Madison, Wisconsin

September 8, 2023 – Madison, Wisconsin

 

Since we had a fair distance to go today, (basically straight across the b-i-g state of Minnesota and into Wisconsin!) we were up at around 6:00 for the standard hotel breakfast (which actually wasn’t very good…).  Then packed and on the road by a bit after 7:00.  

 

The route was I-90 across the southern edge of South Dakota toward La Crosse, Wisconsin on the Mississippi River.  The day started clear, with a red Sun rising above the eastern horizon.  The air is much hazier here than in Arizona, which gives the red sunrises that are rare in Tucson.  As we drove along, we noticed there were few towns right on the freeway.  It gives the impression that the road planners wanted to avoid settled areas so, often, services (gas stations, restaurants) were a few miles from the interstate.  Not a problem, but odd.  Also, as we drove east, the Great Plains gave way to more forested landscapes, albeit still with large farms.  (The corn doesn’t grow just in Kansas, that’s for sure!)

 

It grew cloudier as we neared Wisconsin and finally gave way to scattered showers.  Temperature in the mid- to high 60s.  And – this is a bit of a surprise – some of the trees are showing color!  

 

Arrived at our hotel, Homewood Suites – Madison West, at around 2:30 and checked into our suite (501) – bedroom, bath, kitchenette and sitting room.  Very nice.

 

Off to dinner.  It’s Friday and, in southern Wisconsin, that means FISH FRY!  When R was a graduate student at Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, the whole gang would often go out for Friday Fish Fry at the local restaurants – fried Lake Perch, German potato pancakes with apple sauce and coleslaw – and he has been looking to re-live that experience ever since.  So, here we are.  After checking lists of “The Best Fish Fry in Madison”, we chose Oak Creek Tavern here on the southwest part of town.  (On the way to the restaurant and on the way back, we had to stop to let herds of turkeys cross the road; they’re amazing!)

 

The restaurant was not at all fancy but obviously popular.  (In fact, it was more “bar” with tables than it was restaurant with bar, in M’s opinion!)  In we went and ordered: Fish (Lake Perch) and chips – alas, French fries, no potato pancakes – with coleslaw.   A basic but very nice dinner.  But the quest for potato pancakes will go on!  (Excellent tartar sauce and coleslaw, by the way!)

 

Back to the hotel but unable to watch the U.S. Open tennis semi-finals because Disney and the cable company serving this area can’t agree on a contract, so the game is blacked out.  (Not only Disney but ABC, National Geographic and Fox as well!)

 

Change in plan.  (I thought R was keeping track by number of the changes, but I guess not!  At any rate, they are considerable…)  The weather forecast for Marquette, Michigan (Upper Peninsula) is for rain when we are supposed to be there.  Since there is little enough to do in Marquette even without rain, we decided to change the route.  We cut out Marquette and Minneapolis and now plan to drive from Traverse City to the Detroit area to visit M’s relatives.  Then, we will drive from Detroit to Davenport, Iowa and then rejoin the planned route in Kansas City.

 

Planning is good but so in flexibility.


Driving from Sioux Falls, IA to Madison, WI!











We are in Wisconsin, after all!


Waiting for dinner to be served!

Our fish fry dinner!

Wild turkeys crossing the road in Madison WI!

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