Taking a Breather

Ted and I are all cozied up in "Rosa" this morning.  Last night we battened down the hatches and even turned on the heater as the wind whipped up and the temps dropped into the low 30's F.  Was so cold last night that I slept in my clothes.  In By the Shores of Silver Lake when the Ingalls spent some time in the Railroad camp, Laura and her friend, Lena, slept in their clothes on the bare grass with nothing to cover them,  inside one of the tents camp tents.

Today we camp for recreation and relaxation...to get away from it all.  We are fortunate to be camping so comfortably.  The Ingalls were crossing this country in a covered wagon, plow and washtub and bucket tied to the outside and their ever-faithful bulldog, Jack, tied underneath, running with all his might. They camped each night without all the mod cons we have.  It was hard work.  But the Ingalls were also camping to get away from it all.

They were moving west to escape the hustle and bustle of the eastern cities, searching for a place where they could spread out, breathe the fresh unpoluted air and live off the land.  They eventually find their claim near De Smet, Minnesota.

Right now we are in Pepin, Wisconsin, Laura's birthplace.  The campground is jam-packed but we chose it because of the wi-fi.  Talk about mod cons!  Arrived here early enough yesterday to have lunch (spinach & parmesan quiche) and get the lay of the land.  It was my first view of the Mighty Mississippi...something on my bucket list...it is amazing.  Here in Pepin the river widens to 3 miles across and they call it Lake Pepin.  I am bringing home 2 rocks for my collection from the shore.

We  drove to a couple of neighbouring towns and took in some gift shops and a winery.  We bought apples, cheese curds, and a bottle of cabernet sauvignon for Ted.  Today we're going to take it easy, do more of the same and also drive 7 miles north of the town to see the birth place of Laura  Ingalls Wilder.  This is also on my bucket list. 

Hoping you are all well,
Mom/Peggy