Traveling through Prairie Lands

Tonight I am writing to you from Regina, Saskatchewan.  It has been a very long day.  As a matter of fact, today is the longest day of driving we'll have for the entire trip. Since we left home yesterday, we've driven about 1375 miles through 4 States and 2 Canadian Provinces (and I've still managed to get in over 12,000 steps each day too!).  I'm so proud of the girls and how well they have been traveling too.  They are troopers and other than a little anxiety from Maddie this morning, it has been smooth sailing. 

We started the day in Superior Wisconsin with a nice 45 minute walk around town before breakfast, and then we packed up and headed out.  Within minutes we entered Duluth, Minnesota and Maddie was far too excited about all of the water surrounding us.  Thanks to Minnesota and their 10,000 Lakes, it was a morning drive filled with a pacing Maddie because she just loses her mind when she can smell lake air.  But she finally relaxed and was great for the rest of the trip.  We crossed the mighty Mississippi, which is pretty small in Northern Minnesota and traveled through many small towns before finally reaching the North Dakota border.  We weren't able to get any pictures at any of the State Borders since most of them happened at a bridge over water, but hopefully we'll get some on our way home. 

The plan for today was not to stop much along the way for any sight seeing, we'll be able to check some stuff out on our way home and I just wanted to get to Regina for the night.  However, we did stop to stretch our legs along the way and of course we had to stop in Michigan, North Dakota.

 Along the way, we also stopped at the geographic center of North America.

Most of our trip was just miles and miles of flat farmland with a town here and there.  Even though it's not the most exciting scenery, I still think it's beautiful.

After driving for miles through North Dakota, we finally reached the Canadian border at what has to be one of the lonliest border crossing locations in the country.  I didn't see another car for miles before or after crossing the border.

Thankfully no one was around so we were able to stop and get a picture as we entered Manitoba.  The girls weren't very cooperative, but at least I have proof that we were there!

We were in Manitoba for about 27 miles before we reached Saskatchewan.  So I dragged the girls out of the Jeep for a picture again. 

Imke and Maddie were enjoying just laying in the grass and I couldn't resist getting a picture of Imke all on her own just soaking up the sun.

The most interesting thing I've found about Saskatchewan is that every single town has one of these grain elevators.  After driving for miles and seeing nothing, I always knew we were nearing a town when I saw one of these looming in the distance.

After driving for 100s of miles through flat prairie land, the best part of the day was seeing the Regina skyline in the distance as the sun was setting. It was beautiful and I wish I could have gotten a picture. 

Before we leave in the morning, we'll be exploring the area a bit so we can get in a good walk before heading on to Edmonton for tomorrow night.  I'm looking forward to a little less driving and a little more exploring tomorrow.  

Stop One Superior Wisconsin

We headed out early today on day one of our trip to Alaska.  With a long day of travel ahead of us, I knew we'd need to make a few stops along the way to stretch our legs and give the girls a chance to explore.  So we left bright and early to begin our adventure.  The girls were excited to be in the Jeep heading off on an adventure.  They have no idea what's in store!

Our first stop, as is the case with any trip North, was Mackinaw City.  It was a hot and humid day, so the girls were ready to head right for the Lake. 

Happy girl at the Lake!

After a little splash in the Lake and a good drink, we were off to take a quick 1 1/2 mile walk on the North Country Trail before jumping back in the Jeep to continue on our journey.  But before we could get into the Jeep, I had to get a picture in front of the Fort.

After a nice stop, we settled in for a long drive.  I decided to stay on US2 as we headed West through the UP.  The girls were sound asleep and I had settled in for the drive so I was able to make good time on some really long, quiet stretches of highway.

US2 West of Crystal Falls

After driving through a bit of a rain storm, the sun came back out and it was time for us to get out to stretch our legs again so we made a stop in Wakefield and I forced the girls to pose for some pictures for me.

We took a quick walk around before we were back in the Jeep and heading to Wisconsin with my co-pilot in her rightful spot in the front seat.

The trip across Wisconsin went quickly and smoothly and we were soon in Superior, our destination for the night.  Although Superior is very much a industrial town, it still has some very pretty areas.  Before heading to the hotel for the night, we went for a walk on the Osaugie Trail which runs along the waterfront.

Silly me, I forgot it was the 4th of July, so we had to shorten our walk due to the fireworks which were just about to start.  As we walked back to the Jeep, we even got a little history lesson.

Before heading to the hotel, we mad a quick stop to pick up dinner at Shorty's, which was featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. The pizza and cheese curds were both amazing!

We're now all nicely settled into our room for the night.  The girls are snuggled together and sound asleep and I'm about to snuggle up with them.  We have an even longer day ahead of us tomorrow as we head into Canada. Time for bed!

Hit the road, Jack!

Tomorrow is the day we leave for our epic road trip through Canada to Juneau, Alaska.  After months of planning and preparation, we are ready.  The Jeep is packed with the exception of a couple of items which can't be packed until we are leaving, the girls got in a good walk tonight, and I have done everything I possibly can to make sure we are prepared.  I can't believe it's here!

