Galena Illinois and into the northern mid west - May 12th

After a difficult start with D wanting to play with her now otherwise preoccupied friend of the previous night, we went in to Galena which at one point was THE main city in Illinois - at that time Chicago was little more than a bog. Interesting thing that faites of time - these little cities such as Galena and Bizbee that at one time were major holders of fortune, hotspots along the road, and looked to have such a bright future, events come along and they slowly fade into obscurity or worse...

A great down town,with lots of shops, good food, and galleries. Spent several hours walking around on this beautiful day, and rolled out of town after lunch. From there headed over to Dubuque, Iowa, briefly, thinking that we might stay there, then decided there really wasn't that much of interest there, we continued on into Wisconsin and later Minnesota.

Along the way we saw several interesting things - one in Dickeysville Wi, was a decorated rock construction done by a priest in the 1920s. Apparently, applying all manner of rock, shell and other materials to a mural like construction was a meditative act for him - and in the process of 7 years, he made a massive and elaborate construction, with railings, a grotto (cave), numerous shrines each featuring a different kind of stone in the background. A bit garish, but a remarkable feat of love and dedication to have done this.

Then we also saw a number of Amish buggies driving the roads here. Friendly folk, waving as we passed. A beautiful land they live in - particularly at this time of year, where it is neither too hot nor cold nor humid. Another perfect driving day, even with a few showers later in the afternoon.

One of those little tourist cards at one center shared that a nearby town is the "Sink hole capitol of the world..." We might just have to stop by tomorrow and take some pictures...

Barbara decided that for her Mothers-day she wanted to stay in a hotel, so we found a place with a mini-suite to stay for the night. Saw a billboard and actually found a pretty good Mexican restaurant up the road a few miles, imbibed in some decent margaritas, good chips, and headed back to the mini-suite where we enjoyed a soak in the jacuzzi tub before bed.

Unfortunately, the definition of what a "suite" or "mini-suite" is, is sadly blurred. It can mean anything from one big room, or two rooms with no door in between, or in some rare cases two actual rooms with a door. Traveling with a kid, it would sure be nice to at least have a louvered wall partition in between the compartments so that the kids room is dark while we are still up and reading, or other wise want privacy. Would be a great application of the illusive "instant wall".

Also, a general "I'm sorry" to everyone out there that this blog has been the only source of contact with you all. I think I've sent only a handful of personal e-mails, and made 2 personal phone calls the whole time. Oh well, at least you can all feel loosely connected by the blog... :)