U.P. Challenger 3985

As I was leaving the YMCA on Firday after swimming 2200 meters (thank you very much), I listened to a message from John about an old steam engine pulling through town.
From Union Pacific's website
"Union Pacific Challenger No. 3985 was designed by Union Pacific and built in 1943 by the American Locomotive Company. It is one of 105 Challengers built for Union Pacific between 1936 and 1943 and is the only operating engine of its class in the world today – the largest and most powerful operating steam locomotive."

John was already in St. Paul checking it out and asked if we wanted to come down. We made it to the bridge over a train yard right about the time that it was supposed to pull though. It was stopped about a mile down the tracks refueling. There were lots of other engines pulling through and a few big freight lines to watch as we waited. Luckily there was a huge field just on the side of the bridge so we frolicked a bit. Many other train buffs were present, they were a very friendly sort and it was a really neat feeling of waiting and anticipation.
It took almost 2.5 hours, but we finally saw it. And it was really neat. Sorry no pictures, the camera was at home the whole time. But it was a lovely afternoon, sunny warm and breezy, Perfect.

Pumpkins and Apples

It felt very early in the season for us, but today we went to find pumpkins. Our calendar for October is pretty full so off we went this afternoon.

We bought two pumpkins (45# total) and picked a peck of apples. Hindsight tell us we should have gotten way more apples..

MN River

Trying to to hit the peak of fall colors we went out on the Minesota River yesterday. Planning to camp we selected a stretch from about Belle Plain to Jordan, about 10 river miles, with a few campsites. The river was flowing nicely and we found many nice diversions. Lunch on a great sandbar and we found a great big sand

dune close to our take-out. It was worth the sand in every pocket, sock and hairline, we went up and down twice.

We never did find a site, but had a fantastic day.

Cannon River - goodbye Summer

The forecast for last weekend was perfect. Warm (almost hot) and clear. Being the last true weekend of Summer I thought we should take the canoe out again.
I picked a new river for us, the Cannon. It is one of the closest to us (about 50 miles) that has camping options on the river. So we gave it a shot.
It was a great. The river was a bit shallow for our load, but other than that it was perfect. We didn't see anyone else on the river. Our campsite came just as we needed it. (John and I were tired of getting out and walking the boat). It was a very open long narrow field. There were some trails that went right through the site. However it was not a problem. A group on horseback came through just as we were starting a fire. The horses were not too sure of the canoe or the fire, but made it past without incident.
There were all kinds of bugs at the site. Especially slugs. I don't think I have ever seen so many slugs. They were everywhere.


Does anyone know anything about Shutterfly's Share sites? Any experience with them?

Rain Hike

Last weekend it really felt like fall. Cool, windy and rainy. Here in Minnesota it felt like Spring all over again. We were driving each other bananas in the house so we decided to go on a hike. We all have rain gear so why not?

We all had a great time and had hot cocoa at home!

Fall

The weather is cooler this week. Odin started "school" last week. He is in a program that meets one day a week. It is called a mom's day out program, but all of the teachers there call it school. I think it helps to not confuse the kids. He really liked it. He is very proud of my old lunchbox (the Smurfs) and will hardly put it down.

He goes one day a week for 4.5 hours. It is great. The amount of time is just right. It is incredible how much I can get done (by myself) in one hour let alone four and a half. This winter I will start looking into preschools... But most are only two and a half hours- it's like a big strp


I am pretty sure you can "subscribe" to this blog.. I.E. you click a button to be notified every time I decide to post something. It might just be a good idea, that way you don't have to check everyday (or month) to see if I have posted anything.