmU6D9C6UPvAxbPJtcmMEbsNhksVsjDIOtZ2YSv21LXgcmtFNr7AwLbKAJ526NPBoeWwZn110GTkd42W/s640/IMG_2315.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We enjoyed some NOLA inspired food fare at
spots recommended by Yelp and our hostess'...</span></span></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; line-height: 12.65pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10Oqrc-PqKb9yTVLWiMZEGajofRKAoRsPtUGKjRvO7wTZfPorPifMv6PRY_GFsZcWMpjbQ-OUE7OJnBeqR64XrXXWQV6LMZbCBkiNPcUrNf5G6Tj55fEg8k1-lllazTV4uLs4-DABRnT6/s640/IMG_2330.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">...and had a beer inspired by Leah's cat, Jax...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu01-NXPz680Z8IdHOyG0nK0tOa-t5KAwWn7H7x3eoUuH2FdNwcxf5lsugtKdXgAXjRtRTIgh_vfApUZt9c4lNFT6Um4aTgzl-muhjRLhI-Eqf9Uc2IGlVLdIv8kCMCZKIhf9dRuGZvK2f/s640/IMG_2319.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<div style="border-image: none; line-height: 12.65pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We took the afternoon to tour the World War II museum, which
was extremely inspirational. I would highly recommend this museum to
anyone. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOiDMSLWXbHE1D_UvPAO-a0l3OA-mLcuGvzzRP5oQuKYXcANai-WqVVxhoJ677cuoRPlpgQ-VBf-ePJfNgdNb-Kh2gnD_Ff-yipxoMUpIaSqqz9ERX59NmFCYizkmWbuF08FDH5fnBPVLO/s640/IMG_2332.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="font-family: Times;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO196qR9090g0xG48Ap147AQ2oZruWwX4o6bNB-Ua3BUFgyI-8UacgofV0hI_VNHVn6udeNdR70vi4X2Au0xWzXgAAH12mHz2deFEKQtMHwYMzGfIBX76rJ8lki5iVOlVKQxI9yjfZIsQ4/s640/IMG_2334.jpg" width="640" /></div>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We stopped at Cochon for lunch, and we were lucky enough to
enjoy a seat next to the open kitchen. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYf_D5f03YxMVcWHpu1kUsMc6GWi7arC8oE_pMcAKmhrrDcdWbbl1OhWZ3bC5i1XFOIFznTe1zx80eVOu4qhizq2Qb5XBir3A2-3Fj2QsZ2uPTkFgNiphjwD_qPI1XKSb3lYFOA8yVqRoL/s640/IMG_2338.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Out of spontaneity we introduced ourselves to the chef, who
seemed delighted by the gesture. As we ate our way through the menu, he favored
us with a few extra food items along the way...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoihAjs09-Uoh5sMgWKNoSquGVU6sfieBdXGujb2KZL2GtOJB_SDGemqynqK3hHQNy0UXuHa_e1QEPUiBpFAlNqk0fG0pmGVwXX9X-VPKJfXJJKVTZfpe90uLh8KXxWQRIdh55VInikl5f/s640/IMG_2342.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We didn't complain...</span></span></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; line-height: 12.65pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_DKGSoqwdsqmv5CrvomURX4wbCbMU051Lk-luCvK_vlqHa8-HT_oQZ2ywa0cPLD9nDXeETDPJdDem1HDHcLoy6YgMv7PbB05eRY20tpcpCA4LhRp4ukV5P9mF4-ZCMzlrryEDo56k3Vl/s640/IMG_2346.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="border-image: none; line-height: 12.65pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our favorite item was the oysters...</span></span></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; line-height: 12.65pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzy9ssnEy_CXlOtODwwnAKcQPIcwXTttziBjNAVCF_Hdk7P9GxCIKWYyAeYbFbce0oaUUlQ4keL4LNDNI4fviOhyBYZuIJOVPKhIgB_LWN5po9rzBrCdMez1zLPe8TuIEEN1uc5r9dylem/s640/IMG_2365.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="border-image: none; line-height: 12.65pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We then walked to Courtyard Brewery...</span></span></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; line-height: 12.65pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9jMtY_Iv4iYgFUwFD9G0oN-E_O8QleTl5dnzg1GOk0j6_aVFuLTVitq21B8PHatoNqfUbqTn6MY-r9CFM6U0MknFuaNXZmDs2j6Alor_wcD4lsJAaaO13g3KjypVF-OoWr2rxWI7goVY/s640/IMG_2350.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20Xm_nNnx0fof2zyrIXZYqXtaX_iTIqbPwieGrFaD2DQf3MTJvkTh-jrkvkWyylrzUFrk8UxzK8u5Q27bVrOgwIK41LuIAP4nEiYec5OM80Thq9w_fJqMRpvfgm3hntfOOfEj8WEY3MaW/s640/IMG_2352.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="border-image: none; line-height: 12.65pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">On Monday, before heading to the airport, Leah, Laurie and I
had a wonderful lunch of authentic Spanish paella at Lola's, a home style
restaurant with a cozy, quaint feel. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; line-height: 12.65pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuAY2R9wCZPy0ni_vcgl4N6pm3fT-_9k2DJE5XbxsplmiKQgQqUjRXWLfgnelo_5_PTEUvBbKqxkMEAtwRqrEBqnVTVKPnoei2HW2jLOHBmsTo9eYLlBORpiuca4Vm2Jx5LGro9qXydtp/s640/IMG_2361.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="border-image: none; line-height: 12.65pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Leah and I had a wonderful time in New Orleans with Tom,
Laurie and their family. We can't wait to go back and explore more of the city!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Cheers!</span></span></span></div>
<br />About 3000 Miles North...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18379404514861381552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644144411340239.post-48633539985126588802017-09-19T07:07:00.003-05:002017-09-21T19:32:35.728-05:00Riding MadisonMatt visited me for the Labor Day weekend. We took advantage of the lovely weather by exploring Madison on bike and foot!<div><br></div><div>We decided to ride the Capital City State Trail from the Far East of Madison and then got on the Southwest Commuter Bike Path, which we rode into downtown Madison. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_b686_a2d2_cc1a_29fd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZSKsbcxS0ng/WcRZvCo2XFI/AAAAAAAAI-4/H-A5iMCGXAEwrVQhs-579zMyWunPysspQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>We rode all of the loops highlighted in black...</div><div><br><img id="id_6eee_e32b_d734_68ee" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cH6uhFTOio0/WcRYud-66FI/AAAAAAAAI-w/GcE021vPVSYPJtZ3h-qD9VBbEtgkqF20ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>The landscape along the trail varied from fields to forests to neighborhoods...<br><br><img id="id_8333_7ba1_7137_5b3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ebHBZLf689Q/WcAhJfICRyI/AAAAAAAAI9c/coy6cE4gGeQ9WqZY9iDGso75HYGIETRNQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>This roundabout is a key landmark that leads to various points and cities near Madison...<br><br><img id="id_3f32_9180_f5b5_b48e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dHQdYTHZRoY/WcAhJFev87I/AAAAAAAAI9Q/yuMbS1sp7EEPUUXD0HN1punEjH9hF70QwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>Once we arrived downtown, we stopped at Canteen for a bite to eat. Their tacos were delicious!<br><br><img id="id_3222_5750_9ace_6a6d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4KSwWQ6DriQ/WcAhJVrLyVI/AAAAAAAAI9g/s5O1UutbxFgGu6r1aJR4qCH11HAviG4HACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>...and so was the Mexican beer!<br><br><img id="id_64e1_630a_4835_3e03" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L6al5VMZPl8/WcAhJZmqgYI/AAAAAAAAI9Y/YJKwGZNkN_AGUHCPVHoKszsgw84oE9cPQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>On Monday, we changed course and went for a hike with Rio at Governor Nelson State Park, which is right outside of Madison. <br><br><img id="id_f5aa_85dd_31be_b45" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gXAQL-zVcm0/WcAhKAMOODI/AAAAAAAAI9k/8yVNFp4hG1gO3k2GdOIU6GwXf-FTfPRcgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_9eed_3530_e88b_9add" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aEkgPhGxXC4/WcAhK7v_ilI/AAAAAAAAI9s/k5pKqLdT5HE7AXiIUUh1s11xkTyNWpdSgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_a871_c0f7_8a5a_be8a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NYl7FH7oxXc/WcAhKx_wm4I/AAAAAAAAI9o/I6QT5ACqYhgR_iRxrqbVEQN04Uj2wGhYACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><div>I loved having Matt in town and can't wait for more adventures together in this new city!!</div></div>About 3000 Miles North...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18379404514861381552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644144411340239.post-92222256815787587952017-09-19T07:07:00.001-05:002017-09-19T07:09:26.783-05:00Exploring downtown Minneapolis. Matt and I decided to explore downtown Minneapolis one day in August, knowing that I had only a few more weeks in the Twin Cities before moving to Madison. We parked downtown and then walked around before renting Nice Ride bikes for the afternoon to get us around more quickly. <div><br></div><div>The art around the city is quite impressive. I have always loved this mural of Bob Dylan, a native of Duluth, Minnesota. <br>
<br>
<span id="goog_1772447057"></span><span id="goog_1772447058"></span><img id="id_7d27_1061_ac40_90f8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3dIJgJ7VLRA/WcEIZvl-g6I/AAAAAAAAI-M/NtynQUbc_2sQbA5oTGsvfa1xtlEYVmIAwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>We stopped at Red Cow for lunch...<br><br><img id="id_e673_f4d4_fc63_3b11" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qM2R6V9Fr_k/WcEIZkn55zI/AAAAAAAAI-Q/Q8DynFvPUcEbpHfzI0RkcxLRAH6WD_C-ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>I ordered the turkey burger and truffle fries, which were divine!<br><br><img id="id_9e1f_4e78_66b5_4649" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uieCu2d89ek/WcEIVvUTCXI/AAAAAAAAI-A/xlMkQxT6zyMETPrzhBbF3NTyRllGBDm0QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>We then headed to One on One bike shop for a coffee and to browse around the store...<br><br><img id="id_e67c_f896_2fc8_5871" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sUcY67hZ9fA/WcEIYk_GjUI/AAAAAAAAI-I/C00-z2R6fXkr8UEp-NLny-u4DeS0jU4KQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>Definitely one of the best skylines...<br><br><div><img id="id_a2e3_f050_3241_4830" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kdd39OUjvAw/WcEIXjHD40I/AAAAAAAAI-E/ESIrgysIkDMirOsE9cSJcvpmx6pJyuecwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>After walking around for a couple hours, we became thirsty and a little hungry. Rather than continuing to walk, we hopped on a couple Nice Ride bikes to get us to Surly Brewing Company. <br><br><img id="id_41b7_d927_2b3d_2986" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wgDLLY_b2Tg/WcEIacWFtEI/AAAAAAAAI-U/Q1DuyqqePd4bQSZK-HTMUKkpmw-_5EJkgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>Yummm....<br><br><img id="id_36cc_435c_a7cb_a79" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WcZoh5RVhkQ/WcEIbhCjteI/AAAAAAAAI-Y/vbtacDDAD3ohS6C-ko6H6MQ8Cyi7CmldQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_e9b_9cbb_8709_1b14" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C66Y5ZAJJf0/WcEIbmgVxVI/AAAAAAAAI-c/JR6yh04Tp98drKthMJnP610C7g0pH5yKACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_975_8921_46ae_ccfd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JNQxhuT1oGo/WcEIb0OS79I/AAAAAAAAI-g/OqonYpOasBM2-tQ-kQ5VK2tzDrA4Ji0kACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div></div><div>It was an incredible day spent together! </div><div><br></div><div>Cheers!</div>About 3000 Miles North...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18379404514861381552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644144411340239.post-16459137043798918332017-04-04T19:26:00.001-05:002017-04-04T19:26:59.916-05:00I rode, he ran.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
It was a lovely evening to get outside. Matt and Rio went for a quick run around town, so I decided to tag along on my bike for day FOUR of #30daysofbiking.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKWS5NjprS_EO1V9BbCKYzGNnHpKUV5v09AQpQeJc3SdBTOcdHFXfTA6WTa3cSHsDxCKi4k8UlGqTMUjM9lwGpoPwLILHRBw6GiEGUKEYzzcH3-urbKeCAWqx7hkcjL02TQaD93Fw1x3m/s640/blogger-image--1273854836.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
Cheers!About 3000 Miles North...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18379404514861381552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644144411340239.post-82734406600201009092017-04-03T18:57:00.001-05:002017-04-03T18:57:44.826-05:00Twins Win!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
#30daysofbiking day 3</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I had a meeting in Saint Paul this morning, so I couldn't ride my bike to work. However, I was able to get a quick ride in on the single speed after watching the Twins beat the Royals on opening day! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufYmtHmeTBAcRNw8H37wWmokDy40SJo4Xi_RduiARRw3CSnucNTEGsV70sdbUOBId3hc7W4sykT07-CCxs4-3joaCXh3CgpzG5zOXJIhMW7n7TFM1scx8egdSQYEO6vl810Gy4nVWHJZI/s640/blogger-image--1921454496.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
It's the first win on opening day for the mighty Twins since 2008...so, I was sure to wear my Twins sweatshirt during the ride. This is the same sweatshirt Matt and I received during the Twins home opener two years ago when the Twins played the Royals...and lost. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuHW3IDhZ2XsNML5rgKib04xzMcTLn_qExqBBwLrXdufLT-7eIOL_kqKljgEpqR0FI9Ks6rWI9k5b8eLqXKMCaJlWfxxXkXepv27JAyKPiNOzB-ISVCGonqtEp6Q_8M-Q4NsIaeCM4-bz/s640/blogger-image--353773700.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
This single speed is what I usually ride to work. You probably don't notice the new tires on my bike. Yes, they have tan sidewalls. I've wanted tires with tan sidewalls for this single speed for a couple years, and Matt finally surprised me with them a few weeks ago. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Cheers!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
About 3000 Miles North...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18379404514861381552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644144411340239.post-32646682441656653372017-04-02T19:04:00.000-05:002017-04-02T19:04:19.065-05:00#30daysofbikingWhat is #30daysofbiking? It is a pledge to ride your bike every day in April. and, I pledged. This is no April Fools Day joke. Yes, I WILL be riding my bike for 30 days in a row...some way...some how.<br />
<br />
How did #30daysofbiking get started?<br />
<br />
According to <i>Minneapolis Happening </i>#30daysofbiking began when two guys from Minneapolis saw a tweet about 30 days of yoga. One of them responded "how about 30 days of biking" and thus a world-wide (literally) movement was born.<br />
<br />
30 days of biking is a simple concept that started in 2010 in Minneapolis. It doesn't matter how long, how far, or what kind of bike you ride. What matters is that you ride your bike.<br />
<br />
<i>Minneapolis Happening </i>states that #30daysofbiking has created a world-wide community with over 4,000 participants from over 100 countries. Why April? It's Spring! There will be different kinds of weather almost every day - a good way to get really comfortable on your bike.<br />
<br />
Visit www.30daysofbiking.com for more information and to pledge (nothing wrong with being a few days behind). you can also watch this pretty cool <a href="https://vimeo.com/62314578" target="_blank">video</a> that was made a few years ago.<br />
<br />
Day 1: #30daysofbiking<br />
<div>
<br />
