The Adventure Begins .... (finally!)

Well, thanks to all of you who have been so patient waiting to hear when we are actually leaving and where we are going.

Our departure IS imminent ... and we have been steadily occupied with our departure preparations. Gary and I have our work responsiblities in good shape, and we feel good about that. Our health is also good and getting better. Julie underwent bilateral knee replacement surgery on June 11th; recuperation has been intense, but thankfully is slowly improving and I am now walking with only one crutch. Flexion and extension is on track, so I'm very happy that it looks like I'll be able to be a full participant in all the activities of our adventure.

We're pleased that all the logistical pieces have fallen into place: we've been able to arrange our work lives with coverage from our gracious colleagues; we have rented our house to a wonderful young couple who are expecting twins in October and need more room; we've even miraculously found a wonderful couple who are watching our dear Wheaten Terriers, Ginger and Pippi. Now we are steadily working to put our things in storage so our renters can move in ... this is slowed, of course, as Julie is a little less than 100%, but gaining everyday. Gary is so capable and energetic that he practically makes up deficit. All in all, we think we'll be ready to roll out ... with Chicago as our first destination .... on Thursday, July 23.

We actually feel we had the first part of our adventure a week ago. We traveled (without the motorhome) to Ely, Minnesota, where we had a wonderful visit with Jane and Dave Piepgras. They built a gorgeous log home about 4 years ago on White Iron Lake and this was our first visit. Julie was still convalescing and they provided very expert TLC. Liz, her friend Megan and Gary visited the International Wolf Center and really enjoyed it. They loved swimming in the lake, and our beautiful pontoon ride. It was a wonderful visit.

Then we travelled down beautiful route 1 from Ely to the North Shore of Lake Superior just above Two Harbours. It was a gorgeous drive. We had lunch at Grandma's in Duluth, and then made our way to our friends in Bayfield, Wisconsin, Patty and Arnie Carver. We were so lucky to overlap a bit with their two wonderful daughters -- Denise and Kristin -- and their children, as well as Clyde, their son Mark's boy. Liz and Megan had so much fun playing with the kids
and we had a beautiful cruise among the Apostle Islands. It was a great experience of the great states of Minnesota and Wisconsin.

On Sunday, July 19, we had a little "Hit the Road Drop-In" get together and were able to welcome many of our friends for a little snack and tour of the Winnebago Tour .... our home for the next 11 months. It was fun to share our excitement and receive the good wishes of our dear friends for League's Excellent Adventure.

So that brings us up to date .... Liz and I will be writing regularly now, and hope you'll enjoy following along.

'Bye for now!

Julie