Tomorrow we'll be traveling through the UP and into Wisconsin for our first night away.  I plan to make some small stops along the way to stretch our legs and maybe even get in a few miles on the North Country Trail.  I'm excited beyond belief, a little nervous, and am amazed at that fact the we're really doing this.

No pictures to share tonight and no big story, just one excited girl ready to go out and see the world.  It is my plan to update this blog every night as long as I have internet...I guess we'll see what happens.  I hope to share some really amazing stuff with you all along the way and hope you enjoy the journey with us!

Until tomorrow night, good night to you all.  I wish you all a happy and safe 4th of July holiday!

Dogs days of summer

It was a great week to get out and enjoy the first full week of Summer here in Michigan.  Early in the week, we had some really great weather with low humidity and temperatures in the upper 60s to low 70s.  Knowing that a heatwave was headed our way, we decided to get out and enjoy the great outdoors while we could.  

Our adventures last Sunday took us to Battle Creek to get in some miles on the North Country Trail.  We are working on our 100 miles on the trail again this year and are a little behind schedule, so it seemed like a great day to get in a few miles.  

The trail follows the Battle Creek Linear Path through town and has some nice views of the river.  It also has a great park with a little history of the Underground railroad and some great places to catch the girls exploring.  Peaches loves to jump up anything she can so she can see more.

After forcing them to pose for some pictures, it was back to the trail.  We met several friendly bikers along the way and enjoyed our time together on the trail.  We completed just about 4 miles on the trail that day, but we are still a little behind schedule (I would like to have 50 miles completed since we're at the end of June and we're about 5 miles short), but we have some time on the trail planned for this week, so I'm hoping to get back on track!

Once we finished our hike, it was back in the Jeep to head home and partake in a charity dog wash being held by a Lansing area rescue.  All three girls were troopers, but I can honestly say none of them enjoyed the experience.  

Maddie getting soapy

Imke being pampered 

Peaches post bath...I don't think she was happy with me

Even if they didn't enjoy it, I love that they were clean and we were able to support other dogs in need.  We always like to do our part to help where we can.

Peaches first State Capitol visit

Since we were already downtown for the dog wash, I decided we should take a little walk around the Capitol Building and see if we could get a practice session in with Peaches.  She did amazing!  Although she loves to scoot forward every time I take a step back, we finally got a good sit and stay out of both Peaches and Maddie while Imke was laying down very nicely.  I was pretty happy with our first attempt-even if I cut the dome out of the picture!

Best Co-pilot ever!

Monday was just as nice as Sunday, so it seemed like a great night to take the top off of the Jeep and take a drive, after all, half the reason for having a Jeep is so you can take the top off!  This was Peaches first ride with the top off and she had the best time.

Peaches enjoying the ride

Mom and Maddie!

We had no destination in mind and just took our time and enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine. Who doesn't love just going for a drive?  I know the girls and I love it!  It was a great way to spend the evening with the girls.  

Fun with the girls

Tuesday night I took the girls to watch my niece, Brezlyn, play softball.  I've got a whole other blog post planned to talk about our love of the game, but here's one picture of all three of them to hold you over until then!

Thursday, Peaches had her 6 month check-up and chest x-ray for  her cancer.  I am happy to report that the cancer is growing slowly and the doctor was very happy with how well she is doing.  Although we know our time with her is limited, she's become a big part of our lives and it's nice to know that we've still got some good times left!  

Waiting patiently at the Vet

Since Thursday was the last day of nice weather before the heatwave hit, and in celebration of the good news from the vet, we decided to get out and get a couple of miles on the North Country Trail in Marshall.  We really like the Marshall River walk, mainly because it's one of closest parts of the trail to us.  But Maddie and Peaches like it because they can splash around in the River.

After a nice dip in the River and a good drink, it was back on the trail so we could finish up our 2 miles and head home before sunset.

I'm so glad we went because it was a gorgeous night and we got to spend some quality time together, but most importantly, I had three happy girls by the end of the walk!

We finished our week with a trip to Midland to visit our dog loving friends, Shauna and Eddie, who are moving West in just few days.  They always have the best dog-friendly parties!  

While the heat (and food) kept Imke and Maddie close by, Peaches had the best time exploring their yard and hunting for critters.  A few times she was joined be her new hound friend, Ricky Bobby.

I was only able to get one picture of Peaches with Dylan...and it took some good venison as a bribe to get this one! Joey, the Beagle, joined in on that fun as well!

Imke and Maddie stayed close by on the deck most of the night.  I'm sure the heat and the proximity to food were contributing factors to that.  And Imke was happy to make people friends that let her lick their plates. 

Dylan was happy that  Auntie Trisha was willing to spoil him!

 Jesse and Joey enjoyed the air conditioning most of the night.  I can't blame them!

All of the dogs had a great time!  We were so happy to be able to see our friends before they leave.  We're going to miss having them just down the road, but now we have a reason to make a road trip to Washington!  It was a great way to end our fun first week of summer.   There's nothing better than a life surrounded by dogs!