Today’s Song: Balto, by Enter the Haggis
Current Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Today’s song came about because I associate Minnesota with winter, winter with sled dogs, and the idea of pushing forward on this trip. That, and it’s a damn fun driving song too!
I woke up way too early this morning (after waking up for an hour between 3 and 4 AM), early enough that the free breakfast at the Hyatt Place wasn’t even ready to go yet. Fortunately they were kind enough to let me jump in for a light, simple breakfast.
Up and ready to leave even before breakfast starts. Fortunately they let me slip in while they were setting up. pic.twitter.com/ndA3intVdS
— That Husky Guy (@DuncanDaHusky) July 1, 2017
It was a pretty straight shot up I-94 to Fargo, then turning north on I-29. I was hoping to stay on local roads as much as possible during this trip, but sadly sometimes sacrifices must be made in the interest of time and sanity. I did start up a new audiobook, The Lightning-Struck Heart, by TJ Klune. I’ve read the book before and really enjoyed it – it’s a farcical take on gay romances with knights in shining armor, a clumsy, love-besotted wizard, and a sassy gay unicorn with a serious attitude problem. The narrator, Michael Lesley, delivers a jaw-dropping performance, pretty much the best audiobook narration I’ve ever heard. This is definitely worth checking out!
At lunchtime I was coming up on Grand Forks, North Dakota, so I detoured to a brewery I scoped out the day before: The Rhombus Guys Brewery. They have a respectable beer menu and tasty food (with enormous portions). I had the Dark Matter Imperial Stout, which was delicious!
Oh hey, look what I found! I ordered the Dark Matter Imperial Stout. Quite tasty! pic.twitter.com/KfgSQ5Hrqp
— That Husky Guy (@DuncanDaHusky) July 1, 2017
“I’m not too hungry, so I’ll just order a salad.” Dammit. pic.twitter.com/kxbJ52OV4a
— That Husky Guy (@DuncanDaHusky) July 1, 2017
I also had a chance to walk around downtown Grand Forks, which is right on the Red River. It’s really quite lovely!
Grand Forks, ND is charming. Also, oh yeah – they’ve had a bit of flooding here. pic.twitter.com/XXMbrLIR9O
— That Husky Guy (@DuncanDaHusky) July 1, 2017
From there it was a short trip to the border, where I was waived through after a series of brief questions. Then an hour more brought me to Winnipeg. I checked into my hotel and arranged to meet Dave and Sarah (aka Plonq and Atara).
Hello there, Winnipeg! I have a nice little room here, and I am told it has a view of tonight's fireworks. pic.twitter.com/6XBN1b47Rl
— That Husky Guy (@DuncanDaHusky) July 1, 2017
My wonderful guides here in Winnipeg, @plonq and @atara, in front of the Winnipeg Cathedral. pic.twitter.com/HxXW5oQJjB
— That Husky Guy (@DuncanDaHusky) July 2, 2017
Dave and Sarah picked me up and brought me over to there place, where we shared a delicious meal of Thia and Italian chicken sausages, fresh tomato salad with basil, and grilled vegetables. Dessert was Vinaterta made with Saskatoon berries by a local baker. Yum!
After dinner we headed downtown, back to my hotel. From there we walked over to The Forks, in the middle of the Canada Day celebrations. It’s a really neat place that I’m told we will be revisiting tomorrow when the crowds have died down a bit. The night was capped off by a spectacular fireworks show that we watched from the other side of the river.
Happy #Canada150 ! What a great night, and the fireworks were a perfect end to the day. pic.twitter.com/9ZdFWNYlPu
— That Husky Guy (@DuncanDaHusky) July 2, 2017
And now I am back in my room and quite exhausted. I can sleep in tomorrow, as we’re not meeting up for brunch until after 10 AM. After that It will be a day of taking in the sights around Winnipeg and spending time with great friends!
Miles Driven Today: 470
Time Driving Today: 7:32
Total Miles Driven: 836
Total Time Driving: 14:33