Vergas Mn,

Outside of Chicago we found a great little town, Woodstock, (no not that Woodstock). In a town of about 25,000 we found Gelato (Italian ice cream), fresh bakery with great pastries and a tavern that has been serving great food since the 40's. Now I like living in Fort Mill, with it's population of 35,000, but we have none of that. Maybe someday.

We then traveled to Vergas Mn to visit friends we met in Habitat, Bill and Peggy. They retired to this town on Lake Loon, a beautiful setting. The area has hundreds of clear lakes great for recreation and fishing. We parked our motor home in their cul de sac. The home can only be reached by a very narrow land bridge, we were a little nervous about making it across but managed to stay out of the water, don't think our rig would float very well.

Spent couple of days with them touring the area. Vergas is beautiful, but 40 degree below freezing winters would not suit us.

Again a great little town, with a old fashioned hardware store so filled with stuff that you would never find at a big box “home" store” . The owner knew were every nut and bolt was.

Local restaurant had pie and coffee for .99 and some amazing sweet rolls.

Yesterday we continued west, stopping in Bismarck ND for couple of nights to catch up on housecleaning, laundry, hair cuts, ect. We realized that none of the 12 volt systems in the coach were working, this controls the slides, lights, furnace, ect.

After couple of hours crawling around and below, cleaning terminals and cussing a lot, no progress. Barb said "call Monaco" and ask them. Well being a guy we feel the same way about that as asking directions, but given it was getting dark and we were cold it was the only option left. Called and a fellow named Bob said, "did you check the main shutdown switch near the passenger chair in the rig, flip the switch and see what happens". Well the rig came to life, said many thanks and as Barbara gleamed with "I told you so" After a few mea culpa I simply went about putting my tools away. Turns out Barb kicked the switch when she was snoozing as I drove, so I guess that makes us even in the great cosmic marriage equation.

Today the wind is blowing at 35mph and nights 38 degrees. Spring here is just taking hold, trees still budding out.

Have not quite decided where we will enter Canada, but will do so before Memorial day.