Work From....County Regional Park

The last time M and I drove out this way, we did not have jobs or kids. Logistically it was a lot easier. But there are a few things we have figured out to make traveling now not just possible, but also enjoyable and fun. If we are going to be driving all day, we try to stop every 2 hours for a long break. We look for parks. If it's the weekend, an elementary school or a high school track is a good bet. Weekdays we look for county or state parks. I check the satellite view for big enough parking lots. Our trailer is only 20 ft. long and very maneuverable, but too long for a regular spot, so we usually end up parking across 4 spots. (Not very courteous if there's Little League or something going on, so we move on if that's the case.) Getting out of the car to really run around makes the kids behave pretty well when we are driving. There are a lot of podcasts we all enjoy listening to, and it's also a good time for them to work on their school work.

Right now we have to work around M's work schedule. Last night we stayed at a KOA with a noon checkout time. This morning I did some lessons with the kids, washed our clothes and got everything packed up while he worked. Then on his lunch break we drove about 80 miles to a county park near Minneapolis where we spent the rest of the afternoon. M worked on a really pretty deck overlooking a lake and the the kids and I went to the Visitor's Center, played on the beach, took a hike and did a scavenger hunt. They had a little library collection of all sorts of books about Minnesota plants and wildlife and an indoor play area. The vegetation is not all that different, although we did get to see some sections of restored prairie today. Mostly the kids are still noticing the endless fields of corn and soy that cover the midwest.

Now we're on the road again and will drive until we find another good spot to spend the night.