Well, we are finally on the road. But without our dear Luna (photo).

Luna has been our constant companion for three years, a four-legged piece of Velcro. We know it is best for her (and us) not to endure days of van journey, but it is difficult to set out without her. David and Marea are thrilled to have her for the next month, and Providence, RI will never be the same.

We departed on our journey at 7. As in ‘pm’. After vowing we’d never drive at night, the start was almost all after dark, and we mercifully made it as far as a crappy motel near Ithaca, NY. Yes, we did the motel thing. We were simply too exhausted to set up camp.

Day 2 took us through Canada (crossing near Niagara Falls) and on to Michigan, Glenn Arbor to be specific. We enjoyed a brilliant reunion with London friends Annabel and Taylor Moore, taking in Annabel’s spectacular lakeside home and Taylor’s fetching farm. Wonderful to reconnect with such dear people, devoted to their communities, friends, and causes.

Day 3 saw us make it to the Upper Peninsula and camping on Indian Lake, our first night in the van. Cooked dinner and eggs for breakfast on our outside stove. Amazingly, no mosquitoes at all.

And now, Day 4-5 we happily staying with dear friends Arne and Athena on their farm near Morris, MN.