Day 4-La Crosse to Mitchell, SD

After doing a little wandering in La Crosse, we crossed the Mississippi taking a "Scenic Byway" that eventually connected with I-90W. Trip through Minnesota interesting; pleasantly surprised to see 100's of commercial wind turbines along with smaller individual versions on many of the farms. Crossed into SD and the route became more hilly but still had flat farmland.

To our surprise,we came across a couple of our fave cows (yes, we have a fave cow) the Belted Galloway.

And of course, when in Mitchell, see the Corn Palace

Day 3-Southbend, IN to La Crosse, WI

Started out in a NW direction which let us explore the National Park at Michigan City. On the shore of the lake, and has huge sand dunes as the major feature.

Left the lake park to go across the bottom of Chicago on I-93 and when far enough West returned to our friend US20. At Dubuque we took IL35 up the Mississippi River to La Crosse, WI for the night. Yes, same name as the game.

Day 2-Bellevue to South Bend, IN

Started the day by going to Clyde and finding Ruth's grave/foot-stone. Bought a geranium plant and left it there with "hello's" from all who knew her. Headed back towards Bellevue, stopped in front of  Tensie's farm house for a pic. That's where I spent many a summer working in the fields with Raymond and tending the stand with her. Then we had lunch with Merle, catching up on old times and people we knew. Left Bellevue about 1:30; passed below Toledo; switched from Turnpike to Rt. 20 at Indiana border and ended up in South Bend for the night. In Indiana, passed thru an area with many Amish on the road, must have seen 20 or more buggies.

Day One-Baltimore to Bellevue

Packed and off by 10am. Trip smooth except for a 45 minute delay at PA Turnpike Mile Post 148 due to accident at MP146. Arrived here in Bellevue, OH about 6pm; found what seems to be the only motel open in town. Dinner at Casa Mexicana next door. We spent a couple hours figuring out how to use the new smart-phones...this will be a continuing project. Tomorrow we will visit Ruth's grave in the morning (Clyde) and come back here to Bellevue to meet Merle (college roomie) for lunch. Then hit the road to see how close to Chicago we can get in the time left. Wasn't able to find the name of the Toledo cemetery where Don is buried, so that visit goes back on the to-do list.

Almost time

Well, I'm spending my 76th B'Day trying to figure out how we can possibly be ready to leave for 5 weeks by Thurs. Our neighbors, the Lobos, loaned us a rooftop carrier so at least I know where all the bulky cold weather "just in case" stuff will fit.
Going to try to get to Bellevue, OH by Thurs night, then on Fri go visit Ruth's grave in Clyde, back to Bellevue for lunch with college roomie Merle (from Columbus) and on to Toledo. Sat go thru Chicago area and try to get to Madison, WI. Won't try to plan beyond that since wx & other things could delay us. Will try to post each night with pictures.