Zooming to Wisconsin

We departed Riverside Golf and RV Park in Morganton on Sunday morning.  On most past trips to Minnesota we have driven pretty hard, with long days, usually staying at Walmarts, rest areas or other quick and easy stops.  This time we planned to spend two nights at campgrounds along the way before arriving in Sparta, Wisconsin for a rally.  We are doing this for several reasons; first, it's fairly hot, and it's not fun spending the night in a parking lot if it's hot, without running the generator and the air conditioning all night.  Second, we had the luxury to take our time, more so than on some previous trips. And third, we have a new puppy.  We wanted to stop often during the day and then early for the night in order to give Ginger some time to get out and exercise.  

Ginger seems to ride pretty well.  She has not gotten car sick and does not whine while traveling. Best of all she does not criticize the driver.

We spent Sunday night in Cincinnati after driving 430 miles, a relatively short day for us when on a long trip.  We are members of the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA).  FMCA is headquartered in Cincinnati and has an RV campground at their headquarters for the use of members. A member may reserve a site with 50 amp service, water and sewer, and best of all .... it's free!  Members can stay two nights each month at no cost or can stay longer for a modest fee. COOL!  This was the first time we have stayed here.  It was a bit off our route, but we are glad we came.

Site #3 at the FMCA Round Bottom campground

Is it a liability thing???

After departing the FMCA CG.  We had a bit of an adventure.  Another camper had warned us of construction and a very rough road surface on US 50, our logical route out of town. Not being ones to ignore sage wisdom, we plotted a different route out of town towards I-71 and I-75.  That route took us to a railroad underpass with a clearance of 12' 0''.  Our height is 12' 10". Do the math.  After an heroic u-turn, we plotted a new route down some small back streets and finally found the interstate.  It's always an adventure. 

Our drive through the remainder of Ohio, Indiana and southern Illinois were thankfully uneventful.

Ginger takes it all in stride

We spent Monday night at Pleasant Creek Camp Ground near Oglesby IL after an easy 357 mile day.  Pleasant Creek was only a few miles off I-39 and was a Passport America park, meaning half price camping for the Whitleys.  We had a level gravel pull-through with 50 amp service and water.  The park was fairly wooded, but we could shoot through a hole in the trees for good Dish satellite reception.  I hate it when I can't watch my news shows!

Site #6 at Pleasant Creek Camp Ground

Ginger likes to chill after a hard day on the road

Notice all the rest stop photos?  It's a puppy thing.

On Tuesday we parked at Whiskey River Family RV Park in Sparta WI, where we attended a rally hosted by the Newmar Kountry Klub (NKK) Wisconsin Northern Aires.  We belong to three NKK chapters, but are not members of the Wisconsin Northern Aires.  This rally was on our way to Minnesota, and the timing was right so we barged in.  The Wisconsinites were very hospitable to these southern folks and we had a great time.  The Wisconsinites also refer to themselves proudly as "Cheeseheads".

There were about a 15 coaches at the rally

There were activities planned for the rally.  On Wednesday we drove to La Crosse and enjoyed a cruise on the Mississippi River aboard the Lacrosse Queen, a stern paddle wheeler.   

We had live entertainment 

We had to wait about 15 minutes for this Amtrak train to cross the draw bridge before we could pass upriver. 

Then we passed through the rotary swing drawbridge. 

Not my best photo of a bald eagle, but not bad for an iPhone

A barge on the river

We cruised about 4 miles upriver to Lock and Dam #7.  The dams on the Mississippi River create adequate water depth for navigation.

Back through the swing bridge

Fun on the water

After our cruise we visited the Dahl Auto Museum in La Crosse.

On Thursday we toured some sights in Sparta.  

The old Monroe County Courthouse

Sparta is on the Elroy-Sparta State Trail  a 32.5-mile Wisconsin State rail trail between Elroy and Sparta, Wisconsin. The Elroy-Sparta State Trail, opened in 1967, is considered to be the first rail trail in the United States.

Sparta claims to be the Bicycling Capital of America.  Unfortunately we did not have time to bike during this visit.  Maybe next time!

We also visited the Deke Slayton Memorial Space and Bicycle Museum.  Deke Slayton was a Sparta native and one of the original NASA Mercury Seven astronauts.

There is a canoe and a tent on the stream in this model train display 

I once had a friend who owned a Barnes hot air balloon, and I served as his crew chief for several years.  He liked having me around, because I could hold the balloon down pretty well during windy hot launches. 

Barnes hot air balloon 

Deke Slayton had no particular association with bicycles, so it is unclear to me why he shares this museum with the bikes.  In any case, there were a very large number of very old and very unusual bikes. It was certainly worth the price of admission. 

Finally, we had dinner at the Oasis Supper Club in Sparta.  Baby back ribs were this evenings special, and I ordered a whole rack.  I actually filled up on the salad bar and fresh bread before the ribs were served, so I only ate four ribs.  Dorcas and I had ribs leftovers for the next two nights.  Hog heaven!

On Friday, after a doughnut and coffee breakfast, we bade farewell to our new friends and headed north to Duluth MN.