It was just going to be one of those days. We wanted to get to Madison early and we only had 55 miles (according to google maps), but it never happens the way you want it to!
We left the motel room early - around 8:15 and headed to the historic downtown area for breakfast and a fuel up at the local grocery store. We were ready to roll by 9 AM or so we thought.
We picked up the trail where we left it yesterday and rode approximately 1 block until it dead ended. We circled all over that town looking for the trail to Madison. Finally after about 30 minutes of riding around in circles, we stopped at the trail headquarters and looked at a map. To our surprise, the trail ends in Reedsburg and does not go to Madison.
After consulting with the trail guide and maps, we planned a new route along county roads to our destination. The roads in Wisconsin are for the most part are smooth with nice shoulders. We rode through Baraboo and right by the Ringling Circus Museum. Interesting tidbit of info: I was a clown in the Ringling Brothers Circus! I won a coloring contest when I was 5 and the grand prize was "clown for a day."
About halfway through our route we can to the down of Merrimac and the road dead ended at Lake Wisconsin.
"Yea! We get to take the ferry." I yelled out to Marc. I had totally forgotten about the ferry. I remember going this route on a trip with the Homan's to Devil's Lake back about 25 years ago or so. Good to see the ferry is still free and running smoothly. It was a neat treat to get a boat ride in the middle of our day.
Our ride to Madison was scenic and hilly with 15-20 mph headwinds from the South. Needless to say, with our late start and headwinds all the way, we did not make it to Madison until 4 PM.
My friend Patricia lives in a gorgeous Loft Condo in downtown Madison. She had graciously given up her beautiful Master Bedroom Suite to us. We had the best night ever visiting with her. She took us on a grand tour of the town, showing us the famous State Street with its walking mall, the Capital, and the University.
We had a wonderful Wisonsin meal of cheese, beer, and other goodies at the Old Fashioned. What a great place with about 100 beers on the menu! Marc was in heaven - he wanted one of everything.
After our meal, we headed over to the student union on UW's campus. We were lucky to find a waterfront seat admist the crowed patio area. The sunset over Lake Mendota was one the best I've ever seen and the fireworks show was absolutely amazing as well.
To top off the most perfect night, Patricia had UW's famous fudge bottom pie waiting for us back at her place. This pie was one of the best yet! It has a delicious graham cracker crust topped with a thin layer of fudge and then one of the best vanilla custard's you could dreamup, and then topped with light, delicious whipped cream. Wow! Thank you Patricia for such a great evening!
Tomorrow we are hoping to get an early start on our day. Google maps says its a 100 mile ride to Ingleside. Weather.com says we'll have 20 mph headwinds and afternoon thunderstorms. UGH! Let's hope its somehow an easy day. We are tired and have not had a rest day in two weeks.
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Hey Guys! I finally got an account with Google, so I can send comments. My first comment is to watch out because they string conservatives up in Madison. Next is to let you know that I have been following your journey the whoile way and really remain entranced by the whole thing. It just is so great that you are doing this. I traveled in Europe and for an entire year in 2976. You are so lucky to be able to do ltshis. This also is such a good time to be doing this So hang in there, keep the faith and remember our thoughts and prayers are with you! Things here are great Aside from no work. But hey I'm lazy these and the golf courses are lightly played. The Rockies are doing well. We went yesterday with Robin and Leah ane saw a great game and fireworkss; ahh living the dream. ljThat being said, your time mesmeerizes me! Keep up the wonderful; postings. Don
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