It’s September 30, the day our Mississippi River tour begins. All of the participants have arrived now. We had an administrative meeting with everyone this afternoon where we had brief introductions to the trip leaders and all of the travelers. We represent 12 states, as well as Australia. There are seven first-timers in the group, including us. Everyone is eager to get to know the others in the group and to get started on this journey down the Mississippi.

We took Gracie for a hike on a property used for cross country skiing and owned by the local state university. We wanted her to get some exercise because tomorrow we will be gone most of the day and she will have to stay here by herself. The property had several miles of trails and we chose a few to wander down.

Tonight the whole group went to dinner at a resort on Lake Bemidji. We sampled some walleye, a favorite fish of this part of the world.

Our across-the-way neighbors at the campground have a little labradoodle who is the same age as Gracie. The two of them are becoming trip buddies. Tonight they enjoyed a romp in the dog park after we returned from dinner. Gracie is quick but Chip can outrun her!