The sun was out. I took the fat bike for a spin along some trails around the <a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/minnesota_valley/" target="_blank">Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge</a>, which is just behind where we live.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHuBMxeZkTZCO6EnM9El0VV6AvcFfROawEq_YccnSueF519TEOUc_gr3GeEL-_UqGgCzCEme24VffuW_5Qe-HiyPkGFLZ3yutYvl2iUUMuYZNRxLg-hJaYHTq_oPVFlX5xDOWUMGx7-Rrh/s640/blogger-image--1816756619.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeltIDyVT70NOicsh-4iXvYJAlOa5oyUvusYT1JhEbsFB8PbvuPV6B5kYFuJhyOChEtpJ4G95Gmy3qHlo9Ql131_u7bdlXjyNINTpxPq4xv3M6cBAz9mHGA99YSTe2G6lR8vCSfYGWC6B9/s640/blogger-image--1859200549.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Day 2: #30daysofbiking</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Matt and I went for a 20 mile ride on one of our favorite routes. Although it was cloudy, it was fun to get outside and ride.</div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9nVv9pn4qTgetqD6lkN-inZKKPcin4sfKeQ6fktULYRnIHnhxHl9bUnIZGvBNyLIWDNGS2TSJAGr7Dx6p2b3UTd-_HCmjMbUVgOMzy55HlppCpqE320cp5z5zOg0rDA-WHDGZDTJpuoXP/s640/blogger-image--1499672289.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGW_vY32VtIdZg6HQpjFlweio7IBVd1pWWcTtV4n9LfMybpcPKgOJqfIXGotv0MhI4SPdTVwi9cR-gjpyf0FsQsnUN-2qQ7YpfpOp8lFFCv_lOQub0t6KjQL0q-JNJMYsr_FBoAkaDjVn/s640/blogger-image-1961578832.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPR0SNWFPf2arpPi4uT0JzoCwUCMrOxZlF2amxkYA7j7uBYH6ciZ3indxC9FTbrXXIPHSrNhXQdVpxn-t7hCTKJVcUD3Gr0cYJh3PUJfq5smzVTVNA5HNLJtn6rDLWpukgtxCTyZW8QNdK/s640/blogger-image-2116884164.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Cheers!</div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
About 3000 Miles North...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18379404514861381552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644144411340239.post-87590454983170803552017-01-09T20:39:00.000-06:002017-01-10T11:34:34.002-06:00When I deleted my calorie counting app.<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpuZG4IUvZBpmy_XUDNNCHYnL5c4zetYW-NKtl-HshsCCYFEQkKVCAxhyXjlBDEe1xq2mYhwvNY_X02kvz5hC1fyGZq2ONS4upDPo6feKKTLQxN53r30d46OtAL8bifWZE7jr7FnKi-FxJ/s640/IMG_2277.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m not a huge fan of New Year resolutions. I think setting goals are important, but I think goals are more about life. How do you envision your life? Does it really change because the calendar flips from December 31 to January 1? It's one day...a Saturday to a Sunday. Does a 24 hour period really need that much attention as far as making new goals?</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, on December 31, 2016, I DID do something just because the next day was the start of 2017. I deleted my calorie counting application. I have been using MyFitnessPal for a good three years and had been pretty consistent in using it for the past year and a half. However, over the past month or two, I began using the application less and less. The app took up so much of my time. Either I was wasting time planning what food I would eat each day to make sure it fit my macros or inputting calories from meals I had just eaten. Quite frankly, the app was driving me nuts! By the end of December, I was not using the app at all. It felt so good, almost liberating. So, while I actually deleted the app because it was the end of 2016, not using the app had been a conscious decision I had made over the course of a few months.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">WARNING...quick rant. As you all very well know, and I will be the first person to tell you, I am NOT a dietitian. I have ZERO credit to my name that gives me the authority whatsoever to give health/food/body advice. If you're concerned about anything diet related, you SHOULD see a dietitian. They have studied and read more text books about the human body than most anyone. I think far too many people listen to advice on the Internet/Instagram/Facebook/whatever just because they saw their friend, or friend of friend, or friend of their cousin's friend, who lost a lot of weight working out for 20 minutes a day and drinking shakes all day long. They are willing to pay hundreds of dollars because they think it will work for them. They may make a New Year resolution to follow a program so by 2018 they’ll have the body of someone else. Really?! I could go on, but I’ll pause here. For the sake of THIS post, here are MY thoughts about calorie counting…</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Did you know MyFitnessPal has well over <a href="http://blog.myfitnesspal.com/announcing-75-million-myfitnesspal-users/" target="_blank">75 million registered users</a>? Anyone reading this most likely has had the app on their phone at some point or another. While I know counting calories can be beneficial for some people, I personally have decided to stay faaaaaaaarrrr away from all calorie counting/macro counting apps. Instead, I have committed to listening to my body. What am I truly hungry for? Is it 50 chicken breasts a day, seven days a week…just to hit my protein macros?? Or am I hungry for sweet potatoes, black beans, hummus and zucchini! Lately, it’s definitely been the later. One day I might add some plain yogurt on top or a couple slices of turkey breast and the next day, I may pair it with brown rice and an avocado. Sometimes I might just put all those goods in a soft corn tortilla or on toast. Toast? Yes, toast! What’s great about listening to your body is that you can eat whatever you want…in moderation, of course. Want some wine? Enjoy a glass with someone special. Want some ice cream!??? DO IT! </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">EAT REAL FOOD</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you eat real food, you most likely won’t over indulge because the foods are natural and don’t have the added artificial sweeteners, enormous amounts of sodium, flavorings, chemicals and whatever else those words mean on the ingredient label. Those are ingredients that make you want to eat more and more...and more. My rule of thumb is that the food is probably good for you if it has around 5-7 ingredients or less…and most importantly, if I can read (and understand) the ingredient. Plus, if you do have a few too many servings of hummus and carrots, your body won’t hate you. You might feel overly full, but how guilty will you really feel? At least you filled your body with wholesome ingredients.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ACCOUNTABILITY</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you need to hold yourself accountable, consider journaling your foods. I don’t do this, but I know people that do and it can be very helpful. In addition to being able to plan some meals for the week, journaling allows you to write down how you feel after you eat certain foods, which can, in turn, help remind you of the foods that make you feel good after eating versus foods that make you feel bloated and uncomfortable.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">COMMON SENSE</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Common sense tells you to eat when you’re hungry and then stop eating when you’re full. I guarantee that if you eat your meals sitting at the dinner table, your risk of over eating will be significantly reduced. Goodbye mindless eating. Be thoughtful about your food. Think of it as fuel for your mind and body. What kind of food fuel do you want your body to use tomorrow? REAL, FRESH food, right? Not something from a box that's been sitting in your cupboard far too long.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I usually don’t use this blog to talk about personal choices. 3000 Miles North has mostly been a place to share my adventures exploring the wonderful outdoors. However, upon reading a few blogs and seeing a million Instagram posts about calorie counting, I thought I’d share my view on the subject.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Listen to your body. It’s the only one you have and it’s a magical thing...much more magical than an APP!</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-f3fc2ae9-862c-02c1-694b-3c161f3f725d"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cheers!!!</span></span></span>About 3000 Miles North...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18379404514861381552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644144411340239.post-39332126466347689232016-10-26T09:52:00.000-05:002016-10-26T09:52:29.713-05:00Interstate State ParkThe outdoors of Minnesota in October are scattered with colors of orange, gold and red. People from all over the country come to Minnesota to view the foliage - and a number of different drives through the state have been designated as some of the best to see fall colors. The <a href="http://dnr.state.mn.us/fall_colors/index.html" target="_blank">State of Minnesota DNR created a fall color finder</a> that is updated regularly with weekly top picks of where to see the best mix of colors.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTmkXrhPfrep22jp99b8qCksyVuqlDxp6aLNoqJVhMLzg09hPiCbAbqjcuLZJpqTBXwOtnUpg09qsB6TyUWYNMFIut0du1Pl_NguQdFzwMBzx4ySPbtSfZXMBChh4QnSRsua50eXxjlaI/s640/blogger-image--1789201603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTmkXrhPfrep22jp99b8qCksyVuqlDxp6aLNoqJVhMLzg09hPiCbAbqjcuLZJpqTBXwOtnUpg09qsB6TyUWYNMFIut0du1Pl_NguQdFzwMBzx4ySPbtSfZXMBChh4QnSRsua50eXxjlaI/s640/blogger-image--1789201603.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
During a weekend in October, Matt, Rio and I headed to Interstate State Park, which is near Taylors Falls, MN, not only to see the fall colors, but to go for a hike!! Interstate State Park is located on the St. Croix River. The park is unique because at least 10 different lava flows are exposed in the park, along with two
distinct glacial deposits, and traces of old streams, valleys and
faults.<br />
<br />
Rio really wanted to go cliff jumping, but Matt and I told her she had to follow the rules... </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtFve-piqw_ncsKpDTH99nf0VjBWFUUTvyMKRezuKv9x8T-GAfMlGbK26VNGiIO7ap6IRmEqqKPAEGuMMp5X_NASMX8RHzyHRR5oRlmLRtEhCh2_XjH2RzsmCHhWVJltcltVhS-NBwnuG/s640/blogger-image--342354989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtFve-piqw_ncsKpDTH99nf0VjBWFUUTvyMKRezuKv9x8T-GAfMlGbK26VNGiIO7ap6IRmEqqKPAEGuMMp5X_NASMX8RHzyHRR5oRlmLRtEhCh2_XjH2RzsmCHhWVJltcltVhS-NBwnuG/s640/blogger-image--342354989.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
The colors were in full glow and during the hike, Matt and I took every opportunity to stop and take in the beauty around us. God really put together a nice landscape for us to enjoy, right?!<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOOzPRl_ONvL6nwllKedhPsfEEfl0AasJLMLi7caYrXxYU23dLExHRhqLVs1SSHj7ySZXrQj5GEypV_nNJBE1w190ZMJNmUzLA2XF2Ptd7G6xbwhKek27DPlmBMU5OaYeOBa-cMJYU9Kf/s640/blogger-image-17087114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOOzPRl_ONvL6nwllKedhPsfEEfl0AasJLMLi7caYrXxYU23dLExHRhqLVs1SSHj7ySZXrQj5GEypV_nNJBE1w190ZMJNmUzLA2XF2Ptd7G6xbwhKek27DPlmBMU5OaYeOBa-cMJYU9Kf/s640/blogger-image-17087114.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
There were three trails for hiking, which all totaled to about a four mile hike. Most of the hike was flat, but parts of the trail was rugged with a number of steps. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJTs5joGLBuRa0N9eLt2X9CeRKsWRru1wahSRm_Hwgm369wz5_9zHFmBdJ__kMVbN-R7K5gwbQupAGqP3J1XkAfHppOszwxlLuhxCoI83DF3Nps1VWkjKy6PlpxOu8AEyPwFIvpTrMiuZ/s640/blogger-image--1313361266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJTs5joGLBuRa0N9eLt2X9CeRKsWRru1wahSRm_Hwgm369wz5_9zHFmBdJ__kMVbN-R7K5gwbQupAGqP3J1XkAfHppOszwxlLuhxCoI83DF3Nps1VWkjKy6PlpxOu8AEyPwFIvpTrMiuZ/s640/blogger-image--1313361266.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
The end of the hike was flat and lead us to Taylors Falls...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTkKAGIYLiEkXLFiUanm-i2HFCpdbcYHcUKq5r1uLJfNi-DZIQ8SMmkGuDNKit-D8qUmJp5vzyAnu_ta_ZnKU7zklBmgVD7dUyNDlXd4H3HdwIMXAnUCy6KphEWqxkJRndlTWtmdR_OvP/s640/blogger-image-731963626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTkKAGIYLiEkXLFiUanm-i2HFCpdbcYHcUKq5r1uLJfNi-DZIQ8SMmkGuDNKit-D8qUmJp5vzyAnu_ta_ZnKU7zklBmgVD7dUyNDlXd4H3HdwIMXAnUCy6KphEWqxkJRndlTWtmdR_OvP/s640/blogger-image-731963626.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
...where we happened upon the oldest existing public school house in Minnesota!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrtWwwlc774fVqiadVyrLdfSoY92d9Ot9R4IiuyZEQNF1tqM708tAd0IIYQemBb8h_7H9A2I0DpQHDG-BB3d5m-c99ndmo3iiBYe-qXDGga5X_sLGvnoS0sVZ02pE6fxQ7yppgbIOz59l/s640/blogger-image--327128063.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrtWwwlc774fVqiadVyrLdfSoY92d9Ot9R4IiuyZEQNF1tqM708tAd0IIYQemBb8h_7H9A2I0DpQHDG-BB3d5m-c99ndmo3iiBYe-qXDGga5X_sLGvnoS0sVZ02pE6fxQ7yppgbIOz59l/s640/blogger-image--327128063.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Once again Rio was a champ on the hike. Her energy has us convinced that she is a three year old dog in a 12 year old body. However, she was happy to be back in the car and slept most of the way home...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLtsPnBA_ZH0zTC1FcdV0vMSGsuUyE0hR1EMnaevgN0rzUeYN6dlKIcRtxfJSzrABn4KVv497rK8n5H37keVS0k3nzoilu5gcpWSiYky_E0gXwgudpazw5j1dKsi1RZN5jZPfNdvj_kSy/s640/blogger-image--967096447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLtsPnBA_ZH0zTC1FcdV0vMSGsuUyE0hR1EMnaevgN0rzUeYN6dlKIcRtxfJSzrABn4KVv497rK8n5H37keVS0k3nzoilu5gcpWSiYky_E0gXwgudpazw5j1dKsi1RZN5jZPfNdvj_kSy/s640/blogger-image--967096447.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I say "most of the way home" because Matt and I stopped for dinner at <a href="http://www.eatbricks.com/" target="_blank">Bricks Neapolitan Pizza</a> in Hudson, Wisconsin on the way back to Chaska. Rio kept a watchful eye on passer-byes from the front seat of the vehicle while Matt and I enjoyed a delicious appetizer of asparagus wrapped in mozzarella and prosciutto, drizzled in a balsamic reduction...<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjRpMHOhC7rd53eUMrTXss6HyjA0IYF8ix3e6jgP0nh_nNXwAtCxH_F_Q4l-0rSkAxHUVsYhgfNqTnPcA-OeHVN3bAQiVph5jRsQ3fzYh_n3hmyEM46p3Gxj-C3oAafY_krvOJv2D5YWg/s640/blogger-image-117737236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjRpMHOhC7rd53eUMrTXss6HyjA0IYF8ix3e6jgP0nh_nNXwAtCxH_F_Q4l-0rSkAxHUVsYhgfNqTnPcA-OeHVN3bAQiVph5jRsQ3fzYh_n3hmyEM46p3Gxj-C3oAafY_krvOJv2D5YWg/s640/blogger-image-117737236.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
...and a campagnola Neapolitan pizza. The crust was wood fired in an 800 degree oven and topped crushed tomatoes, prosciutto, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, goat cheese and fresh basil. #yum<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJRwmCWX5_AzQjiqkBt01nE6BBhlA2ikxt53CDhZeiBEGINtKLHZG0uFIHXERKVnjxOp1DvXotFiw_ZAVS1AkYP-r_EXcake1Kh_vbtXDTPBVmdadcVRwGL_Kte_wnxC1B_oMo4y8-Vc-/s640/blogger-image-737369718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJRwmCWX5_AzQjiqkBt01nE6BBhlA2ikxt53CDhZeiBEGINtKLHZG0uFIHXERKVnjxOp1DvXotFiw_ZAVS1AkYP-r_EXcake1Kh_vbtXDTPBVmdadcVRwGL_Kte_wnxC1B_oMo4y8-Vc-/s640/blogger-image-737369718.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Matt and I both agreed that Bricks is one of our most favorite pizza places EVER! We will be back.<br />
<br />
Cheers!</div>
About 3000 Miles North...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18379404514861381552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644144411340239.post-55532219521441232782016-10-19T09:43:00.002-05:002016-10-19T09:43:15.688-05:00Cascade River State Park.The North Shore is a beautiful place...that is what I have heard since moving to Minnesota. "You have to go!" "You and Matt would love it up there!"<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So...last spring, Matt and I made it a goal to visit the North Shore this summer and in August, Matt and I finalized our plans. After contemplating a few places to explore, and limited by just a few camp site options, we decided on Cascade River State Park, which is roughly ten miles south of Grand Marais. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1P1YUoUVT1UzRb57eqmAIema1592jzkZDPSj_iu2evXelV4l3zHZoXzdy2-izK7SseU1oLvKCD6vKRft4MHRZT48mYgxwqkmGnCHk-a-6jey0TJEEPLwjYDCityQHPKUR94QCjDrMHwj/s640/blogger-image--37969257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1P1YUoUVT1UzRb57eqmAIema1592jzkZDPSj_iu2evXelV4l3zHZoXzdy2-izK7SseU1oLvKCD6vKRft4MHRZT48mYgxwqkmGnCHk-a-6jey0TJEEPLwjYDCityQHPKUR94QCjDrMHwj/s640/blogger-image--37969257.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Matt and I loaded up the car and with Rio in tow, left mid day on a Friday for a long weekend of camping and hiking. After roughly six hours of driving, with some road construction and pit stops in between, we arrived at Cascade River State Park just before dusk. Matt set up the tent and started the fire while Rio and I walked around the campground to find wood and sniff, sniff, sniff.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
