Billings MT

Today we plan to complete the drive to Missoula. Yesterday was (again) a lot of driving. We did take the time to tour Theodore Rossevelt National Park as we passed Medora ND. The thirty-two mile scenic loop drive was a welcome break from the high-speed interstate driving. We saw quite a few animals, and enjoyed "Fruits of the Forest" pie a la mode at the Cowboy Cafe.

Dinner last night was at Jake's in downtown Billings, where Jim enjoyed a fine piece of Montana beef.

Fergus Falls MN

We've been on the road today day -- no pictures. Pancake breakfast in
Door County then drive, drive, drive.... We got off the road just in time. It looked very black ahead so we decided to stop for the night at 6:15. We got a room and headed out to Applebee's for dinner when the siren's went off. We thought we might go back into the Inn. They put us all in the hallways -- no windows -- to wait out the tornado warning. We came through OK, but there was a tornado just north of here -- the TV reported a truck flying across the road.
When we finally got to Applebee's our waiter reported the festive tornado atmosphere -- they had a plan to make everyone sit in the kitchen, but it never came to that. On the other hand the mall across the roqad just closed and sent everyone out into the storm.

It was sad to leave the biker chicks. We had a wonderful time this past week in Wisconsin. Last night we all partook in the local tradition -- a Fish Boil. (Jim had ribs.) You get there early to hear about the legend of the boil. It was an easy way to cook fish. Then they decided they could sell it to the tourists. The fish is in a large pot over ana opoen fire. After boiling for a bit Earl, our boilmaster, threw a coffee can of kerosene on the fire. It all flames up and boils over -- very dsramatic. The rationale is that the over-boil removes the oils from the top of the pot. Whatever -- it was great fish. They made sure to tell us that we were eating lake Michigan Whitefish, which are vegetarian. They have stopped using the carnivorous Lake Trout. Dessert was another local specialty -- cherry pie.

Evening entertainment was at the open air American Folkore Theater. The advanced forecasts were for rain, so we were very lucky to have a clear (and warm) evening. We all took lap blankets, but that turned out to be unnecessary. The odor of DEET was somewhat overwhelming at first, but it faded away and so did the mosquitoes. We were thrilledd to be at the first performance of the season. Our play "Muskie Love" was a riotous success. The story was fun and the music infectious. In short -- we loved it!

The Peninsula Ride

Wisconsin Rides 3 & 4

The Island Queens head out! Boy, can 10 women (and 1 man) scurry when a ferry is departing two minutes after they pull into the parking lot -- in cars no less. But we made it! And Washington Island was worth the rush. Another perfect day for the 26.5 mile ride around the island.

Wisconsin Ride 2

Lance was corrrect -- it's not about the bike. It's really all about the food. Turn ten women loose in a huge kitchen (picture The Big Chill...) and the output is amazing. We are having so much fun enjoying everyone's favorite recipes. Last night Linda King was on with grilled salmon. Tonight it's Karen doing Tex-Mex. Linda turned out a wicked dish of scrambled eggs with all the fixin's this morning. My contributiion has been Grandpa's Pancakes. The real maple syrup was a hit with everyone.

Today's ride was 40.6 miles -- pretty small potatoes compared to what we're reading from Bob, but we were riding along the bay shore (as in Green Bay...). It was another beautiful day and equally beautiful scenery. We are all happy the the hills are mostly insignificant.

Rene has arrived -- many more hugs. Our 2009 group is now complete.

Wisconsin Ride 1

Linda has prepared us each a packet of seven rides. Our choice for this morning was the shortest one -- 31.5 miles right from our doorstep. We rode south along the shore of Lake Michigan, through woods that remind me of the Adirondacks (if it weren't so flat...). After turning inland we passed lush farms and had very little traffic. The roads are good and the riding is most pleasant.

I may have never eaten a bratwurst, but now I've had that experience First we cooked them on the grill, then boiled them with beer and onions. Local fare, I'm sure, and very good.

Door County Wisconsin

We crossed Lake Michigan on the historic S.S. Badger. Built in 1952 it was the largest of the great lakes "car ferries" -- meaning railroad car ferries. The tracks are still visible in the floor of the auto deck. Loaded freight cars rolled right onto the ferry and off the other side. After the bottom dropped out of the railroad market, the Badger was retrofitted as an auto ferry. She is now a registered National Mechanical Engineering Landmark. The crossing took four hours.

After disembarkiing in Manitowoc we took the scenic shore route to our rental house in Jacksonport. There are nine of us biker chicks, plus Jim, who is being called on for all sorts of manly things -- carving the turkey, grilling the bratwurst, fixing the water pump.... All he did was look at it and the water cowered in fear of Dr. Pump and came right back on.

Many hugs, much laughter and a magnificent turkey dinner -- why would anyone not come to reunions?