Skip to main content

Final day - Madison, WI

Rain, rain, rain and a possible dam burst (link) soon. Not going to let the rain bother me anymore...because it's not going to stop for days!

For some reason I've been dreading going to the laundromat, but my host, Katie allows guests to use her washer and dryer (Yes!!).  This experience made me realized that I have no idea how long it takes clothes to dry.  Typically I dry them for a few minutes to get the wrinkles out, hang them up in the laundry room, shut the door and walk away.  Usually when I return a week later they are dry.

But I need my clothes need to be packed - preferably dry - in the morning, so I'm trying to wait out the dryer.

I gave up...hung them up in my closet to finish drying - I'll pack them in the morning - hopefully dry - sigh.

Off to a coffee house - I think I've found the perfect one, Barriques in Fitchburg, Wisconsin.  It sells coffee, food, beer, wine and wine by the glass.  This place has that calm, chill, leave me alone,  coffee shop vib...but with wine.  Perfection!  (So, do all coffee shops look alike or is it just me?)

No iced coffee today, it's a little chilly, so I went with a  strong, hot brew.  I stayed there soaking up their coffee and Wi-Fi for a LONG time researching and making reservations for the coming weeks.  I haven't been booking very far in advance, but Labor Day Weekend is almost here and I thought I better get some places nailed down.

Ok, I've been trying to keep this blog in the past tense (because my life coach, CB, said to beware of stalkers) but I have to share.  I'm going to spend 2 nights on Mackinac Island!  Everything is so expensive on the Island, so it's a bit of a splurge and I'm super excited about it!  I was able to find a tiny, itty-bitty, wee, little room at one of  the hotels.  I think it's a corner of their attic that they've converted and I don't even care!  Can't wait to share that with you guys.

I'm leaving Madison early tomorrow, headed North into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (The UP).  My current host, Katie, has been very nice and accommodating...when I've seen her...which hasn't been often.   Here's a link to her listing if you're ever in the area and want to spend less than $200 for 5 nights!!!  This was different from my Hannibal experience, more of a roommate situation where everyone's coming and going and doing their own thing.  Katie works days in "Finance" and her roommate works 2nd shift managing a restaurant.  Everyone was very considerate of each other's sleep times and space - all in all it was a good experience.

But I still can't quite get over this painting of Katie...it's good, but a bit big, I think.

 
Excited that I finally go a semi-decent picture of the 3 dogs - Sha Sha, Fig and...the other one!  They were all very happy, friendly good dogs  But they made me realize I'm not ready for a dog...they are so needy.


Tomorrow's entry will be from the UP!   So excited about finally getting there.  I understand that it's beyond beautiful and my new Airbnb host has already emailed me with great tips for sights to see.

Gypsy Jackie

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Day 23 last day in South Padre

So sad to say goodbye to the beach.  But I'll be back some day.  It's less than 15 hours from home...that's totally doable.  Here's a link to where we stayed. link   This was a perfect place for a late September vacation.  Very few of the condos appeared to be occupied.  We had the hot tub all to ourselves last night! Today we rented chaise lounge chairs and an umbrella and just enjoyed the beach all day long.  We had an amazing dinner at Pier 19 where we were able to see dolphins out the window.   Now were getting things ready so we can get up at 4 am and start driving home.  

Day 24 - Home - Trip Summary

MILES: 7,780 STATES : 15 Missouri Kansas  Colorado  Wyoming  Montana  Idaho Washington  Oregon  California Nevada  Utah Arizona  New Mexico Texas Oklahoma  TRIP PHASES: 4 To the west coast Pacific Coast Highway  National Parks Beach Vacation FLAT TIRES:  1 ECO SYSTEMS:  20 Prairies Foot Hills Mountains Geysers  Sulphur Springs Lakes Continental Divide Rain Forests Ocean Beach - Pacific Ocean  Redwood Forests Vineyards  Almond groves Yosemite El Capitan  OK, not an eco system, but unlike anything else! Sequoia Forest Desert Death Valley (see El Capitan note) Canyons...some of them even grand Gulf of Mexico  Beach - Gulf of Mexico  NATIONAL PARKS/FORESTS: 15 Yellowstone National Park Olympic National Park Hoh Rain Forest Redwood National Forest Yosemite National Park Stanislaus National Forest Sierra National Forest  Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias Inyo National Forest Death Valley National Park Zion National

Day 18 Grand Canyon and the end of Phase 3

Today we went to Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest National Parks.  We are officially done with Phase 3 of our trip - the National Park Phase.  And frankly...we're both relieved.  The National Parks, while beautiful and awe inspiring...were also kind of a bummer.  They were crowded, had limited parking and generally felt like a tourist attraction.  Mindy went to several of these when her boys were young...35+ and 20+ years ago.  Hearing how the parks have changed over the years was kind of a downer.  That being said, I'm so glad I went and was able to this countryside, it is truly unique and majestic. Now that we're done with Phase 3, we both feeling a little energized!  We're ready to get up early tomorrow and begin Phase 4...which we've decided to keep secret.  If I told you what we're doing, you'd think we're nuts.  Better to keep quiet than to confirm that thought! First view of a canyon on the prairie   First overlook into Gra