Plans change. When we left Alabama we planned to mosey on up the east coast to get to Connecticut and New Hampshire by May 1 to visit our kids who are up there. But a family matter has brought us to Minnesota first. We still plan to be in New Hampshire by May 1, just taking the long way around to get there.

The trip took a few days, not stopping to sight-see or anything. We had some rain and high winds. So why pay $40/night in an RV park just to sleep and move on? We took advantage of Walmart’s generosity and parked overnight in their parking lots on the way north. Technically it’s free, but it still cost us enough as we go inside and stock up on groceries and supplies.

Four very windy days and 1,100 miles later we finally cross the Minnestoa border. We stopped in Albert Lea yesterday to visit family before continuing on up to Hutchinson.

You know it’s really too early to go this far north yet. The nights are still freezing. We awoke to find a nice frost on the car this morning.

The campground in Hutchinson does not open up for the season until May 1. I called the city and they said we can park there while we are here, but the water is not turned on yet. That’s ok, we have a full tank of fresh water on board that should last a while. Our plans are to be here for probably two weeks. That will leave us enough time to get to New Hampshire by May 1 without having to rush.

For the last four days:

• Gasoline:  $371  @ $2.15, $1.88, $1.89, $1.97
• Lodging:  $40 (one night in an RV park)
• Lodging:  $15/night at Hutchinson City Park