in 2019
Bruce learned to ski from up high
into a new life
in 2019
a drain drained our resources
and worsened our debt
in 2019
my girls adjusted again
to life’s challenges
in 2019
we were given the rare chance
to make a difference
in 2019
we traveled through the country
searching for ourselves
in 2020
we’ll make a better life
everywhere we go
the oldest arrives
to take over paddling
just one of these lakes
a state park lunch stop
(sad Superior goodbye)
brings mosquito hell
trips beget errands
in search of camping comfort
in this humid state
Superior beach:
like the ocean without salt
great for paddling
kite flying kids
will remember these beach days
so different than home
you haven’t ridden
over the Rockies; not yet.
Superior wins.
with a pup and girls
(unread itinerary)
we biked thirty clicks
Minnesota wins
for elevation record
on these little legs
and to end it all:
waterfall, campfire, cheese.
who would ask for s’more?
i never listen
when someone says it’s boring
i always find fun
North Dakota wins
kindness, camping, paddling
and late-night sunsets
Earth lodge history
and indigenous genius
round out this cycle
with Art Deco touch
to capitalize the north
and give us this view
all in a day’s work:
this “boring” state makes dreams bright
campfires and all
from flat Dakota
emerges a river trail
hard on legs and kids
but water wins views
however it meanders
giving life to all
just one hour out
you can shed your city life
for backpacking dreams
backpacking with dog:
sudden hailstorm brings frenzy
of dirt-rolling wash
packing to backpack:
more effort than backpacking
as puppy attests
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