We <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">had packed all of our food in the car with the goal of not having to eat at a restaurant the entire weekend (a bonus to car camping = soooo much more space for food than backpacking!). Our Friday night meal was cooked in foil packs over the camp fire. We had sausages<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> and</span> potato<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">es</span></span> in one packet and <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">zucchini, pep<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">pers and onions</span></span> in another packet. There is something really great about eating food cooked over a fire...in aluminum foil...and having no dishes to clean!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Saturday morning we woke up and Rio was ready to hike!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXvdQ-izpmkIOPKI3AQzweAH6TAzJddyFqjHVGzJvakdOeq2fgb0OhCmtnsEcwlazSIA5Q3V0nEcABfK2mVyCZH4Geqwp_FX6i9BV0_wY6oS1bBuk1HphbVBKwEIcANi2w7VD0HrvuGZ-/s640/blogger-image--454084296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXvdQ-izpmkIOPKI3AQzweAH6TAzJddyFqjHVGzJvakdOeq2fgb0OhCmtnsEcwlazSIA5Q3V0nEcABfK2mVyCZH4Geqwp_FX6i9BV0_wY6oS1bBuk1HphbVBKwEIcANi2w7VD0HrvuGZ-/s640/blogger-image--454084296.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">We enjoyed some breakfast (yogurt and granola) and hot coffee. We planned to hike the Cascade River Loop of the Superior Hiking Trail, which is roughly 8 miles. The weather was a little gloomy and drops of rain started falling just as we started the hike. However, once we got under the trees, we felt no rain. The hike brought back so many memories of the hiking we did in Alaska...but without the mountains in the background. :-)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tGPw_m3d_w43uALGL_JtnmZhzcAuBNsEbxJfTOSpM04Y0x6PXLKz-8Am1CxHslsDozjrt5aJIozUfG5w4dHYFV1lUQOmHmRoxn352N9-_L3ZgOuVUo2-HHnETFwBGbx6Xg62pkyCZD_l/s640/blogger-image-1736547673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tGPw_m3d_w43uALGL_JtnmZhzcAuBNsEbxJfTOSpM04Y0x6PXLKz-8Am1CxHslsDozjrt5aJIozUfG5w4dHYFV1lUQOmHmRoxn352N9-_L3ZgOuVUo2-HHnETFwBGbx6Xg62pkyCZD_l/s640/blogger-image-1736547673.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Rio showed no signs of her age. We figured she hiked double if not triple the distance we hiked because she likes to run back and forth along the trail. Silly dog!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CmtG7naV9OBc_24yrBCugOxuvCMuM6fjiJhDYpPf-vFS5JHX1LYse43ju6ZssnH-YqeLV9h7DqB9LySKthS3KG78b-8LHMtH2fD7arG7uUobbqdSk1YT509t-TeHul24DewW02D7iyqK/s640/blogger-image--392272260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CmtG7naV9OBc_24yrBCugOxuvCMuM6fjiJhDYpPf-vFS5JHX1LYse43ju6ZssnH-YqeLV9h7DqB9LySKthS3KG78b-8LHMtH2fD7arG7uUobbqdSk1YT509t-TeHul24DewW02D7iyqK/s640/blogger-image--392272260.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">The <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">river was rushing with water, which made for some really beautiful sites along the trail</span>...</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnfPZj3l2TRyisQ2W5kwIAq49uCV69jVYr9owzBDf7dV2cD8elhayGpx9Xcfh56umYslfhhtPXyxvLzC7s9jf9Lu6VJGxylDSecLWjhhNYMxwxzIBbHUG48A8u48RfJ_kIE_Z8KwqWHGk/s640/blogger-image--695727876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnfPZj3l2TRyisQ2W5kwIAq49uCV69jVYr9owzBDf7dV2cD8elhayGpx9Xcfh56umYslfhhtPXyxvLzC7s9jf9Lu6VJGxylDSecLWjhhNYMxwxzIBbHUG48A8u48RfJ_kIE_Z8KwqWHGk/s640/blogger-image--695727876.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">The first time I saw this mushroom, <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">my heart <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">dropped to my stomach<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> because it looks so much lik<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">e bear scat!! Psych!! We saw many more <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">of these '<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">shrooms a<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">long the hike.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5QKF8WtxeCRUOAV8MZfv1wdORO9_wbLnckOhbSDmTi8_yD5ehIFwWg6fBhsGPaeNudWDcalKfZlIUlt_PHEkm4tZI6KriBQwqX-eIOwXzq_LxJsNEW2UCc3Ej_b8dyR7-jqdjckFi6pW/s640/blogger-image--211785414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5QKF8WtxeCRUOAV8MZfv1wdORO9_wbLnckOhbSDmTi8_yD5ehIFwWg6fBhsGPaeNudWDcalKfZlIUlt_PHEkm4tZI6KriBQwqX-eIOwXzq_LxJsNEW2UCc3Ej_b8dyR7-jqdjckFi6pW/s640/blogger-image--211785414.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Halfway done with the hike...you'll notice Cascade Park on the sign.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cW7ERgiXyrLkTpv5WttrE6HuABpPljbKFxrskMjXHZH9DXk0LlgcaFHxVu0y1-WCqRTGAvKT9NhGfMetaJPDoa6B_TiE0XXVWQCQUlvYZy_3PrBeswKjfq5T6QkECEv05lS-6vI8RYJp/s640/blogger-image-293724700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cW7ERgiXyrLkTpv5WttrE6HuABpPljbKFxrskMjXHZH9DXk0LlgcaFHxVu0y1-WCqRTGAvKT9NhGfMetaJPDoa6B_TiE0XXVWQCQUlvYZy_3PrBeswKjfq5T6QkECEv05lS-6vI8RYJp/s640/blogger-image-293724700.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">After we finished the hike, <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">and since it was pouring down rain, we opted not to sit in our tent and instead, head to Grand Mar<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">ai</span>s. First stop = coffee at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/javamoosegrandmarais/" target="_blank">Java Moose</a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGcbe8zWcOWlLBuH_9V2Pmt4J8rN8hqSyPet9AbEvAH0ema4d3vMwW1q5FQPEPxECeUVIT7Kx5DNfnf4koCGN0QQ3XrF575-jCIjKF_q-jWp_-0F0IQs2dCUVH4DuPOgvRStsPetFfNw_/s640/blogger-image--1332354747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGcbe8zWcOWlLBuH_9V2Pmt4J8rN8hqSyPet9AbEvAH0ema4d3vMwW1q5FQPEPxECeUVIT7Kx5DNfnf4koCGN0QQ3XrF575-jCIjKF_q-jWp_-0F0IQs2dCUVH4DuPOgvRStsPetFfNw_/s640/blogger-image--1332354747.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">We then decided to drive a few miles on the <a href="http://www.superiorbyways.com/routes/gunflint-trail-scenic-byway" target="_blank">Gunflint Trail</a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.superiorbyways.com/routes/gunflint-trail-scenic-byway" target="_blank"> Scenic Byway</a>. The </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Gunflint Trail is a remote wilderness road that winds through a
thick, undeveloped boreal forest of pine, aspen, birch and rare maple
stands<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">. T</span></span></span>he Gunflint Trail is approximately 55 miles and borders the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYs-sIuqVVtG7MC3ro9zMx5_tFQGHHetFkC2boMYhDX9t6VTzZaaSj4c68SSQnI5sc1qTEPey-uCbwkm7OLjW6ptI89PnShADEP5nIq8IqPzUZETvA9LtiSaioQ7FxqJDKOPHyQCquD00/s640/blogger-image-561992741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYs-sIuqVVtG7MC3ro9zMx5_tFQGHHetFkC2boMYhDX9t6VTzZaaSj4c68SSQnI5sc1qTEPey-uCbwkm7OLjW6ptI89PnShADEP5nIq8IqPzUZETvA9LtiSaioQ7FxqJDKOPHyQCquD00/s640/blogger-image-561992741.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Rio decided to sleep<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> during the drive...</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtcsqQd-e4pSG7qS3TTj2hLVi8si6CkR9kNyaANhZzXp3e-sBcj39uev8One7s59FXijlhyphenhyphenvRV586vuq3WYP259pFRCdiGLOQYksUw5bEuv1yeR4Cy6WUE-7ymopbE2JSZY6yJXVjV3Hm/s640/blogger-image-269712385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtcsqQd-e4pSG7qS3TTj2hLVi8si6CkR9kNyaANhZzXp3e-sBcj39uev8One7s59FXijlhyphenhyphenvRV586vuq3WYP259pFRCdiGLOQYksUw5bEuv1yeR4Cy6WUE-7ymopbE2JSZY6yJXVjV3Hm/s640/blogger-image-269712385.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Sunday we woke up to b<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">lue skies and temps in the <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">low 60s. We decided to work our way back to Chaska by visi<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">ting a few more <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">State Parks along t<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">he way. Most of them we<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">re very bu<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">sy with people, but we decided to stop for an extended per<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">iod of time at <a href="http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/jay_cooke/index.html" target="_blank">Jay Cooke State Park</a>, which is just south of D<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">uluth, MN.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-i4usjHSvHp1Z1Q2Hoe9GGl0TxoBafsanz43BiWzBfG0q0CoPMubFOrL0ElxvPMYAe1TEn9TvCvmAJJvWk6hCbTUE7duMiiZpWQe0m1T6RB15Det8QT6AilwFL17llSffkstcnHalSZ4Z/s640/blogger-image-1397038639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-i4usjHSvHp1Z1Q2Hoe9GGl0TxoBafsanz43BiWzBfG0q0CoPMubFOrL0ElxvPMYAe1TEn9TvCvmAJJvWk6hCbTUE7duMiiZpWQe0m1T6RB15Det8QT6AilwFL17llSffkstcnHalSZ4Z/s640/blogger-image-1397038639.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Rio was ready to hike again!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvl9y7FOvO4mdWXlZVCKZcDXd-Q4bGCTxWJtA7xoUszUMP_ZSsWl-GE9SAGJeRWdKE3tTbWlWVCF__9uHLEHTSlREyIcCsu9hH_jYYyxmNXK01z-H9dK9gXfIOE7HDopGtdtMlet1RekL/s640/blogger-image--1152974314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvl9y7FOvO4mdWXlZVCKZcDXd-Q4bGCTxWJtA7xoUszUMP_ZSsWl-GE9SAGJeRWdKE3tTbWlWVCF__9uHLEHTSlREyIcCsu9hH_jYYyxmNXK01z-H9dK9gXfIOE7HDopGtdtMlet1RekL/s640/blogger-image--1152974314.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Breathtaking<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">, right?!</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4WnRm63pGFJbsQhZ0dS5cl6ELvNW8xwvKD6S977Cq_j7OWWwWmW0j6Vvwun2Xm9XsW6qG5bVGAgg1_FmLUlrb1GdSGKZUgecVkajkUoZtZE7fu6-ReNlOTBl62alpzRFtfxCPAgm-x5am/s640/blogger-image--1968781811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4WnRm63pGFJbsQhZ0dS5cl6ELvNW8xwvKD6S977Cq_j7OWWwWmW0j6Vvwun2Xm9XsW6qG5bVGAgg1_FmLUlrb1GdSGKZUgecVkajkUoZtZE7fu6-ReNlOTBl62alpzRFtfxCPAgm-x5am/s640/blogger-image--1968781811.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">After <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">another few hours of hiking and three hours in the car, we made it <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">back to <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Chaska. This picture is of Rio the NEXT day. I think she was exh<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">austed!!</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcdn0Wz80CzFdTgLB6f3VTxwwMBTff8LalKcMw9uoD3P3nQarV4e5l0M9wopjObysUGTxeZeytQCHZdrxERRf8iYlYsTZN3GJhLEq_HF3J0EA6JoxX_kjeeDtK7G7Y1nK5T0esRT8Zrbt/s640/blogger-image--787812902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcdn0Wz80CzFdTgLB6f3VTxwwMBTff8LalKcMw9uoD3P3nQarV4e5l0M9wopjObysUGTxeZeytQCHZdrxERRf8iYlYsTZN3GJhLEq_HF3J0EA6JoxX_kjeeDtK7G7Y1nK5T0esRT8Zrbt/s640/blogger-image--787812902.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Both Matt and I agreed that we are looking forward to the many adventures Minnesota has to offer us. I can not wait to explore again!<br />
<br />
Cheers!!<br />
<br /></div>
About 3000 Miles North...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18379404514861381552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644144411340239.post-69398169476046329552016-05-02T17:53:00.002-05:002016-05-02T17:53:25.999-05:00May Day bike ride.<div class="MsoNormal">
With blue and sunny skies this past Sunday, Matt and I once again hopped on our saddles for a ride around
Minneapolis. We decided to navigate parts of the<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><a href="https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks__destinations/trails__parkways/grand_rounds_scenic_byway_system/">Grand Rounds Scenic Byway system</a>, which </span><span style="background-color: white;">is a series of park areas linked by bike trials that takes a roughly circular path through the city</span>. Instead of leaving from Chaska, we began our ride
from The Depot in Hopkins, so we could spend more time riding around
Minneapolis. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKq5P4wBuuHNpmDjHAsPxAkUNXzOFCH_RKpp-6aKylpCAOFuUOSOjVqjZhJgdH_dnPydRnDLlTd1WhqHy9ON-hma7yN0EuEG1Tv0CVl3I2SeP4ppbwvtioRrOto5nAfInlDy9va7bVhtZq/s640/IMG_9152.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">From Hopkins, Matt and I rode on the North Cedar Lake Trail
to the Kenilworth Trail, which connected us to the Byway in downtown
Minneapolis. The Kenilworth Trail took us right past Target Field, where the
Twins were getting beat by the Tigers. Ho hum...</span><br />
<span id="goog_1589246272"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
More about the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway system…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
According to the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation
website, <span style="background: white;">the Grand Rounds National
Scenic Byway is part of the Federal Highway Administration's </span><a href="http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep/scenic_byways/" title="Federal Highway Administration's National Scenic Byways Program"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">National Scenic Byways Program</span></a><span style="background: white;">, which recognizes and supports outstanding
roads. The Grand Rounds is one of the country's longest continuous systems
of public urban parkways and has been the preeminent urban parkway system for
more than a century. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGy7-CdzpcF-RXXq9PKnBottPUfJeqkQNDJHBdJpeTfLLC8RygsR4C0ap3kKmHxvsIJrCm0cCBATStkAjJueTnTueGMF70mwfbAWHdHd_5-4kzOEQfhyphenhyphenudJvuJgjl-vNhUSkeDh74d4bC6/s400/scenic+byway+map.gif" width="355" /></div>
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">The Grand Rounds Scenic Byway
system consists of seven segments that total about 50 miles. Matt and I rode on
most, if not all, of four of the segments…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>Downtown Riverfront (1.2
