After a full night of deep sleep and stormy dreams (thanks, tornado sirens), Kenobi and I slept in until after 9 a.m., which may be a record on this trip. We woke up slow and happy, the sun already high and the skies perfectly clear—a true Minneapolis summer morning.
We made our way to Rustica Bakery, because obviously. I grabbed a coffee and their avocado toast with hard-boiled egg, which hit the spot—light, fresh, and just the right fuel for what came next.
Bde Maka Ska was calling, so off we went for a walk around the lake. People were running, paddleboarding, kayaking, pushing strollers, rollerblading, chatting, laughing—the whole lakeside was alive. And we joined right in.
For Kenobi, “walk” is really code for “play endless games of fetch while swimming in circles.” He’s got his trusty life jacket on (a must for this muscular, chest-heavy pup), and he charges into the lake like a pro, swimming out for his toy again and again. And again. And again. Until nature calls and it’s time for a break.
People jogging by cheered him on, smiling and tossing compliments as he retrieved with pure joy. “Go, buddy!” “That’s one determined dog!” “Look at him go!” As they should. He’s worked for this.
When I first adopted Kenobi, he was afraid of the water. Back then, we were camping in the Black Hills of South Dakota, and I’d swim in a lake while he paced nervously on shore—tentatively stepping in, then backing out, unsure and hesitant. But everything changed one day on the shores of Lake Michigan in Indiana. Something clicked, and Kenobi swam for the first time. And now? He’s a water-loving champ, thanks in part to his life jacket and a whole lot of patience.
After our lakeside adventure, we took a slow drive past the old apartments where we used to live. The name has changed, but the bones are the same. Trees still line the sidewalks, and the place holds that quiet, tucked-in feeling I remember so well. There’s always something a little surreal about seeing a former life still standing.
We made a quick stop at our favorite wine shop and Whole Foods for lunch and dinner supplies before heading back to the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel to wash up, relax, and get a head start on organizing for tomorrow’s departure.
Every time we return to Minneapolis, it tugs at something deep. Miles of trails, favorite shops within walking distance, a community that celebrates winter rather than just survives it, and that unmistakable mix of city energy and outdoor life. We really do miss it.
But we’ve had such a good visit—and thanks to Sheraton’s generous noon check-out, we’ll have time for one more morning walk or lakeside splash before heading south toward Central Illinois.
The North Shore may be behind us now, but this Sunday gave us everything we needed: sun on our faces, lake water on our feet (and paws), and a beautiful reminder of how far we’ve come.
On the Trails with Kenobi 
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