Last night we slept in a garage with the door open. We slept like babies! Our initial plan was to tent along the trail, but we've been so fortunate to have generous folks open their garages, barns, shops and homes for us.
We traveled along on Hwy 27 this afternoon and ended our day in Swanville, MN. Swanville will be home for this evening. It was a beautiful day to be out traveling. We got started around 10 a.m. and stopped in the early afternoon to give the mules a bucket of water and a little rest. The sunshine felt great during the 25 miles we covered!
Tonight we are staying with Janice and Mike Loxterkamp. We'll be sleeping in their garage. They kindly shared some square bales for the mules.
We traveled along on Hwy 27 this afternoon and ended our day in Swanville, MN. Swanville will be home for this evening. It was a beautiful day to be out traveling. We got started around 10 a.m. and stopped in the early afternoon to give the mules a bucket of water and a little rest. The sunshine felt great during the 25 miles we covered!
Tonight we are staying with Janice and Mike Loxterkamp. We'll be sleeping in their garage. They kindly shared some square bales for the mules.
With over 100 miles under our belt, the road has steadily worn down Rufus and Rowdy's shoes. Our task today was to track down a local ferrier to put on new shoes. After speaking with a couple of ferriers we were able to find one that is available to shoe the mules Monday evening.
It sounds like Mike Hanson and Linnae Ferry are going to join us next week and ride with us for a couple of days. It will be fun to have some company along our travels.
Over the next few days we will be going through Upsala and Albany, MN. Since we announced our journey we've raised over $4,000 for Hospice and Palliative care! Thank you to all of our supporters.
We've thoroughly enjoyed our trip so far. The hardest thing is facing the unknown. There is anticipation each morning as to what the day will hold. We're in unfamiliar territory now and our maps aren't the best. Often we pull over and ask about our location. We've been tremendously fortunate finding places to stay each night that are warm and have a safe place for the mules.
Good night from the trail.
Joe and Earl
Good night from the trail.
Joe and Earl
My family had the pleasure of meeting these wonderful Gentlemen!! They stopped at my uncle John Loxterkamp(the farm, someone recommened a warm place to stay). John wasn't home, but we happened to stop by. They ended up staying 3-4 miles down the road at my aunt and uncles(Mike and Janice Loxterkamp) Were Rufus, and Rowdy got shoed. They fit right in, and as kind as could be!! It will def. be sad to see them go tomorrow. Safe travels, and good luck! You've got lots of support!!
ReplyDeleteHi Joe, I think some wires got crossed on the days we might be riding with you. It worked out best for both Linnae and I to come down NEXT Monday, May 6th. Hope your still on the trail and I hope our out-of-shape horses don't slow you guys down. Mike H.
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