miles):</b> </span><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;">This segment lies along the Mississippi River...</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6v5wrzbmvTNwQqukoo7k2QlDDPPopCIfDx74HQOuiFVEyjqqXJhvOqxLo6_ZC8ZSgWzxWEuSdmuFqmQ7OQvKAp4_D-2LZFYpmdpnuoCROzVehMhKOw-jfR2WJPJwt7muep0MGgA3Mj9G/s640/IMG_9153.JPG" width="640" /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;">...and includes Saint Anthony falls and the historic milling districts. </span><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -24px;">Saint Anthony Falls was the only natural major waterfall on the Upper Mississippi River and is the 17th largest waterfall on Earth, 5th in the United States. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAblceVyG_2tRtgOpmzazZIaldSXQFzUGEXW_-hAjfpVqxf0_xsn7k9vqTRYJsoUP9idKHbNNkQEgoCVOgCCay2g_578nMLZQVmPfva_RSILuGl9CLBI_RPniSDjUGWn7h2_l8aqkbwoM/s640/IMG_9154.JPG" width="640" /></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;">The Byway follows West River Parkway on the west side of the river and leads to the Stone Arch Bridge, a railroad bridge turned pedestrian and bicycle bridge and the only arched bridge made of stone on the entire length of the Mississippi River.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoH5DfJ_5R8fRn-HFfyMACZIUezUT1Ccrb742Ce9scIPLbBCbMMDV5Q66za53UAf141LdDaRPS0C9OTQ3C-hybNp67heObCiV5iczTBbLHpgCmFMtQud_LNHm9CNYVrpI4OEM34axuIG6H/s640/IMG_9160.jpg" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>Mississippi River (9.2 miles):</b> <o:p></o:p></span><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;">Extending from downtown to Minnehaha Park, some of this segment was under construction, so we took a detour through the west bank of the University of Minnesota. This detour brought back small reminiscences of our</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="http://www.3000milesnorth.com/2016/04/a-beautiful-day-on-our-bikes.html#.VydqnKMrIxg" target="_blank">ride a few weeks ago….</a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOX9Dk3bIgCUOgNJPMy7gynYXpkE1_YDeRKDNRVKIhXVBQhawtQ63qEX1zc4JNJWx4M3BD2n5fQ6rx6f-eLRWPQ2trbFR-S9YCoamzcnQq5ldA7kCWUkfdPik1TWoS5x95jgBEeuOHc1_Z/s640/IMG_9161.JPG" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>Minnehaha (12.6 miles):</b> </span><span style="background: white; text-indent: -24px;">This segment includes Minnehaha Park, where we spent some time walking around and viewing the Minnehaha Falls. Matt and I were impressed how busy the park was with families picnicking, riding bikes and walking around. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; text-indent: -24px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; text-indent: -24px;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7u4TIDfHpMEXAs5KyKAiL91xKcj1nL8mXG7UvvDjZcC6MGLmV7-rqA5hYQwbZMveQudaZhkvdDevRpKUBW968NKyStT_iNgcaqKDCEDHDT2Iwh-XB98W5KqE0w642RY-4YDm4ZZAcyGnM/s640/IMG_9164.JPG" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; text-indent: -24px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; text-indent: -24px;">This section becomes Minnehaha Parkway after crossing Hiawatha Avenue and follows Minnehaha Creek to Lake Harriet. </span><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -24px;">We decided to stop for some homemade ice cream at the Grand Ole Creamery on Cedar Avenue. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -24px;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMa94BoMq5IjX_JlK8fWtVDT_rM-5lr5O5vCGUuWVGjRlTwRF70dgvYKw4q5jehWguBWVK1e0wXy4ZMmpNfqRgwqWhyWe1VvT2jp0eXyKA1VcWFOY45cy-fs_9KRnLb-Gql_nHqQfEobau/s640/IMG_9169.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -24px;">There were lines out the door, but the wait actually was not long. There were over 20 flavors to choose from, but Matt settled on Coffee Break and I chose a combo of Coffee Break and Coconut Chip.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -24px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; text-indent: -24px;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyfxvx-PCBJSxQZ6UgpNI5m2T8Ok0O2o_mn0nsBqbql291y24PUQsuFOMqzOqAgfPjWVEWqSZK6NCAY91KnpEmnSkc5aByc5ofjt-AcLRDxIxz41v06ZiyF5LNxepSFDSS9QPRe94Y5-A/s640/IMG_9170.JPG" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; text-indent: -24px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>Chain of Lakes (13.3 miles):</b> </span><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -24px;">This section includes routes around Lake Harriet, Lake Calhoun, Lake of the Isles, Cedar Lake, Brownie Lake and Lyndale Park. This lake parkland is collectively called the <a href="https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks__destinations/parks__lakes/minneapolis_chain_of_lakes_regional_park/" target="_blank">Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Regional Park</a>. </span><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;">We made sure to loop
completely around Lake Harriet, Lake Calhoun and Lake of the Isles before
passing by Brownie Lake and connecting back on to the Midtown Greenway and the
North Cedar Lake Trail to Hopkins.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">Upon arriving in Hopkins, we
stopped for pizza at </span><a href="https://pizzaluce.com/" target="_blank">Pizza Luce</a><span style="background-color: white;">. With a number of locations around the Metro, the pizza has been coined as "Minnesota's best pizza." Matt and I shared a meatball appetizer and a Spanish Chicken pizza on thin crust. We both agreed the pizza was delicious...Matt even said it might be the best pizza he has ever eaten!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: white;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbNWreNSOYZptRfzc5wkb90cC7oT06bf7RzbA5ZZB0u1Fok0PGpPb-K4gCYpiPJ19wZudIX2127UTEKOcrNPYBw-ju6Wudi-T6Ufn0rZgYZq9vy30DALX8Wq9a2k5fRuZWTEdFPFTwjxN/s640/IMG_9172.JPG" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">Matt rode his single speed bike, and I rode my 35 pound Raleigh hybrid. The total time from when we left Hopkins to when we were seated at Pizza Luce was 7 hours and 30 minutes. We put just under 40 miles on the bikes and ascended roughly 4500 feet. Not a bad day!</span><br />
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: white;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgkwV9Mji4l_PQlhF5Os_zwcpmAdVPG2M1gmNzapZ-sKpc2vszPH5a8L-SWMT2JT2iUw4GaHmVmAkLRp1TZFU1Ik5e0dn1ZmCBxf6GzGPre_-b9kyR82APx5w7qW8kVPEDDvLSeS90Cwo/s640/IMG_9173.jpg" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">Cheers!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
About 3000 Miles North...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18379404514861381552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644144411340239.post-42474410800917387862016-05-02T08:31:00.000-05:002016-05-02T08:31:44.211-05:00Happy May!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1bP0Ily6N_iu5KkQIHyelcEQG8LwyDM61yPmrP1ccbL4nygGAMz0SRneu1Yo2s8FGbO_-4RFtZQHUPDt-nVTRNKofH0OT6AZzt46agkiVTiegXuFJdXJXdmSCHnVnFs5PDE7BrzqRRhZ/s640/blogger-image--1054881066.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
This image was made with the Font Candy app. My new favorite!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Cheers to May...and Spring...and (hopefully) warmer weather.</div>
About 3000 Miles North...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18379404514861381552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644144411340239.post-15743287187005214492016-04-24T12:42:00.004-05:002016-04-24T12:42:54.928-05:00Prince.As a local resident and employee of the county where Prince passed away, I thought I better comment on his passing...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-lagVZFn_vEgLwYsjvXF-0IAmf-n-vzf8Sv3l0SSNUXSGbCt3IuIkALWL9HlUwB-oOu77fnVxUf-ZIacnedX-HDE9k4jeMsKeSmq7i6o0QmqWCNMJ23OMrZrhi9lykUMJVCzN1656yzB/s640/blogger-image-354277681.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Carver County has been in the news quite a bit over the past few days since the passing of Prince, who was found dead at Paisley Park in Chanhassen Thursday morning. Paisley Park Studios was built in 1988 and looks like nothing more than a big white building that somewhat resembles a prison or large manufacturing site. Since living so close to Paisley Park for the past year, I have quickly learned quite a bit about Prince. Interestingly, Prince often times hosted pop-up concerts at Paisley Park that went unannounced until just moments before the start. The dome on top of Paisley Park would turn purple and the first people to arrive at the studios would be let into the concert.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetM4fbIXV5oNigm1Iy-HIsZFu9vxKkQrNWxOLGvm3kiCOdMAkWaMBOIdECKgWO2I9EatZutk-jXKLXSPICXjrUR7YESeuTEsfvZG4lANkeZVR0zywlNRK1bY00x3kSgEyGp_YsPRUCBYy/s640/paisley+park.jpeg" style="text-align: center;" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Photo of Paisley Park courtesy of The Star Tribune)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Chaska is the only city in Carver County with a police force, so the Carver County Sheriff's Office has been in charge of the investigation. A press conference was held at the Carver County Government Center, my place of work, on Friday; news stations from the nation and across the metro filled the parking lot.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://heavy.com/entertainment/2016/04/prince-death-press-conference-live-stream-how-to-watch-investigation-carver-county-sheriffs-department/" target="_blank">View the press conference by Carver County Sheriff, Jim Olson</a>.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I am taken aback by how </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">many coworkers and fellow Minnesotans are mourning the death of a local hero who took the world by storm in the early 80s, using his unique musical gifts to tell stories of love, politics and life. The city has paid tribute to Prince since his death. The I-35W and Lowry Avenue bridges, Target Field and Target headquarters have been lit purple... </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); clear: both;">
<img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAn7F0P8L16EOx5oU4LskZ5WSka9MQhMAl-B2uhfGAu5gK2heoEtPXB6WOazOvrM7OP_qExfKII3tpeK5KOvhjafviAC9qWiNraKG7TjFpYORJ801KRrgICCqwl5hzHBQ8qp1hhQPP2V5z/s640/blogger-image--1652009901.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Photo of the I-35W bridge courtesy of The Star Tribune)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">...First Avenue, a downtown music venue where Prince played regularly early in his career and occasionally made surprise appearances throughout his career, has hosted block parties every night since Thursday...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduTpQkhnxLlLy9bsGer87_x8LbtoUKtZwOrX2AK1cL25f8IpasMb5zg69D-H1_CoEs1wUgotO_UadXJtjLEKjihhJ1EXCUzE0n6Wt4u4X1KlG8ho3WnYEAJzWeQEt8-XeLyN48VWOKWP9/s640/blogger-image--436016051.jpg" width="640" /></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: xx-small;">(Photo courtesy of MPRNews)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I must admit that I am quickly becoming more of a Prince fan than I ever was and find myself constantly humming Purple Rain...Purple Rain...Purple Rain...(are there really any other words to that song???).</span></div>
</span><div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Rest in peace and purple, Prince.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
About 3000 Miles North...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18379404514861381552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644144411340239.post-68848565801434487752016-04-22T16:26:00.000-05:002016-04-22T23:32:19.510-05:00A beautiful day on our bikes<div class="MsoNormal"><b>Hold on to your shorts...this is a long post with no pictures. But, I promise you, it is worth the read. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The forecast predicted temps in the high 70s last weekend,
so Matt and I took full advantage of the warm, spring day. We decided to hop on
our bikes and head to Minneapolis. Now that we live only a couple yards away
from the <a href="http://www.traillink.com/trail/minnesota-valley-state-trail.aspx">Minnesota
Valley State Trail</a>, we were able to get to the city <s>completely</s>
mostly by trail. With only a few hiccups along the way, we found ourselves
sitting down for dinner around 6:00 PM Saturday evening. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Minnesota Valley State Trail is a multi-use trail ideal
for hiking, biking, horseback riding, mountain biking and snowmobiling. The
trail is natural surface from Belle Plaine to Chaska where it parallels the
Minnesota River and is paved from Chaska to Shakopee. This trail continues
through the <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=z-PLIlflLkIk.klm7wH-v8gt4&hl=en_US">Minnesota
River Bottoms</a> in Bloomington, which is an unpaved mountain bike and hiking
trail. Plans are in place to pave this existing trail, but recently, there has
been extensive controversy about this idea. I am all for paving the trail in
order to create better trail connections to Minneapolis. Read <a href="http://streets.mn/2016/03/09/in-defense-of-a-paved-minnesota-valley-state-trail/">“In
Defense of a Paved Minnesota Valley State Trail” by Monte Castleman</a> of
Streets.MN, an organization created to better inform and engage the public on
transportation and land use issues in the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyway…………………..just outside of Shakopee, we rode on the
newly finished 101 bridge trail which connects to the <a href="https://www.threeriversparks.org/trails/minnesota-river-bluffs-trail.aspx">Minnesota
River Bluffs LRT Regional Trail</a>. However, this trail is washed out due to
past flooding (Matt and I disagreed as to whether this trail was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">really</i> washed out. Let’s just say the
one who works in Public Health for the County may have been correct). We ended
up having to take a round-a-bout-extra-7-mile-very-hilly-route to the Minnesota
River Bluffs trail. Oh well…the day was nice. The day was nice.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once on the Minnesota River Bluffs trail, we enjoyed a
lovely 13 mile ride into Hopkins. We rode this same trail last fall. You can
read more about that ride <a href="http://www.3000milesnorth.com/2015/10/new-housemates.html#.VxqOjzHG_wA">here</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From Hopkins, we chartered new territory to the <a href="http://www.traillink.com/trail/cedar-lake-lrt-regional-trail.aspx">Cedar
Lake Trail</a>, which passes through Hopkins and St. Louis Park. According to traillink.com,
the paved Cedar Lake LRT Regional Trail occupies an abandoned Minneapolis and
St. Louis Railway (and later Chicago and North Western Railway) corridor. The
right-of-way was abandoned in the early 1990s and acquired by the Hennepin
County Regional Railroad Authority (HCRRA), who installed the trail. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Traillink.com states that the 5.5-mile <a href="http://www.traillink.com/trail/midtown-greenway-%28mn%29.aspx">Midtown
Greenway</a> follows a former railroad corridor through south Minneapolis, and
heads west from the Mississippi River to the neighborhood of West Calhoun in
the scenic Chain of Lakes Area. The paved pathway is only 1 block north of the Lake
Street corridor and runs parallel to the road for most of its route. The trail
provides a safe alternative for cyclists and pedestrians to travel on the busy
street.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few miles onto the Greenway, we exited onto Bryant Street
and then rode a couple blocks to Lyndale Avenue for dinner at <a href="http://www.thelyndale.com/">The Lyndale Tap House</a>. A quick glance at
our <s>watches</s> phones told us that it was around 5:30 PM…the evening was
getting short. We had ridden our bikes 35 miles in about four hours…not exactly
enough time to eat dinner and ride home before it turned dark (we didn’t bring
headlights/headlamps…duh!). So, we decided that instead of riding back to
Chaska, we would catch the Southwest Transit bus back to Chaska at the West Bank
terminal. The West Bank is in the heart of the University of Minnesota campus,
another 6 miles on the Midtown Greenway and Hiawatha Bike Trail. We had plenty
of time to eat and catch the 7:22 PM or 7:42 PM bus.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dinner was excellent. We both enjoyed burgers and a salad
while sitting outside, people gazing at all of the Midtown commotion. We paid
the bill and then got back on our saddles for the last leg of our ride. We
arrived at the terminal just in time for the 7:22 PM bus but saw nothing. Then,
7:42 PM rolled around and still did not see a bus. Little did we know that the
Southwest Transit Bus system does not run on the weekends…whooooooooooooooooops!!!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Foooooooooooortunately, Uber has an XL service that
transports people…and apparently, bikes. My fear was the that driver was not
going to drive us to Chaska, but I think God was watching over us when we found
out our driver was from Eden Prairie and heading home for the night. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a $15 credit in my account for getting my
