Independance Day
Monticello to Ham Lake 82km, Total 1571km, Hot, 94℉
Had great nights sleep arising early to no dew on the, tarp, oats and coffee. Packed gear and was on the road by 0800hrs.
The heat mixed with humidity was already making its presence felt.
Now that I was getting closer to the twin cities traffic was on the increase.
Combined together, the wind and heat were sapping my reserves, being Ind. Day the small diners were closed. This meant dinind at a chain, Dennys at Otsego was it. Other people had the same idea to the point where you had to queue and wait to be seated.
I filled in some time on the net and chatting with people in the same predicament. Upon me being called I promptly ordered as soon as I was seated.
Across from me a family were sitting, they asked where I was from and what was I up to. The dad asked me if he could see my bill which I gave him thinking they wanted to see how much I had been charged. We spoke a little more after which I motioned I was on my way. They would have no part in giving the bill back and said it was on them. This kind of gesture somewhat bewilders me. How do you thank people offering these acts of goodwill, I hung around some more and I think they enjoyed the opportunity to find out more about life in Australia.
Soon the road took me through sizeable towns,Anoka and Andover.
As arranged in Itasca I was catching up with Ken and His wife Gina at Ham lake.I arrived about 1530hrs. They have a rural residential property in an area not unlike Middle Boambee, plenty of space and comfortable. So nice to be seated and yarning at a table in someones house.
They had a family gathering at Ginas sisters place organised to celebrate ID.
On the way there I bought a couple of six packs of botique beer, heaps on offer. I was chatting to the owners of the liqour store about wines and ales, explaining in a stirring fashion that we unload our dodgy brews here., namely Fosters and three legs I think. They had no Kiwi wines but some reasonable Aussie reds.
Back in the car Ken needed ice I shot back in to get some. The owner said grab what you want, its on us. Once again that Minnesota kindness had its impact on me. Nothing more than a humble thanks so much and take care was forthcoming from myself.
Ginas sister and husband lived 25m away, also on a rural lot. I was introduced to everyone and immediately felt relaxed in part due to knowing my belongings were safe and more importantly that I was made so welcome.
Their mum Florence was present, a lovely lady of 84 who had that special ambience about her that some elderly people have. We chatted over a stubby. Eveyone was having a great time, all the kids swimming, turned out Florence and her husband bought up the kids on a farm with sheep. The conversation swung to a few kiwi jokes with much laughter.
The house was air conditioned, so the outside heat ensured the kitchen became like a bar. A couple of college friends of the girls turned up with a large bot of Yeagermeister (cant spell it) The afternoon was getting more and more enjoyable. A help yourself array of home salads and burgers prepared by the girls were enjoyed. Just like a normal aussie afternoon with good friends.
The younger guys were displaying their skills at downing the yeager. Ginas brother was keeping pace or more to the point setting the pace. It was classic, Kim was blind.
He kept us entertained into the night. It was such a great afternoon. Ginas sister Missy the host is one of those people you cant help but like. So natural.
Come 0100hrs ken and I headed home . It was a great way to celebrate this occassion. My first ID BBQ come party. Sleep came easy on after such good food, company, lots of laughs and plenty of swarnarama.
Thanks for a fun day you guys. I will always remember it. Thanks for the entertainment Kim.
Monticello to Ham Lake 82km, Total 1571km, Hot, 94℉
Had great nights sleep arising early to no dew on the, tarp, oats and coffee. Packed gear and was on the road by 0800hrs.
The heat mixed with humidity was already making its presence felt.
Now that I was getting closer to the twin cities traffic was on the increase.
Combined together, the wind and heat were sapping my reserves, being Ind. Day the small diners were closed. This meant dinind at a chain, Dennys at Otsego was it. Other people had the same idea to the point where you had to queue and wait to be seated.
I filled in some time on the net and chatting with people in the same predicament. Upon me being called I promptly ordered as soon as I was seated.
Across from me a family were sitting, they asked where I was from and what was I up to. The dad asked me if he could see my bill which I gave him thinking they wanted to see how much I had been charged. We spoke a little more after which I motioned I was on my way. They would have no part in giving the bill back and said it was on them. This kind of gesture somewhat bewilders me. How do you thank people offering these acts of goodwill, I hung around some more and I think they enjoyed the opportunity to find out more about life in Australia.
Soon the road took me through sizeable towns,Anoka and Andover.
As arranged in Itasca I was catching up with Ken and His wife Gina at Ham lake.I arrived about 1530hrs. They have a rural residential property in an area not unlike Middle Boambee, plenty of space and comfortable. So nice to be seated and yarning at a table in someones house.
They had a family gathering at Ginas sisters place organised to celebrate ID.
On the way there I bought a couple of six packs of botique beer, heaps on offer. I was chatting to the owners of the liqour store about wines and ales, explaining in a stirring fashion that we unload our dodgy brews here., namely Fosters and three legs I think. They had no Kiwi wines but some reasonable Aussie reds.
Back in the car Ken needed ice I shot back in to get some. The owner said grab what you want, its on us. Once again that Minnesota kindness had its impact on me. Nothing more than a humble thanks so much and take care was forthcoming from myself.
Ginas sister and husband lived 25m away, also on a rural lot. I was introduced to everyone and immediately felt relaxed in part due to knowing my belongings were safe and more importantly that I was made so welcome.
Their mum Florence was present, a lovely lady of 84 who had that special ambience about her that some elderly people have. We chatted over a stubby. Eveyone was having a great time, all the kids swimming, turned out Florence and her husband bought up the kids on a farm with sheep. The conversation swung to a few kiwi jokes with much laughter.
The house was air conditioned, so the outside heat ensured the kitchen became like a bar. A couple of college friends of the girls turned up with a large bot of Yeagermeister (cant spell it) The afternoon was getting more and more enjoyable. A help yourself array of home salads and burgers prepared by the girls were enjoyed. Just like a normal aussie afternoon with good friends.
The younger guys were displaying their skills at downing the yeager. Ginas brother was keeping pace or more to the point setting the pace. It was classic, Kim was blind.
He kept us entertained into the night. It was such a great afternoon. Ginas sister Missy the host is one of those people you cant help but like. So natural.
Come 0100hrs ken and I headed home . It was a great way to celebrate this occassion. My first ID BBQ come party. Sleep came easy on after such good food, company, lots of laughs and plenty of swarnarama.
Thanks for a fun day you guys. I will always remember it. Thanks for the entertainment Kim.
