We have, unfortunately, been slowed down a bit-this time with a medical emergency. We were about to take a tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright Estate - Taliesin, in Spring Green, WI, when I stepped into a hidden hole in the lawn, down I went, and broke my ankle - in two places!! That has temporarily ended camping in the Van, and increased the time it takes to do everything with me on crutches! But, the process has, thus far, been quite smooth. Insurance works! - and the Doctors', so far, have been supportive of us continuing our adventure on the road. It's just the pits getting around, and we find ourselves doing a lot more viewing, and a lot less doing!
Every month it amazes me how much ground we have covered since I wrote the last article. We have now logged over 11,000 miles and seen parts of 16 states! Since we left you last month, we have enjoyed Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and are now in Ohio, where the Van will finally get fixed from being rear-ended in August.
Today there is an article in USA Today that talks about how many people are taking off and doing "full time" travel for months or years at a time. One cruise line even lets you buy your cabin (for a mere $2M) and you can live on the ship for the rest of your life! At the other end of the spectrum are backpackers who exist on a shoestring. Somewhere in the middle, you find "The Rolling White House" and others like us. It is definitely a trend as more baby boomers begin to retire.
Highlights for us, besides hospital visits, have been the Lakeshores of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. There are so many wonderful small towns all along.
We spent 4 days in Bayfield, WI and enjoyed golf, sailing, shops, and a fabulous concert at "Big Top Chatauqua" by Natalie McMaster - a fiddler from Nova Scotia. If you ever get a chance to see her - don't pass it up, even if fiddling isn't your favorite music - her show was so high energy and just fun. Seeing her playing her fiddle, while she danced a fast jig, was spectacular!
Door County, WI was definitely worth a few days time. Picturesque towns, clothes hanging on the line, drive in movie theatres, wonderful shops, and great views everywhere of sailboats glistening on the water. A quieter side, and a more developed side, made for interesting contrasts in lifestyles.
Traverse City, MI and Mackinaw City, MI both are devoted to
tourism-and they have a lot to offer. Beautiful beaches, sailing
trips, nifty shops, and fun restaurants. Mackinaw City has the
added attraction of Mackinac Island, one of the few places left
in this country where cars are not allowed. You arrive by ferry
or floatplane, and riding a horse drawn taxi, bicycle, or walking
takes you to your destination. The Grand Hotel on the Island
is world renowned, and well worth the visit. The only place we've
seen where coat and tie are required after 6PM. How refreshing!
Iowa, Illinois and Indiana all were visited after "the accident",
so we chose activities more carefully. Highlights were The T-Rex
"Sue" at the Field Museum in Chicago, the John Deere
Pavilion in Moline, Il, Lincoln's home and tomb in Springfield,
Il, and the Indianapolis Speedway. Very different activities
-- but that's what makes this trip so interesting! So much to
learn!
Phil has been fulfilling some of his life long dreams - seeing "the frozen tundra" of the Green Bay Packer Stadium, viewing a Chicago Bears game at Soldier Field, participating in the fever of "The Big House" - 110,500 screaming fans of the U of Michigan on their home field, and this weekend Ohio State at home in Columbus.
We hear that the summer has been wonderful in Oregon, and that lots of good golf has been played at Charbonneau. We're looking forward to seeing all of you next summer. Check the website if you are curious or want more details. Until next month, take care and hope this bright green cast is removed sooner than later!