mom to join and ride Uber, we paid a cheap $21 fare back to Chaska.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What could have been topped off by a really long night was
another day filled with new experiences and adventures together. Matt and I cannot wait
to see what the rest of Spring and the Summer season hold for us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cheers!</div>
<br>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<br></div>
About 3000 Miles North...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18379404514861381552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644144411340239.post-18729420091491440062016-04-12T19:43:00.000-05:002016-04-12T19:43:44.653-05:00Celebrating 70 years.On March 22 was my grandparents 70th wedding anniversary. Last weekend, Matt and I headed down to <a href="http://www.sherburn.govoffice.com/" target="_blank">Sherburn</a> to help them celebrate the feat.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Id-GpvGh37rntgpaEnTyvG3sl1Y4IHr2EouHAnAjawfUUT0JWYbLQGKZoJeBZAJNp1_J-FGkPZxVTrlxcagY_7PIjV-nEoF5VzVmLkbWiu_zMGnSWFbKgN4hJ4Pq9fQ9N2STPTb9ij5c/s1600/m+k+g+g.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Id-GpvGh37rntgpaEnTyvG3sl1Y4IHr2EouHAnAjawfUUT0JWYbLQGKZoJeBZAJNp1_J-FGkPZxVTrlxcagY_7PIjV-nEoF5VzVmLkbWiu_zMGnSWFbKgN4hJ4Pq9fQ9N2STPTb9ij5c/s640/m+k+g+g.jpeg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
It was a great day with my parents and my mom's family. I was especially pleased to enjoy a piece of delicious red velvet cake from <a href="http://www.thechocolateseason.com/" target="_blank">The Chocolate Season</a> for dessert. Yum!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PyQiyqXQ_Go_0F96havDIHij_pkt89mLYzDg5NJ-1gRAUlTzGIhqneKBAqDKtCYPw5ZGAXSmNqGrS_2j0hctch7vq1NESWxf5dqjkhnPSF7Rv-EDCqacFBta5r94QzRCu67HawiTFP3P/s1600/cake.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PyQiyqXQ_Go_0F96havDIHij_pkt89mLYzDg5NJ-1gRAUlTzGIhqneKBAqDKtCYPw5ZGAXSmNqGrS_2j0hctch7vq1NESWxf5dqjkhnPSF7Rv-EDCqacFBta5r94QzRCu67HawiTFP3P/s640/cake.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For the sake of this blog, I decided to do some investigating about the headlines and highlights of 1946, the year my grandparents were married.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The president was Harry Truman</li>
<li>The U.S. population was 141.3 million (The population in 2015 was 321.8 million) </li>
<li>Life expectancy was 66.7 years </li>
<li><i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038650/" target="_blank">It's A Wonderful Life</a></i> hit theaters </li>
<li>In January was the first meeting of the United Nations General Assembly</li>
<li>The Philippines gained independence from the United States</li>
<li>Winston Churchill presented his Iron Curtain speech</li>
<li>The Saint Louis Cardinals won the World Series</li>
<li>North Carolina got defeated (again) in the NCAA championship by Oklahoma A&M</li>
<li>Cannes Film Festival debuted in France</li>
<li>Tupperware, credit cards and waterproof diapers were invented</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br /></div>
About 3000 Miles North...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18379404514861381552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644144411340239.post-91363195678224326452016-04-09T22:32:00.001-05:002016-04-09T22:42:18.388-05:00Way over due.Almost six months have passed since I last blogged. After moving to Minnesota and after Matt moved from Alaska to join me, I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue writing on a regular basis...mostly because I felt as though nothing really compared to my adventures and travels in Alaska. While somewhat true, when I was reminded to pay the $10 fee to keep my blog active, I knew I needed to keep this blog going. Too many moments have been shared on 3000 Miles North that make it difficult not to continue. Plus, I have found it enjoyable to have a platform to share what is happening in my life with my family, friends and followers. <div><br></div><div>So, onwards and upwards. Here we go again...</div><div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWGJrPpBfLNeRPcd8oVMMkyQZZV9Oe222ZLRZ269E1L92sFT011MQ_GMOls_BwFdxbgAERLgO4TqKvzLZ_6tR9EV3GZYIK-ekcCEmfb2oMJ4CgfnojyWV2PelvbceweRPjzpWKaWNw7wy/s640/blogger-image--694069638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWGJrPpBfLNeRPcd8oVMMkyQZZV9Oe222ZLRZ269E1L92sFT011MQ_GMOls_BwFdxbgAERLgO4TqKvzLZ_6tR9EV3GZYIK-ekcCEmfb2oMJ4CgfnojyWV2PelvbceweRPjzpWKaWNw7wy/s640/blogger-image--694069638.jpg"></a></div></div></div>About 3000 Miles North...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18379404514861381552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644144411340239.post-11176824522567444772015-10-31T16:52:00.000-05:002015-10-31T16:52:02.798-05:00Apple picking and dog walking.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I quickly learned that when you live in Minnesota, you visit an apple orchard at least once during the fall apple season. Apple season begins around mid August and ends toward the end of October. Apple varieties available for picking vary over the three month period of time - from crabapples in late August to Red Baron, McIntosh, Haralson, Honeycrisp and Honeygold in early September and Spartan, Empire and Connellred in late September to early October. Who knew there were so many kinds of apples?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Matt and I decided to check out <a href="http://minnesotaharvest.net/" target="_blank">Minnesota Harvest</a>, which is located in Jordan, Minnesota, a town just a few miles south of Chaska. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFqvh7MmcF_eoxI3sAL54riVMdwKCtGQBKy1Zu1vL6GOGl85iGVWYmOXOLu5NzPxJiBgzjrTkASAzo6IfwORYSzZlUrb38Qk56mYhfgI4YO6CIKVAbMnvJI4-lGIGVmRAWBmmyZRGWxzK/s640/blogger-image-771755308.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Minnesota Harvest not only has apples, but during their peek season in October, they also sell pumpkins (which they have in abundance). After purchasing an 11 pound "picking bag," Matt and I boarded a wagon that took us to the apple orchard. Each tree was marked with a ribbon that indicated its varietal. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbfHBsdEUoeFD5WMWtTkUz6iUFGwRtZbbpup1st4WJS1QQC-LYLlmgN0w8bKpq4RZAr32sV0TgEGOQAkZVDrIP63G4k9jFE0guA5FGEhg754HKJta2QOhlknjJX2LFSfYQFVuAsU8tX070/s640/blogger-image-1879885056.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Matt and I decided to go for the yellow ribbon trees, which contained Connellred, and the blue ribbon trees, which contained regent.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_SoW49ASIQJ-tu9g-T3BLsy9V1r8o77tgFUPYwhHygc04HeXNqoR9GKia_A98u7Y4hjM95qpODArIwGWShTFdRqiakHy0G46A05bvgfK2rYxtEPDET14T14Axm03drBERbvqjei2qtmj/s640/blogger-image--805154684.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
We made sure to taste the varieties before choosing our favorite...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqi4gI18_4PTlEqPUphBz9G56FpWcpxcpFg3LV-BG-jLtHd4i-sLJwJdeybai9lcDLLPvNqJWwEOWPQ4zoP9F5nt0vOhrgu8hOdMIgb4Q8wcRNcpEqa1XA5G-Rzaulm_C9BCFqd49HHK8e/s640/blogger-image--639616452.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
What does 20 pounds look like? Matt had to hold the bag with two hands...and we made sure to pile a few extra apples on top (and in our pockets).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfA1yzgkjY8hIVLq0XkhYGxMum2FGf88wCWWFigour1BIILT20IYyZwcHEliPWRimhBljE58uK_C-SUZW0sFHxv7ILP4rO89Q9xN_xoMKh0WagTWmAtjdHyQm90_cDoQOi7h1aXh7h3jEK/s640/blogger-image-1026345124.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Our first apple picking experience was delightful and will most likely become a fall tradition...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
We had a dog waiting in the car while we were picking apples, so after we were done picking, we headed for <a href="http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/showreport.html?downum=61013000" target="_blank">Lake Minnewaska Regional Park</a> for a <strike>hike</strike> walk. The trail started paved, but eventually turned into a dirt trail that ran adjacent to the lake. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<img border="0" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgca4HW_vaI-AvD24hCan4sm14gVaxo3qbhgQzlNeC0r_HLQv3JMQd3iYc0Z5h_-D8hWT1PgoSswpbovAk6IuP6VJEBRj41eqnr8wO2BY4j1qP2E4f5j6EBdUYbL9LZXTot3uuDwNqz6iiJ/s640/blogger-image--2037673556.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Rio was very happy to be out of the car and outside, and looked beautiful running on the trail chasing after birds, squirrels, leaves and just about anything else that moved...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXNaX-LgSYxyL2ByAJ38WpVJwXc8yeZb_CNlHaIripQFBR-lCn0vW_PBMhjIYIe_ORL8orsFNjYYz1pRqZ4Oe-3tFUkniFLdahyphenhyphenmQyoFDRqbwUknQGf0Ugn7VN3QGIDunMVjQi6l3mo2k/s640/blogger-image--1092233262.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
After about three miles of walking and a somewhat tired dog, we headed back to the car and drove home, snacking on an apple during the ride.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDeDiKH1M7ER36ceVOyZftBONrOhLsHfrl7GAFSMYVmh7pV1KPwWfohrZQzXySDLSuFWwO8XcGyPeH6I9JYRSLSHST0_wiPjFfL1Sk3A2wcyRkP3L48yE6M1bOBXYVGKDIvJ6zDawCueYo/s640/blogger-image--343763869.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
October was a beautiful month this year in Minnesota, and it was great having a couple buddies along to share in a few adventures. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Happy Halloween!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<br />About 3000 Miles North...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18379404514861381552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644144411340239.post-30618170282289589922015-10-12T11:40:00.002-05:002015-10-31T16:52:35.085-05:00New housemates.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The first week of October brought some major changes to the
Matt + Karen + Rio + Lucky clan. On October 3 Matt + Rio arrived in Chaska,
accompanied by Matt’s dad, Ron. Matt + Rio left Anchorage one week before, on
September 26, after calling Alaska home for more than nine years. Driving from
Anchorage to Haines, Matt + Rio then hopped on the Alaska Marine Highway System
destined for Prince Rupert, British Colombia, Canada. After a day and a half on
the water, Matt + Rio landed in Prince Rupert and drove to Calgary, Alberta,
where Ron joined them for the rest of the drive. Three days later the three of
them arrived safely in Chaska.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Rio...being camera shy...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXCv-XxVNPYonNluqgCK_Qcb6g2OdbbtFNKtI5CnIr8IIGSMqckJTrTPRwc-ZnuVR7h4OlR8ZEG7IVac1jYnDcjv3sfUkqDubVK1stLsKYdp_OMHq4u1SSG7HavRk-HI_MlHPOmrPjjah/s640/blogger-image-257196394.jpg" width="640" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Lucky loves watching all the action from high places...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizF05Pcw7v_U1gvUCUN6Zov9n8fLZgWQx_POQ2F772K-1iCteJo_b97wl0UNysPazVFsXCV8cyemF5NzwDLgjegxU5ggNYhGEoDuv8FxambD0gfByNOjnWJeVEtacpD_a6RYen75Oym65v/s640/blogger-image--397113198.jpg" width="640" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Matt
is also warming up to the idea of sharing space with a cat…and more
specifically, a black cat</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMER260RxlDFsPvIgk0PVnU7p1o7Ajug6G7lxcK0iUEFbu-p4oXsdvBMHTeYQFbcqffV5sPv0fI6VaPzHYjHUtzZ7tjto_ETiSIYmzvDrVobcM1Hz9LRWbdG6AR6tfgcqzQTOJmcwNgcBJ/s640/blogger-image--1816401390.jpg" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This
past weekend called for unseasonably warm weather in central Minnesota, so Matt
and I took full advantage of the temperatures. We rode the </span><a href="https://www.threeriversparks.org/trails/minnesota-river-bluffs-trail.aspx"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Minnesota
River Bluffs LRT Regional Trail</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, which follows an old railroad route from
Hopkins through Chanhassen. We added 16 and 8 miles on each end of the route
for about a 40 mile bike ride. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFpllu0P_o1wNWjSC3xPKPXs5MZXKda9k31YM_-sCzEtnWiVbXDY_w2v5GkVPmQcROOMgs4aXkjd25YDnOCNiPhBjTYbymwbwVup37ykHeoxDbLmZIbDf_zCG4eBuhvfj3I5tYng9J4nW/s640/blogger-image-1888282835.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our first pit stop was in Hopkins at </span><a href="http://www.thedepotcoffeehouse.com/coffee/menu.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Depot Coffee
House</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, a popular stop along the River Bluffs Trail. This coffee shop is
housed in a renovated train depot and is student-run; often offering live
music. We had a few snacks and then headed on our way again.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcH46XLNbmJYBvuNGkQd1xrxLI_CtkMtM9-nLsHVLeA-52Mah68fS1Pu_pnG1zUmhfYf_9lFqxP54OAsxQL1HWtcp4t9xOuw8kX_JaSzfMsP8-a88WXFKoC861uBbcF227CtRTGWfZztxv/s640/blogger-image--143178602.jpg" width="640" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
Our next stop was in Excelsior at the Excelsior Brewing Company.
One of my favorite breweries in the area, I was excited to share the place with
Matt. Excelsior Brewing Company was celebrating Oktoberfest, or unique to
Excelsior, Docktoberfest, so I enjoyed a seasonal brew while Matt sipped on a flagship
favorite.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9tWf2YyDgwBlKi2-Z-G-EhQPI7JMVH9Gwvo7mfUeHxLlik7OGD7yESbrXk5NnW3IMyvabxnPd-Ag2h_vwhseljczjE39cHRX2N9PDCuVLDGGjV57sWFfGFaO8jXw3QQuLYQCsWE-39Pac/s640/blogger-image-1226145963.jpg" width="640" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
We then hopped back on our bikes for the last 11 miles of
the ride. We had a great time enjoying what is likely the last day of “summer”
in Minnesota…and, I truly enjoyed having my favorite cycling companion with me
for the ride.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCxiTiJksj39Rm1boQDfXwrGJJuJTMJ4LwT47z-abPuLvE8F6u3VQQ71an1DmLPOrzoLdrsO7Uf_Yb7yeupJOHykbIohqX-hPSvIyqcg7Xxc40y101XKxzuLqdlg73LgDFW3STLZYGbia/s640/blogger-image--1553126404.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cheers!</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
About 3000 Miles North...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18379404514861381552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644144411340239.post-58740372405863035082015-09-16T08:09:00.001-05:002015-09-16T08:09:37.478-05:00Lucky.Labor Day weekend brought a new addition to the Matt+Karen+Rio clan. Lucky became the newest member of the family. <div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpXAlGatb5GbQr5jT4lXP_XUnPSs9uO1U8R_9gals-S3D0F2BX5YMttH3PePn8JlhW_k8GioGyR9uGZjY9daxmhTi6vw1rbm4FmVd4DrbjJ5D9PYw5weOjAj1FcIdo3jbc4tUUHqPdDFg/s640/blogger-image--571669601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpXAlGatb5GbQr5jT4lXP_XUnPSs9uO1U8R_9gals-S3D0F2BX5YMttH3PePn8JlhW_k8GioGyR9uGZjY9daxmhTi6vw1rbm4FmVd4DrbjJ5D9PYw5weOjAj1FcIdo3jbc4tUUHqPdDFg/s640/blogger-image--571669601.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Leah took Lucky initially after a friend realized she could not keep Lucky due to allergies. Knowing that I wanted a cat to keep me company until Matt moved to Minnesota (and that Matt and I had always talked about getting a cat), Leah willingly cared for Lucky for about two weeks before I could pick her up in Iowa City Labor Day weekend. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2s0Cx0nP1NiKR-IgkVf4nCgCcKjHUMjn1cv55WLObcdBHVgoLxMNQBYwEh7kw08DBUQEL7heXg31jVxkCrUuLglXIyw6Kn8ac308GAvx3e50nlnW7WgN3Wj0teXZOI3JnyXHzMEnu_w_e/s640/blogger-image--778565518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2s0Cx0nP1NiKR-IgkVf4nCgCcKjHUMjn1cv55WLObcdBHVgoLxMNQBYwEh7kw08DBUQEL7heXg31jVxkCrUuLglXIyw6Kn8ac308GAvx3e50nlnW7WgN3Wj0teXZOI3JnyXHzMEnu_w_e/s640/blogger-image--778565518.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lucky was very calm during her move from Iowa City to Chaska, and since moving, has enjoyed exploring the many hiding spots...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLheNa23f4HUnhvYHdxXgbzfso2wbWYWhrkNf1XSjMPe_q1ed4SMlLnUAMMYxmeVbaubjJnOFrgoAQL4SqcTnQNwPSWA0w1MovOMBCWy7ZWWXgTqplIZxquBe9_5RwDgnToCd79c3m9GRR/s640/blogger-image-2040821817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLheNa23f4HUnhvYHdxXgbzfso2wbWYWhrkNf1XSjMPe_q1ed4SMlLnUAMMYxmeVbaubjJnOFrgoAQL4SqcTnQNwPSWA0w1MovOMBCWy7ZWWXgTqplIZxquBe9_5RwDgnToCd79c3m9GRR/s640/blogger-image-2040821817.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and high perches of the townhouse.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-t8rUhcQ3-d0xZMh0Avnw1wDvvnyfMdfGU9snaqRM2AfYg5vLGe1JXBGb9Z1kosmLPXdzF0heDC5ewmj2vXJNymLv-RUAlPPz2vmCGx6vqZBN42hl5A84ssoZ4OWAAGacCOHx6BJJAko7/s640/blogger-image-732667451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-t8rUhcQ3-d0xZMh0Avnw1wDvvnyfMdfGU9snaqRM2AfYg5vLGe1JXBGb9Z1kosmLPXdzF0heDC5ewmj2vXJNymLv-RUAlPPz2vmCGx6vqZBN42hl5A84ssoZ4OWAAGacCOHx6BJJAko7/s640/blogger-image-732667451.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiXErtdJKO7F0gAjDKKvalJgwZdnaghwkwuEbWsuf36XU7JXjf6AIrYm16cb-JjGyNjWplidGQR6cnsOf8ZptB1NtEqXpu6QuiPxFYu7hVov2GJhYE3Ltn3jwTHV2Cc0Gu4ePYRnnxhZQ/s640/blogger-image-675125266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiXErtdJKO7F0gAjDKKvalJgwZdnaghwkwuEbWsuf36XU7JXjf6AIrYm16cb-JjGyNjWplidGQR6cnsOf8ZptB1NtEqXpu6QuiPxFYu7hVov2GJhYE3Ltn3jwTHV2Cc0Gu4ePYRnnxhZQ/s640/blogger-image-675125266.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lucky is a great companion, and I can not wait for her to meet Matt and Rio (hoping the dog + cat introduction goes well!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Happy whisker Wednesday!</div></div></div></div><br></div></div>About 3000 Miles North...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18379404514861381552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644144411340239.post-9000947724395784332015-08-09T22:07:00.000-05:002015-08-10T07:31:04.329-05:00Birthday weekend!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Leah and I celebrated turning 31 last month...together. Having been apart for our birthdays the past two years, Leah decided to drive up to Chaska so we could spend a few days together. I took two days off from work and we had a great time.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9udbz3fm-fWUuScLXq8jagqe3y4zdroL8-jQdxeYAbUlmV1QUO1Ueo4E8_LLINMZHpdAYVaCf7ziT6-Lqt_8JCnWBlDvtnnea9j9OBSCElDYb3MP08zTCoBWbfTBwBL9rz16rVrPwBDqw/s640/blogger-image--1185686926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9udbz3fm-fWUuScLXq8jagqe3y4zdroL8-jQdxeYAbUlmV1QUO1Ueo4E8_LLINMZHpdAYVaCf7ziT6-Lqt_8JCnWBlDvtnnea9j9OBSCElDYb3MP08zTCoBWbfTBwBL9rz16rVrPwBDqw/s640/blogger-image--1185686926.jpg"></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After work on Wednesday and after Leah arrived in Chaska, we headed to Excelsior. I wanted Leah to see Lake Minnetonka and Excelsior. It is one town that I have really enjoyed visiting since moving to Chaska. Our first stop in Excelsior was at the Excelsior Brewing Company. This was my first time at the brewery. We each decided to order their Flagship Flight...</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br>
</span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2FdeCZIWAhS8kCi_BRWEaBaYelZbNIaIVHnCTMiKqvhUAC9-YPUD5ZWdHnyqslrQDOMQZoSdoQE1RewPHeMhcFPylK3WtGZrEy_WDlGxcefczAbAGZKcN6Vd52KeiCaTWVUV9xuOyPbn/s640/blogger-image--21627043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2FdeCZIWAhS8kCi_BRWEaBaYelZbNIaIVHnCTMiKqvhUAC9-YPUD5ZWdHnyqslrQDOMQZoSdoQE1RewPHeMhcFPylK3WtGZrEy_WDlGxcefczAbAGZKcN6Vd52KeiCaTWVUV9xuOyPbn/s640/blogger-image--21627043.jpg"></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We then ate dinner at Maynard's on the Lake. Maynard's has a great patio for enjoying the long, hot July days of summer! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On Thursday, our actual birthday, my mom and dad came up to spend the day with us. They surprised us with our long time favorite type of cake (besides the cheesecake my mom used to make EACH of us!)...a Dairy Queen ice cream cake!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VcXSiYwZsQ6Kyz8jP3wgA6hyphenhyphenITuusup5vwZttaPgfxPWv3OmSIps0pIfdynx8b-7NdBCX29Sq9rAuFZqAF4-B5AfzeuAi6MsTNIkbes5h9euIKcmEhrX7gzO5J76RpvVI4J5qt0CvO0W/s640/blogger-image--239005008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VcXSiYwZsQ6Kyz8jP3wgA6hyphenhyphenITuusup5vwZttaPgfxPWv3OmSIps0pIfdynx8b-7NdBCX29Sq9rAuFZqAF4-B5AfzeuAi6MsTNIkbes5h9euIKcmEhrX7gzO5J76RpvVI4J5qt0CvO0W/s640/blogger-image--239005008.jpg"></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After we had a slice of cake, we went on a bike ride around Chaska. We then got ready for a Twins game. They played the Tigers. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2Z_BlxeVNS3MGAxO-BOrbfsJjiKCo8gV74iOtn-SsYUF_ooKCpNm8kW153usml-zRZF136sB16cUClbJ3-3jFTtcUal5S5PyOJMGvnt1KF9jQeSUSjTDBZqxpcjSHJGlw4qtF1-0-A5N/s640/blogger-image-1398749041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2Z_BlxeVNS3MGAxO-BOrbfsJjiKCo8gV74iOtn-SsYUF_ooKCpNm8kW153usml-zRZF136sB16cUClbJ3-3jFTtcUal5S5PyOJMGvnt1KF9jQeSUSjTDBZqxpcjSHJGlw4qtF1-0-A5N/s640/blogger-image-1398749041.jpg"></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Kirby!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br>
</span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJH0VCOWjOk2wSNGMcGDlHi2wq7e3EhqtLx4CLwW5QD8kbWv9e1Nibyb0NHGodLDdFOPDmALO1T0hGQZfWmciC-ujZmVnI95JVU1k3jS11Jo5qtSeDZ7H2MbLtI3GkNlVBqPiReFnSk-S9/s640/blogger-image--442722346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJH0VCOWjOk2wSNGMcGDlHi2wq7e3EhqtLx4CLwW5QD8kbWv9e1Nibyb0NHGodLDdFOPDmALO1T0hGQZfWmciC-ujZmVnI95JVU1k3jS11Jo5qtSeDZ7H2MbLtI3GkNlVBqPiReFnSk-S9/s640/blogger-image--442722346.jpg"></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Such a lovey stadium...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnL7tshyJq4xz2Am7OV6OK3PFpKFtRDIuCdht_AVPBbOgXVihnlmIIf7JsdoHbD4MFbP_gVaJO52omIPB27e9-Seifiq5c5JcagzPlq7Xm1MgsDgPqTjurO2LsqmdOjQhPtrbUju-WI9K/s640/blogger-image--2117613082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnL7tshyJq4xz2Am7OV6OK3PFpKFtRDIuCdht_AVPBbOgXVihnlmIIf7JsdoHbD4MFbP_gVaJO52omIPB27e9-Seifiq5c5JcagzPlq7Xm1MgsDgPqTjurO2LsqmdOjQhPtrbUju-WI9K/s640/blogger-image--2117613082.jpg"></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTp5OVndeM5xgkqCXldF1jgtXrzHZam_reimZiqKJ-I5t1c_WQXlVg2DcW9wiEzC_PLXzPyMZyNoOcO2YfsWClIoSl_qRVh2BLSdhCOuE3xn65TIcchOsIAq56h3AoxoL7OXpqzUrKRDOy/s640/blogger-image--2016318312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTp5OVndeM5xgkqCXldF1jgtXrzHZam_reimZiqKJ-I5t1c_WQXlVg2DcW9wiEzC_PLXzPyMZyNoOcO2YfsWClIoSl_qRVh2BLSdhCOuE3xn65TIcchOsIAq56h3AoxoL7OXpqzUrKRDOy/s640/blogger-image--2016318312.jpg"></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The All-Star game was just a few days away and Brian Dozier was very close in being voted in to participate. They handed out pins to encourage the audience to "Vote Dozier." Eventually, he did indeed make the All Star team!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjuEsyiEs93dhTeJyJfW9teuIMNs_ZNv7w0d146hwcD6IChiApsPdH3K4AH9I2qfRxsLjQOilCmtvgMWwH2yM52Ynejk61o5VYrtj4wJM-DJ2Lo8_V8oWb4kdsRRkMD7MsVmlQi1nJnhH/s640/blogger-image--425734286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjuEsyiEs93dhTeJyJfW9teuIMNs_ZNv7w0d146hwcD6IChiApsPdH3K4AH9I2qfRxsLjQOilCmtvgMWwH2yM52Ynejk61o5VYrtj4wJM-DJ2Lo8_V8oWb4kdsRRkMD7MsVmlQi1nJnhH/s640/blogger-image--425734286.jpg"></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My parents left Friday morning. Leah and I had purchased tickets for the Basillica Block Party, an annual music festival in downtown Minneapolis, in early April, so we had been looking forward to the weekend for a long time. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKoSR7Byn4YkhmE5qZrg6azQHUoKrqkPS6-xFF4uQ4sxNYlL5ZzxPlhSt0WCnV4WQ_jNpqDtI1O0Pg2M2D0elhAWTvLlSEJPkBgZiApCGUqDku2lwNlT9oswe2M-2sxnokzOcEhIlwRy6e/s640/blogger-image-1910755942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKoSR7Byn4YkhmE5qZrg6azQHUoKrqkPS6-xFF4uQ4sxNYlL5ZzxPlhSt0WCnV4WQ_jNpqDtI1O0Pg2M2D0elhAWTvLlSEJPkBgZiApCGUqDku2lwNlT9oswe2M-2sxnokzOcEhIlwRy6e/s640/blogger-image-1910755942.jpg"></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Stacey, one of my friends from college who I've reconnected with since we both live near the cities, joined us for the festival. </span></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqCZ2x_ysYNIoZfKy5BCCcf1sEe6Zfkky-RuCed24Jj6kQegVRgxjthueYtNZjJIlQhl3DAjJeOMNO_8TmbA5qo9Za1xeuQoHKq05Kzp-Ty-hIMlYHaRZcRNyat2WzrQmFlSzBDXvgLSx/s640/blogger-image-945423680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqCZ2x_ysYNIoZfKy5BCCcf1sEe6Zfkky-RuCed24Jj6kQegVRgxjthueYtNZjJIlQhl3DAjJeOMNO_8TmbA5qo9Za1xeuQoHKq05Kzp-Ty-hIMlYHaRZcRNyat2WzrQmFlSzBDXvgLSx/s640/blogger-image-945423680.jpg"></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mat Kearney!!</span></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjmrWxvYEqmUfMOTczKhNT3kmj4Th2yd3rasEWT4FQQ3VHcBBVlEIH4GnL6UF_ccHK7k3CfunYbPdxZJTaCmrbTwfsuhPmeXljGikGEBdoGTnnDPnEWU-45j0bbD8MuizWnnN7LH2rrCp/s640/blogger-image-376740513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjmrWxvYEqmUfMOTczKhNT3kmj4Th2yd3rasEWT4FQQ3VHcBBVlEIH4GnL6UF_ccHK7k3CfunYbPdxZJTaCmrbTwfsuhPmeXljGikGEBdoGTnnDPnEWU-45j0bbD8MuizWnnN7LH2rrCp/s640/blogger-image-376740513.jpg"></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">OAR!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTrYZVcJjKoTQMZbxyfTwxNlt4AvzwTov_nIIy5z7O9gOxc3vlclu8yWWo6eZLZVPsZDp0Z6BvKFKgsKzKTaED3PN6hQLmQvvA36WCfnmWCrRS6BoWIRladLNTFSqMBVSHS5qNp61wJBq/s640/blogger-image-480477643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTrYZVcJjKoTQMZbxyfTwxNlt4AvzwTov_nIIy5z7O9gOxc3vlclu8yWWo6eZLZVPsZDp0Z6BvKFKgsKzKTaED3PN6hQLmQvvA36WCfnmWCrRS6BoWIRladLNTFSqMBVSHS5qNp61wJBq/s640/blogger-image-480477643.jpg"></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On Saturday morning the three of us enjoyed a delicious brunch at Victor's 1959 Cafe. It is a local favorite that I have been wanting to try. The morning was beautiful, so it was nice sitting outside on the patio. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-iI3mWsFJ7OcZ466Ob462x_C6tUKX_UJq9NbPsGhh30wbsi2nzNB8J5QDkV9q31Eio3N1k4YCveWMmdTsAftlBO2LWfjCxHnJKgPMLoH4zfWF3Bjzru1X45iVR2nPFyP66sqwYRkjnBUw/s640/blogger-image-1535276735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-iI3mWsFJ7OcZ466Ob462x_C6tUKX_UJq9NbPsGhh30wbsi2nzNB8J5QDkV9q31Eio3N1k4YCveWMmdTsAftlBO2LWfjCxHnJKgPMLoH4zfWF3Bjzru1X45iVR2nPFyP66sqwYRkjnBUw/s640/blogger-image-1535276735.jpg"></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Leah left after brunch so she could get back home before flying out to South Carolina. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was so fun having Leah in town for the weekend to celebrate our birthday!! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cheers to 31!</span></div>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
About 3000 Miles North...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18379404514861381552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644144411340239.post-90603503611144989092015-07-02T11:08:00.001-05:002015-07-09T14:38:52.151-05:00MS Bike Ride.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The MS Bike Ride is something that Leah and I participated in for a number of years while living in Alaska. We met a dear friend in Anchorage who has multiple sclerosis and it was always an honor to do something we enjoy so much (riding bike) to support finding a cure for something she battles and lives with every single day. During those rides in Alaska, we met two Ohio State Buckeye fans, David and Koreen, who became friends. David and Koreen have a goal to ride the MS Bike Ride in every state and dedicate each summer to riding for a cure. They have since moved to Houston, TX and announced earlier this spring that they would be riding Iowa this summer. After each ride David gets a tattoo on his calf that symbolizes the state for which they rode the MS ride. Now that Leah and I are both in Iowa, we told David and Koreen that we would ride with them in Iowa...and bring our parents. We also told David that due to our dedication and loyalty to the greatest team in Iowa, if we all rode the ride, he had to get Herkey on his calf. He obliged and we rode...what a good sport!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihapwD_jLFgVg4bxmdPmrNIHC7-aDPOr5Eo2o0a-O0iFi5KHO073qxjKo-Qcq2KVGSdO_N3gw2NRLkNfcVY48GTgeS6M2ZwQ-euHXisG0pNNEsKib1eSpZdubSMIyKQaqw3Ypsgh5PCdzD/s640/blogger-image-1688492500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihapwD_jLFgVg4bxmdPmrNIHC7-aDPOr5Eo2o0a-O0iFi5KHO073qxjKo-Qcq2KVGSdO_N3gw2NRLkNfcVY48GTgeS6M2ZwQ-euHXisG0pNNEsKib1eSpZdubSMIyKQaqw3Ypsgh5PCdzD/s640/blogger-image-1688492500.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The day was beautiful for riding bike...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The four of us rode for Laurie Siemens and Steph Politte, two friends who have MS. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7DvD-2LFgOXmkdijB_eiwpMibBWRYwWxa6YkgZY20kxulMYuwUJUkYoaIACQ_3_8Ye0J7iQ9wbAEqH-i8M4yGk4gwDGTg7iyVK9zq122UFIbtg9e37HHXrAjWbpr4V0fHgIf19JXKwUs/s640/blogger-image--274897556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7DvD-2LFgOXmkdijB_eiwpMibBWRYwWxa6YkgZY20kxulMYuwUJUkYoaIACQ_3_8Ye0J7iQ9wbAEqH-i8M4yGk4gwDGTg7iyVK9zq122UFIbtg9e37HHXrAjWbpr4V0fHgIf19JXKwUs/s640/blogger-image--274897556.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The ride started at the fire station in Ankeny, Iowa...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj096465VkFXcUxqDKD_aXdFgtCmEd_PR6xZBtdV6hsZx4Dx5g45ihzDTEbCmHAtP-eJExnijKt22gwMfVPrwG9NL7d13tL7tScDAXPYaDM8wfEhy4AlDQnUqEx1BaD_xxSvJKqsil4-2yC/s640/blogger-image--1050697956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj096465VkFXcUxqDKD_aXdFgtCmEd_PR6xZBtdV6hsZx4Dx5g45ihzDTEbCmHAtP-eJExnijKt22gwMfVPrwG9NL7d13tL7tScDAXPYaDM8wfEhy4AlDQnUqEx1BaD_xxSvJKqsil4-2yC/s640/blogger-image--1050697956.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">...and followed the High Trestle Trail to Woodward...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdcxEiWP3clb98sjBY2Lt-hfF_eSv5qmQQ2oJvFJUfp3BTCR81NWpycCFc1kpM5HhC80CgCrme_NTXRnbEq5Kb03Hj2HLj0A3OL3Yzmt0FMbPZSEs17rRPIL2Pn2wqOgo_kyhDqr80xct/s640/blogger-image--293204199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdcxEiWP3clb98sjBY2Lt-hfF_eSv5qmQQ2oJvFJUfp3BTCR81NWpycCFc1kpM5HhC80CgCrme_NTXRnbEq5Kb03Hj2HLj0A3OL3Yzmt0FMbPZSEs17rRPIL2Pn2wqOgo_kyhDqr80xct/s640/blogger-image--293204199.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The High Trestle bridge was a highlight of the ride. Although I have heard a lot about the trail...and bridge, I had never ridden on the trail until last weekend. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrw87v3stC0fwxx72LhFRXHXgmD_eXJKWTX9u94PuqChrWzyVxbI6r9rEDAwIbrCy3En2QHdS7v9_GTsOVCUlNoNTyJYmfG4hpQFi2UgMstiSmGYJd_wv-P_f3obQc9atbyRfCzmC7_65v/s640/blogger-image--451431242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrw87v3stC0fwxx72LhFRXHXgmD_eXJKWTX9u94PuqChrWzyVxbI6r9rEDAwIbrCy3En2QHdS7v9_GTsOVCUlNoNTyJYmfG4hpQFi2UgMstiSmGYJd_wv-P_f3obQc9atbyRfCzmC7_65v/s640/blogger-image--451431242.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The ride ended at the Firetrucker Brewery in Ankeny for a total of 50 miles. <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We all wore our Alaska jerseys...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNSbCiNfdQShkQLcTIKah12dqoE8MsTo4XhpAWe56XSOtVr-H8h8EgaUBB1rYRXktO_QzEmubHwNaYQGcu7pf3m8qpDQmp0UpkvvaLY1JDTDME7ycPBnrMcW4_gcVSjwKpj_qDvvvG-fb/s640/blogger-image--1588454855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNSbCiNfdQShkQLcTIKah12dqoE8MsTo4XhpAWe56XSOtVr-H8h8EgaUBB1rYRXktO_QzEmubHwNaYQGcu7pf3m8qpDQmp0UpkvvaLY1JDTDME7ycPBnrMcW4_gcVSjwKpj_qDvvvG-fb/s640/blogger-image--1588454855.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">...and had plenty of people asking us about Alaska. I loved being able to tell them that I had lived there for almost eight years but now live in Minnesota. It is so good to be back in the Midwest. </div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VKPgsyHfBVSrnMfoz81Q-j_1AlMCqKScvfeXzwoMrcUkIXwaihk-TZAgrPcyMuQyqYvErAZ6uYtutjKzkkH6iWU7heqoA8hHNL1h8VFtmg2YiY1273CkOwirf_YME_fREGLDZH5Vqqh1/s640/blogger-image--572377708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VKPgsyHfBVSrnMfoz81Q-j_1AlMCqKScvfeXzwoMrcUkIXwaihk-TZAgrPcyMuQyqYvErAZ6uYtutjKzkkH6iWU7heqoA8hHNL1h8VFtmg2YiY1273CkOwirf_YME_fREGLDZH5Vqqh1/s640/blogger-image--572377708.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After the ride we enjoyed a beer with David and Koreen before heading back home. It was great seeing the two of them again and I wish them well on the rest of their rides this summer. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And, word on the street is that David and Koreen are planning to ride RAGBRAI in the summer of 2018. There might not be a better way to train than for a cause...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Cheers!</span></div></div></div><br></div><br></div>About 3000 Miles North...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18379404514861381552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644144411340239.post-81139115464303479912015-06-02T13:44:00.001-05:002015-06-02T13:44:54.923-05:00A visit from Matt!Matt came to visit the second weekend in April. It had been almost a month since I had left Anchorage and seen him, so I was sure looking forward to his arrival. Busy almost every weekend since moving to Chaska and prior to his visit, I planned to take him around the cities and venture around some of the nearby parks and trails.<br />
<br />
Saturday began with a trip to the Bloomington REI. We then headed for The Winchell Trail, which is part of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. The Winchell Trail is a 5 mile loop hiking only trail on the west bank of the Mississippi River. <br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ycuDVSTZuGZQS1N5NBYohC1kUTKipUWusLCFstQla0ovp4ORHdXvv7v1rPfpN2nEaKwQY3ymBj8joTbIZdD3n9S57z50h1-ulgzUNBo1TUPenhakaKtGKpMB4o5-4WVP9DQsqvFRDSy8/s640/IMG_6403.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The trail is both paved and unpaved and for much of the route, is separated from a bike path that runs along side the hiking trail. The beautiful weather and clear view of the river provided a nice activity for the afternoon. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6GyB9eqPJEtm41shCQUHfJ3VBWFbfk3uI_3Fm08BFD0Z7NkuAN7k1RmM9PXru7z-FIT79VtGm5_C5Oe5nRRyDwedm5d8bJpX0FVUF592xX_1QrnhJcgmHU8TVpIWT0yBvygPCZAMR17s/s640/IMG_6404.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Matt wanted to go into St. Paul, so we looked on Yelp for a good place to grab an afternoon snack. <a href="http://thehappygnome.com/" target="_blank">The Happy Gnome</a> had some good reviews so we decided to check it out. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSpAOAhuENV6TcxpxcadA_gnQHhxA9d8FMTGlsis9Jz0cjx8vH0TE7ZsaT9zbYehkNyNsSUT-2ks-QDwxXVdf-cRLJ6try4K1w1bOz7QCin54qFFitBnJ3IUr54TY5SqqHiQUB_R4kc7k/s640/IMG_6413.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We ordered a couple appetizers to fill our stomachs. A cheese plate...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahNtghwjyu9pDLLClUQ3-B5N6-WdhB0Kwra-NkdGXSkdqmfIKHKT_ah3hbEdoHdazoAEuUAYZSYXTZ35zn-nOMjwRyvI7H0lhcfbL6k4-Or4nRvTW0WtXOn09-11L_hsiEkM-ulZz-rqA/s640/IMG_6411.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
...and some of the best tater tots we have ever eaten....I would highly recommend this gastropub to anyone looking for some good eats in St. Paul.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LXW2vuzOIxq0hiMYKro5zwiOETnASMbvOSiZW2fcBk-hHyYj2ZdLDkNz6z5E38VSVF-MEoaS8GsY8fLy99LKVypuJLO3-oZhKdvbK6wP_3YZOXUw2BkCbvg93UfTEHOJOQ9hFPVSo7fa/s640/IMG_6412.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On Sunday, we stayed around Chaska and explored some of the trails near town. The Minnesota Valley State State Trail is part of the Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area, which extends from Chaska to Belle Plaine.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggN428yATYgtwQjvpCMjVK9TLUmNyy-o4Y563MtEMmYO7C4GHeYWMECjEQRcj8A1MIpr41AyghqAkVsi06qWZZVjAHHU_Q_SoGr2KPwcnUlLgXQoP4D26rqKzEk3qA2uJd0Bux6t57l9UD/s640/IMG_6417.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We "hiked" a few miles down the trail before turning around and walking back to the car. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the trail and the vastness of land that surrounded the trail. I'm excited to check it out again when the trees and shrubs turn green.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlzS_CFCTiLdxNJXXbll5lE4SlNlSbme_wNp1FQhm1VVG_wXIlJROTNk2DdoL2Qwyrc7QHF4i7SkrkoRDXekUpZ4P5xzAnddkFfEGnw3mHX6cY85hISpM6Nl2NFjb_c_xjmC4PFK7_y5a/s640/IMG_6418.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While we were on our walk, our friend/dogsitter in Anchorage sent us a few pictures of Rio. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsol0l6HjcYt3BsgPT7JQchxJpgj9HUNWwdwFmNkLUb4COi7PozSK1QhdX2e4QUKi1rOokupXKakcxn9_YIVaDugdrPYk8l4rtOUX_-KaNG5cELuYw5ppBvmcszWaylHTVVCjof17ItuT_/s640/IMG_6419.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
She was being entertained by a moose outside their window.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj21P3pHULuBJY3ZjW4PpkW3XkYHZT7hXY9qB1AubtFV58dj9iCzsLPBdt6uCcwaiK-O_lMgohcJo53uEWSYfYB69uu9lGy6J5azn3B3UzJVu6GOj8VwDRQM1vnoyZyLLCoBk7g5d20Nli/s640/IMG_6420.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sunday evening we decided to eat dinner at The Prairie Tap House in Eden Prairie. It was another restaurant that had some good reviews on Yelp.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowLHrpmBrKXQglRA1wpC2BvPIBh6Mjw2tZ5uF_5zzK3SDKnCOZ5euv1cHLXIKcwVGtQ42aOKeWpKsc1N7qhaJwHWI8UocJ3o3timBQ_r_LOyvEc_V3jGYsHbfs7MDF8Ue3rf_x5Y8Eiun/s640/IMG_6424.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As we were about ready to leave, rain started pouring outside. It was difficult to see the street from the front door - and didn't provide for a friendly walk to the car. So, we decided to play some darts....</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKC8YS5zNZ87vrpr8TaXxhB2iklZoXzmgOKTdMubDzIfpMGgX7Vqc97xjGP4CRK4nseKwbXG4Fp9gbWXZrwNovSuqWXXy1rQHvSces1kB1UYrv1Xxz3NOUCaDDdvI9_JwvgypoW3IUN0P/s640/IMG_6426.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Matt dominated. Enough said.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJm5yQDBBGrejbg800Ucv3Hl-HrfeTfcX5NS_AYipOdaGzw6vOf_LocmbSD7A2blttdvOfF3RWITT720onENh-qjpdr9LLYzTlzpTIPAJPaOCBFCw2R8Ov02A6WjgrL-71uFumZi98Elj/s640/IMG_6429.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I took work off on Monday so we could attend the home opener for the Minnesota Twins. We actually scheduled Matt's trip to Minnesota around this game because they were scheduled to play the Royals, his favorite team.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66CZonyMzXrWL9cl36mHgrvZKx0MFOn9fgUVDZsfqpSUup-kPuo0znQRNHj2KqwNEne5bQXVA1rFmMgBgug1EQPXunJlR5oxUChQjHIQ9tPfCrb1SAW7dKs4dZIAx4zYuAe-PenSkGScT/s640/IMG_6432.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The day was just lovely.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTJtrgIR-GSj3vuGr3YmD5RCOyZ9OBaiVtO_lVubEggWNb5vu8nEMFdAZ0-Dh01W5ij9cNQHgOf9GBy8BAgXlFyAG4EaVhfJMC0EfxksMAKum8LTk5znDOrsEbt6X8CzTiaPRef7Ck46Y/s640/IMG_6436.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Every person in attendance received a free hoodie (the sweatshirt I am wearing in the picture below).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEcSX98kiCUialbTeqUrIIW3W11bvfrHH-6KfvOr__M0kPgqCZPWJdaShq17LBrO9SIqtgWGow7g0pUa8eezY-LCRJM9-dqAkGPaa_8yYFs602Hzs76u6ZxecvNmCqn1xgHENXc7nHHpLy/s640/IMG_6463.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After finding our seats...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAX5JZoOWckuyarituaWSPDY6uhsgLwYiO6JW4THaL8BCFpdYLmQZ8vihztZxGc9kXXsfxBiN4xB9CYvVdqjL5wMLsTgpx-7WPOR4KrhNu_aEB7YF509zTthMpIwX6lxVfQYnf8kGvfmp/s640/IMG_6445.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
we decided to walk around the ballpark and get some snacks. Matt found the largest Bloody Mary we have ever seen. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMO3-6DXBoOVJM-NXS-XIb1uLZgOz7jWmY4NT3UgTre7rzAcWMtD_DEXvXKCtjFn5ZEPpmxDThb5ghsndJAScPAAT2vpCMAR1n3nK11Yi5qcbWjIusxGLfruY2m6wl4nfeDxN3AvLMkO1/s640/IMG_6440.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To welcome Torii Hunter back to Minneapolis, Kevin Garnett threw out the first pitch...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBurox8vVVrxVce-GJQa1jPOHQn7-RBCkRkVAEDqW-EmlCn5ojqlxds507gu3ozg2VaSEiFYaAWQQhNrQliQ-K4C9rJzyOqLbHP1H0v4VJKMl2fJac7-cqvXjDeFmjiripjHcf5Txj-pBE/s640/IMG_6453.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had a great day at the game even though the Twins got blown out by the Royals. Fortunately, as I write this blog, I can feel confident about their season now that they lead the Central Division (including the Royals).</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6D-tBgUkyoTPquvhIiKezEWG8R_fFHG1z3kfHA_es7cndEaE9C8nY6H74ilZrsoAouvpw6jpVZOhiqfwK8YzwbYMFndGtmHVvP4BySnTU4yJ8SE4zKdIFtJbFaGFicEqkDfj9guKWKYB/s640/IMG_6467.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was so nice having Matt in Chaska and Minneapolis for the weekend. I can not wait for him to move later this summer.</div>
<span id="goog_1192998967"></span><span id="goog_1192998968"></span><br /></div>
About 3000 Miles North...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18379404514861381552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644144411340239.post-34611688098536488732015-04-26T20:56:00.000-05:002015-04-26T20:57:46.459-05:00Nashville: Part II.<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For part I of my trip to Nashville, click <a href="http://www.3000milesnorth.com/2015/04/nashville-part-i.html#.VT2W11zxafQ" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
Nashville...Part II.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
On Tuesday, we took it easy for most of the day
until mid-afternoon when we headed for the Grand Ole Opry. It was Saint
Patrick's Day, so we decked out in green attire... <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUh37GBZzc6JCXk3wuNEfsPERpuaNT8oaIr8GiHM7-OqfKawI-qitVP8mSlPhTQoLqbKIhS6v_rPIN2rmOm4IEXC4o7WAt1wWMTfSZ_nzHTNUInrAkQFi6OkBfH88GTKblrCuFwMUqtWFh/s1600/IMG_6173.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Opry Plaza was pretty much a huge resort. In addition to the Opry, it had shops, a hotel, restaurants and a mall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszcp2rEvYPeN8UP2wx2Hh_6ucZR_IfZ3fWPz_mQAwp4X7Kjshj1kjAyOoUHSgwZCHh3GqxF8KnuJXjVXUaf5bofPFItMgjOVn1atyxw86AHsDnmsIxgG3QUHVJGFu5s3VOt2MzBIiDiB3/s1600/IMG_6185.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Grand Ole Opry...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjba9uoHKeWylVmMhHGD5YCM5y-udPdLBwdSB-DWFOU81LWbc6g3vsqemzwdN8wCmEO5GApcjnuer5HEH72tU-qyJnfcu6ugOEdwW9T9gAQjHFp36x3A556c1NZqOCev-SLfx5nvezHrSY-/s1600/IMG_6188.JPG" height="480" width="640" /> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The line up of musicians playing this night featured Irish step dancers, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Charlie Worsham (below)...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiauvnoJICr0oikRmQ5rjTYK-XjwNVzzVWgcUYQJAbkntDgajTZ6nckSZbN7oOHJHJ-3UADXoTR-2PsTSKxkF-0F4dFoF4mWxbgPC2SjhMmM6L4eqy_08Iv1UOeDNIsGoas78tTPH2SlJ7o/s1600/IMG_6194.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">...and also featured a number of other artists, including Lee Greenwood. His last song was "God Bless the USA" which had the entire crowd standing on their feet and joining in song...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKGfVDWLFUNAol4SMtHTiICClzJbwPfoudzRvLLgKunzY7RxdhQC80KFAvBEjywqKW1nJni-EMPtCzI6XBfHrR4w63iyu79UUkA1q2AyfxYp5xvm3C-FINPvH23BRMZzzwKbf5Hj1QpTO/s1600/IMG_6202.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After the show concluded, we navigated our way to the front of the stage for a backstage tour of the Opry. We learned about the history of the Opry, stood on the stage (see picture), saw the many dressing rooms behind the stage and heard some stories about a few of our favorite Opry inductees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieIFsKnNpjWB7Ba74fy-RMBMXN5G0EsHlwLlahzg8t2dmfMUOklrzwdOJmM4nZXvzYyCFonYV6zC76cSuGDy0782HWio5RjK5ys9qF0t1ifnlNVV0BYvKD844PWqFwd68NeYoDFuu7KMNA/s1600/IMG_6211.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On our last day in Nashville, we got up for brunch at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hermitage-Cafe/204788666229120"><span style="color: #420178;">Hermitage Cafe</span></a>, a popular late night diner...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MnJrnP-BXA6hcT-FgiNFGrGRUQXxcFtoTSYYuMigIGnvFc7SyzbZejIDZfOk9QV5wY2s8lYwruOiwESdWNnHYs258Djl005QPe0QXlYyDapCL3Vy6qMR3QeesFhI1P_byXonkRrtRX1s/s1600/IMG_6218.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">...and then headed to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCAtd1S8EdPJ31D5Y0rKegXLFlnkNtxOL9Ut7xq2lZ4Ad93t9crsKuU7shKBm9Yp6QCd-apGaWbJpmuSG1WLFhg_pWPV_5GhpmGlUoHkd4znTo0guQN8GsIkBZnSAFTLJsOFTtlXZ57nt/s1600/IMG_6222.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Although we are not huge country music fans, the Hall of Fame was very appealing, and was the perfect activity for getting out of the cold and drizzle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecmtvppOpvNmbJYY6ckRsXbeXyCSO0wT6-UwovI7NjFfaQpxupUEgyvsYRQciodYOG-Yd1ZzFkpoF0xb96rusnvW6Oh4s7hww_YdFh1DX7bRYCcitWp3txi5t5bQVYmJPIErGCIXM12u2/s1600/IMG_6223.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Elvis' "Solid Gold Cadillac" that he rode in traveling back and forth from Memphis to Nashville...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCZBHA4nmyHJYRIh15TJ3fJvh26cfiHTmskb-Ig14t4zS6j6Bxyulfw62_WJ6KLWXkme29UZWQpfkNlte9miQ7qSZahpycJVzkraVTClM_fOjs_dbzcn1uTcDjYd-m1QBAV-12Yu3LEFM/s1600/IMG_6224.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Elvis' gold piano.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXIu76gnEmio-BYCOijC6uidyKemNxYttOeXczAdv7Ii5QY93ghAoxIqTyoMfy-JDSFVSjHM5JToongZKugrqPoyb2D2AzoCv2_hzSigTULr9VN3n5genBLpZWllwvbIh3BWwefv6FjqH/s1600/IMG_6226.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Johnny Cash...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8FrbVM9ilDJpxeh-nBdHMUkgjDLQzixhd3eaj0fpQNvqKE2hFPzyKuQQbmDGNXp5hZD8_8krylVa6TtSaw0thEAo2U8Yc3kde1C-Z6TGRtwIzW4ul0l8GLyMV-IbKRrugExJDIbTf6xGm/s1600/IMG_6228.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">More from the Hall of Fame...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-HlRubvRY4k9gbU8Fe8QBWLjuranXePE_ulKA0n18AihiMmFx0Fn0s_MV8j3X7dX6Xg9PbNKEEXXCuFhNxqh-FT_Ad1FlrhqUKmqzFvc4t06HrET3K2puogo6CEoSaZ_YULQtjWaKU4l/s1600/IMG_6234.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNQ41iGnNrwNXVmpPa9AAJdQUyJpEaFbIje7T3K_Fkf96aT8jr4UMw_d5U-EBz1SLEPF_7xZRCOe2e0whgeCuz3J3J8Kdx3oSlTRjhyknas23j859DcwUjChbvrWDnlvo8G03UkkWZFXj/s1600/IMG_6236.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7tQR6wk7ddGNSrI_Rn0KgoCFrAuLveY-v20UW043n8cF9AsGNI8VBYx0lsqULTx0RuzpgulKDb6dBzzL7vUQzNYU7HKU7IAtFcWqLsOcDfz0cFLgYBZF4zUCRGeZoL_-K5G3yUHwGEbu/s1600/IMG_6238.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBB8PdKY3JVhFtc_hSk8IQB-a1Xak2zHQAfpzATZk3D8l-K3UhUJE9hDAB4qHpKoTqKCVn1wmwZ-nrU000xWKiTj3Tnl5eCSKA7hBEQdsPPyUIfvwv9e7CIWab3fT7tMIdfLnU8rXF5_6/s1600/IMG_6241.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After the Museum, we went on a tour of Studio B, where Elvis and many other musicians recorded some of the best selling music of all time...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwXYlnxpF6_zzlA0qENa_Kwy6VL_tWDoAK8vTQlyiSJkpu-zrLirmz_fFjHdWF0xNbgBbbMFl0ISJ0XxIscK-IuLULfelwBDDnbTh_WtHsahn48HilYXNteutz0A_4w-OF0awISqG7o7u/s1600/IMG_6246.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We then headed to another area of Nashville for a tour of the Corsair Distillery. Before the tour, we grabbed some BBQ at Jack Cawthon's...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1mIzRLPNWDuop48qszOzv7QM_xEGcZOYNIAo4mumZcQdNo3qdu9A5BcYQP8fxEumwajbmTaKGT8buP6I7VeddeTiLorg-KhtDkLBLiUkzW9S-4TNpPAXuaqFJgUL1L3RTEWz0m_VhVsV/s1600/IMG_6260.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The distillery tour was pretty neat, and included a sampling of some of their products. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SZXyJqC8honI5BBpdWt9JYCbxZu7wCZaBRqQkCFzBy7Pu9SajJp8oRxKzpaGZdvS3tOi5lP09C5Kz0EpRZFGVQ2H5Venw6NQZpUGNsETUFTLQD7MfbUknsz0zYaLUOJJ6cGlC2tNgMlU/s1600/IMG_6263.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We each ordered a cocktail at the end of the tour...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGbyvh49BmIGHBRBydeC4WP1p47KrSAS3dBPco_r6ZfIyUpROwiYi-5s8GRcJdcsIx5zvRJWOr804oldXEe9mr_hVXgi_DaAk7WS5rDxOfmZBqvnHKOw2tGv7pWlzxvCPcPIKqqIRqYX1/s1600/IMG_6272.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We had made reservations for dinner at a restaurant called, <a href="http://thesouthernnashville.com/" target="_blank">The Southern</a>, which was highly recommended on Yelp and by the woman who owned the house where we were staying. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJmSpFxQxJIkZxi7bH6zL-w4VhlYRpvBmEsMoENlPJkkwfeXvgWQcNWify9HqKROX42buTQiT6505YNeSx6GBQwbpukhEanZnGpLXmDZqK1Rke92rWZ0ACRJS1ZhyphenhyphenxfSpPMMrNJ4_Dv1h/s1600/IMG_6278.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Southern featured a shuck-to-order oyster bar and locally sourced meats that were all prepared with a Southern flare. We thought it was the perfect place to enjoy our last night in Nashville.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3ihT1bxPMNzN161Q9nVmeTQAZSzmlcfChpM7QYrwUHrluYCFUlnnqWSZTaileaaMn9E3cvv2nbbWTblSS8kenptPoxvTSpSDadMbnbmgM8uvM_PCwTzKYxtrUfE63KWPlcdo10mwH_lO/s1600/IMG_6283.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I had a wonderful time with my mom and sister and can't wait to take another trip together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cheers!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
About 3000 Miles North...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18379404514861381552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932644144411340239.post-8415288175559117142015-04-25T16:14:00.001-05:002015-04-26T20:57:27.712-05:00Nashville: Part I.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN10f_3WQ4zsVsuN9AGhfLS9yHHWkIXn6GmmK9aVe-E7ylVV0izIov7FqDPovV3Wehk8rp5Va0B2r0Q4GXgzo9-oePZjvNEOFjlUL29o3j_lTS_qPdJibkFuOX3OvtnCieRFDoOSDit9xS/s640/blogger-image-623853071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mom, Leah and I planned a trip to Nashville last summer. The trip was to celebrate my mom's retirement and ability to travel during the school year. We took the trip in mid-March and had a blast. I had moved to Minnesota since booking my original airline tickets, so upon changing the ticket to leave from Minneapolis instead of Anchorage, I met up with mom and Leah in Nashville at the airport after only two hours of flying. Anchorage would have been a 13 hour trip one-way. Yuck! I purchased "Stillwater" to read on the plane. It's written by a Minnesota author and has been a great book. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_O-luNTkwc03g_SYO3VdLB5zPScZiG8VgatE6-_lrbJu7NJbm4w0b8FoZCYJRb9k_YqmDds_faAtLPlWNQ30NBhoCFZ3i76-B1rN77N4H3cJ6nusaFabQ9EQKtzJacnbm6I6BhL4HPF92/s640/blogger-image--1838310950.jpg" width="480" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We arrived in Nashville on an afternoon flight, so once we got to our vacation rental, which was just delightful...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTLb06emdLpi4kE0VABmSAmFcZRysRXa0-FAlsBgyqNXK0YsQUm0xX0YvVc45pZW3d0RxS1PY_dj_7c6NC84QaQ18YrZ2EeGF0PigLC6tA06qLoshckN-WcQe3kpspZiFFm4oQv8fVDNN/s640/blogger-image-1753021129.jpg" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">...we unpacked suitcases and headed to a nearby neighborhood for dinner. The Eastland Cafe was highly rated on Yelp, so we decided to check it out. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKdTs3AiF3y57dJrt6sMeRfcPVXpFLS1RM5zJMjgfKv8_lVEAXqngD5kj9OZTnWLubrR0G_UwgloPpKBa4ULrAES0qIhwY5V63SQV9pjweGV2AYpGm9StS2UlucDDR5REWffZlLJ4D1_e/s640/blogger-image-684314716.jpg" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We had booked a reservation but arrived about 30 minutes early. The staff hated seeing us wait for our table, so the head chef brought us out a complimentary flatbread appetizer to hold us over until we sat down. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN10f_3WQ4zsVsuN9AGhfLS9yHHWkIXn6GmmK9aVe-E7ylVV0izIov7FqDPovV3Wehk8rp5Va0B2r0Q4GXgzo9-oePZjvNEOFjlUL29o3j_lTS_qPdJibkFuOX3OvtnCieRFDoOSDit9xS/s640/blogger-image-623853071.jpg" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Upon being seated at our table, we opened the bottle of wine we brought with us and toasted to being together in Nashville. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVk6-UltJFGkQ5pUKoadUflWdZJNEq9aSuIJA2z-48knE073KWkVdJK9-qfpOZWz_tM6CE3rAmt-ukIsi9rsISfffgzIFGiPtS8586m1hV4Tuyh6t0hzhKc6UkCIaRJIclm30v9oW7fZOD/s640/blogger-image--153530681.jpg" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sunday morning we woke up and headed to Marche, which has a highly rated Sunday brunch. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8ss8ExkfkWxM3Yqb-taFxhpcNnVRFzs9-DmbiDSKH6qeDhtmaz7oGQrbkMQQOHpxZV806rBrKFENe2TjwS-Eekmccl2kxGe5WaW_vkSPsTcc4r7S33aYgk8U8fpuwrbsVkRUXf-Y28Kc/s1600/IMG_6054.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We ordered a few things on the menu and felt everything tasted wonderful. I would definitely recommend Marche to anyone who visits Nashville.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDgH4YLWdLGcu6HFWqP-cZyLM4kSexeyh-UzjIEWGTBuSXcb08QWRmzvEuo1ikZM8oxXJKDKE7ztdF8ua37CU_bocx2obxWetMJzuXKnNjIdcKyZD-sfjryllLU51qVYf_knTBIzypycS/s1600/IMG_6062.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
After brunch, we headed back to the house, changed and then headed for downtown Nashville. Our first stop was the Johnny Cash museum...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoqaY-5m3K6SgkcYgd4ninyPuJHvUzklf2DMHJfPBL20ngAfUF-VqUg98aTfvDfi29L5fWrw3ulviVi5grIg70XPmab5M_O4Pq0c49FwKxqS8LnGC-HBzRdmEgH48YeW_fGkEnQdnccG3B/s1600/IMG_6066.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
and if you didn't know, I am a HUGE Johnny Cash fan. When I met Matt and learned he also liked Johnny Cash and owned the moved Walk the Line, I knew it was a match made in Heaven. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAp1Rhr2rYY6Sg20bXNEva6fv4m3FhbnJC00bh_gjtuhUtIjDlcFYrz4rwJEg3IPHpd1Uu5AfF8kO1_aUmfbj4dglDznuyWHIrYZCSH1Z940_j_W7kO-ioS-mbd80wIN8obo7qA6cv1dP/s640/blogger-image--788671274.jpg" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">...anyway...Johnny. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZoZkX19LRdxCeDEAOSNhK1xTo0Cjo9SMavjj75i_MNLep7rvFqrcnvsjWxpyHMnS-lV-Ep8dUkOQrZ9OoRG0nkwZJ3vHZNjRUgKyWJYj6w8hEPncGstyQoEIErRWtXeV_yaS-gHpgIjD9/s640/blogger-image-561187401.jpg" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The museum was extremely well done. It was interactive, displayed memorabilia from his life and allowed visitors to listen to original recordings via headphones.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kFEWiO7xIEdeiYuM2a-QEjoxBEDiQsisF9TD4EedFIbfgO3rnZcGoRpUo3r4W01atz_0hGUgsERkvsBNV3oW5OAN5F25uGDaIqMBm4oHO54DTnKwxLwIC9-sC-F8Dqgw8zW4p_ud_2b0/s1600/IMG_6079.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All of Johnny's record covers...</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnRFfY19ecL0vXaZsos7kw3BFWvdXwH_Mo8tgSI1fludRrT-82xQ0Ffodk9fUQ23agIci9LRG99eY8qeRrDNQMVrRa5NGTCGtVGDCefVcOfxCsGH570RSV4XJzepC-MK0ITGAx7S6y23K/s640/blogger-image-2143543010.jpg" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After we left the House of Cash...</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSG_NANTR3elQWMrQRqlneqM4YgqK2LYElaYeRt9W1VTmERm4hM73-JhD_osAGX2SAsUVzvNjlFe5qY6gViTt0fLjaqqHlERwTlWIr4r-Fqm5_EOHuumsq8rvAS8Ms0nfFhvuD0v2JpFK_/s1600/IMG_6078.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">we headed for Broadway Street, the main drag downtown. The boot shops and honky tonk bars were plentiful...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovFloMeV4Xi8YfTPGZ-BAhHrqi645xbFwOr-EuQpCn-zAi5ME5ufdUiN-lBGzMGimq-zK9ROqK0yCfO758fB1fHzRUDiHcG_FdiZ3UNfZBYCwdzWq68SYTTABAPLSePd4OtHhV3mkJh9D/s640/blogger-image-564355659.jpg" width="480" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nashville praline and candy store...</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfcnywEDPV8aN7lLpxboCEDPc61WiJqdEl4VJ8RUmhFSsWyu0ItqpQVr3oFOhfMt3UC-7umaX3UkH_2gLbtteMHTBccwqwg4H03B4QpkO78rkEz8cKOpTGPddohwXjMugY9KNHt0bQzNh/s640/blogger-image-775778820.jpg" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The SEC Men's Basketball championship game was being held inside Bridgestone Arena, hence tons of Kentucky fans dispersed around the area... </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYP_tKp-yYTxPYO75IqUvAIQJ5w6chyphenhyphen8Ln3SKP0iRx2mg4hnQ34nQF7GDDHdj7q9rgy8HeppC5Uqi5WdCtTWE2ePhbB0nnx2BoEKrM-fJMOuYIK34cA10lvXVB_Ga-LGDBp9P9clayqV2S/s640/blogger-image-1695946007.jpg" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We were able to find a spot on top of Tootsie's, a bar right across from the arena, and sat there until the crowd emerged from the arena... </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ldjKloycYgjF7Dy53Jg4X6R8cyKsoSWZyyKmfl14Bti3KMYm0zkWFouYta6Q9jImGj66a8sYwtDIS3IJuYTOpf5saBmBnTFZuuNfzzGdWI93A2AW5ndic_chKc_6HvgS_gEwFN_T2N_C/s640/blogger-image-1607352830.jpg" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As the game ended and Kentucky continued their undefeated season, Broadway turned Kentucky blue...</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56juoEGtUT5X3kdj-0tfpEcWWhgFoD0b3tH-u44G-h0CUeeQ8U6TvG6teQu2c7atWuUCep498hO1BPD6PIG9ZUayO8R8xr15ePxBRWQhRNVWKA7mIacOvpzl7fSAnrqHLsmYmzuX4EOms/s1600/IMG_6109.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After walking around downtown, we stopped at Mike's Ice Cream for a couple scoops of ice cream. The flavor list was incredible...and the line to get inside started outside of the building. While we were waiting, a musician came by trying to sell Leah his record...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4a2FomXyJB6K_zixC4fxndHs0-mVSGPToH5zoCCW5SLl-k6yoGXxfl2DThKmIKoPZnhRC3s5wWQdCGYKxXM2y7fS5CgfPG-m6qmb5mnztogfZdTBuUYu0QJbGGJHATNuRrJE-YYJHIXQW/s1600/IMG_6117.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
Leah didn't end up purchasing the cd, but the ice cream was tasty and well worth the wait.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pFR1h6-EC9wLWLSiZ5EHXGUyxkvj9HY9iy9rg00BpmNThyIANmNvL87RaAXPv5KDOsxA4G7CTiVZNGbsHEroEmrKTAnf0u6mT8CoWGF54KPFNmOpqrdUHEqgirwOWzkKYS4XogiAtbOK/s1600/IMG_6118.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
We continued to walk around downtown...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0MLmujFqp7EvzQ0IXPfE4vlczZTHs1jbRYMvIG6_BPFMuyvBzU4QKNulePEOKFRL289nirpWnGEVI65DS9heD5vSU6bmgPnLei5uPbwChwdpUpRZGLvgVYvAep_S36X9tAdHXCF3rvK6/s1600/IMG_6119.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
...and then stopped at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Swingin-Doors-Saloon/450984041597675" target="_blank">Swingin' Doors Saloon</a>, a self proclaimed honky tonk bar that claims it is the only bar in town where Country is King. I may have to disagree a little bit, but it was a great stop to watch the NCAA Men's Basketball selection show. Plus, the Bloody Mary was on par.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhKAag4fhys0soXwtQzL8PToCrTXNjefVOhs55mIIUeMxd80UIQTezq35lrOtAk3n6lgvu_yvmotdfc-rYmy9yJwVmwE0-typOxNV4-lRLNWGCWVSvF8Ctt66o8fqPCaq9mXw9a1aBhbt/s1600/IMG_6124.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sunday night we headed back to the house and enjoyed dinner and wine on the deck. Spring had sprung in Nashville and we wanted to take full advantage of the evening...</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-eSx1ClteQv3Qa1rOAM4cR_TLeQnfwbxY9rpHlQCGVGNvYPh1V_vps_UVmoaUTyTLDC4_eTXVeEsOgS3LvXQqCMELSn9ohnbMamFW8Y_wb9DqHhr4BYz7dUtgycLByRDf99_W7BxhwPj/s1600/IMG_6132.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Monday morning we headed to the Loveless Cafe, which is about 25 miles Southwest of Nashville. Another hot spot breakfast stop, we all enjoyed the biscuits, coffee and southern hospitality..</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8P2Xvo6rlVVFIJMZMBiCaFwGCBdjw_0pKcWuVcJnMBbzSATdX2jK6-geKogDKYXo0SKcQT8hIfoh-UklU0KAXnX5m9bdx2XxAwM_-bUtpN_UfnhoZUiTQ4aYrQdVf54SkbaogXB1N-9q/s1600/IMG_6148.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TTr8K4E9oLzlRWi0sL2G2g0hYcwZK4r_DwIix_kwEXBr9GpcRfymHnIxe8HIdndFZq-BJgi_HjRQl3cTr3zoqKKkuWhsWrJx7jG6x6xs0V6LVKd6ayHpDu57eLrLR7cskjRaqkQGf_8c/s1600/IMG_6141.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Next on our agenda was a stop at Centennial Park. At this park sits the only full-size exact replica of the ancient Greek Parthenon.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjse9sBg2sWmD08SXQAvaj1Rir7klBCyqvZW-OETboaBhcCkuE7SODeLM3f1y4qMkhrp5g7u14ulUImWqZG0LUvOVHrRyEWt2-mybc_Z6k_UoRtj5f-Ya5Qwv2e78-qFX3zgIbHkZSHDKyx/s1600/IMG_6154.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
The architecture of this replica includes not a single straight line - no two columns are the same size, nor are they placed the same distance apart. No two steps are the same size and the floor is not square or level. It houses the tallest indoor sculpture in the western world, a statue of Athena, ancient goddess of wisdom and learning, a deity for whom the original Parthenon was erected.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNqhxxZxXHAxM0eSH49d1INM67aHgufeRhVIeaCMoMUL5ip7A0wOXMUhdWnm14Okc8Ugb0-u-h48mnsOOU27WDBFrm_LNQRQzEKMTah1yA0bHaGAZFXkhekJGeFtXaLqv7huDykql4kEO/s1600/IMG_6153.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Monday evening we had tickets to see Vince Gill with his band, The Time Jumpers, at <a href="http://www.3rdandlindsley.com/index.html" target="_blank">3rd and Lindsley</a>. Somewhat of an unknown opportunity, we were told by some locals that attending his Monday night show was a must. The Time Jumpers perform every Monday night at 3rd and Lindsley to a sold out crowd each week.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJL2Z-K2U-UeDzgBCf-SNA_ej9guUsMcl_xB36l6yIB0_i00qa3gnC997e8iH-mm3XPTPulrOUehMZbErRm97Ejt-RFgJPSLoM6iXaowWXvyfe7ggkf7O8lmrPKb_BCY4vUtYFMf7CjrxP/s1600/IMG_6157.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We made sure to arrive very early (two and a half hours early) to the show due to first come, first serve seating. While waiting for the show to start, we had fun talking, napping (just kidding...sort of) and passing the time...</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzeCiIAjy11pIGcMQdCu0a3f0L0nUCNFoH7ht_BfP0AJRZSnM_jA0FvXuN2rA7w0EvBVJAfpJzk_H28QeKh5eze3uQO2pfMfCrBjRnJj17W4fBUzQOZCopoTYtnsRe3DV0UUc0cuOCnC4K/s1600/IMG_6158.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Vince and his band were amazing playing western swing music while strumming on their guitars, fiddles, steel guitars and a number of other instruments. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6xGvPg7BofD9W8WtKX55ITNwIDm1fXOQuFCC-t9zW4a3VcyiyF-8L093c-XPxVNMdrnSbkntVqv182d0sPIhKJX1FjiIvhXAOKs0lWA1A91-o4iynFQyE_RMk08z_N88kRKGjdb4RZLG/s1600/IMG_6167.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">More to come in Part II of our Nashville adventure...</span><br />
<br /></div>
About 3000 Miles North...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18379404514861381552noreply@blogger.com