Rusty likes to jump out of the van every time the engine is turned off. He actually scrabbles at the side door to be let out. It gives the impression he is not so keen on van travel but I think the rewards are starting to pay off for this stay at home stray dog.
One of our traveling pleasures that has been denied us on this coronavirus journey is the slow exploration of local groceries which frequently reveal much about local culture. These massive jars of spices held some attraction for my wife who doesn't jar or can as a rule but is getting into pickling vegetables.
I don't think cheese curds agreed with us as a short while after having a slice of curd with bacon we were fighting each other to get to the porta-potty. They really do squeak when you bite them which is disconcerting and as much as I try to like them they still don't do much for me. I had them on poutine in Canada with not much more success I fear. I love cheese but not curds.
Mask wearing was iffy and distancing was not much good either so we were glad to get in and out before crowds built.
Pondering choices and how to store them...van life with a small fridge. Actually it is really quite fun being able to buy foods for a fridge and freezer while on the road.
Wisconsin seems to have a very refined civic sense in most small towns, and summer brings out beauty and no roadside trash. I rather envy them their style.
Curds no but cheese yes. She wore a mask though other customers didn't so we tried to avoid them as we picked up several smelly cheeses including brick cheeses which used to be formed with bricks. Makes sense. That and a bottle of red wine and a garlic laced summer sausage and dinner was set.
In summer pretty, in winter I'm told it can be harsh. Won't be here to find out!
Sorting out lunch in the van.
We spotted a side road leading nowhere so I backed up off the main road and we parked amidst the bucolic sounds of the woods on a hot sticky thundery afternoon.
From Wisconsin we moved on the Michigan and as much as I liked Wisconsin I found Michigan much more so, for reasons I shall try to explain as we go along.
4 comments:
...all of my family is from Wisconsin and I just love your observations about the locals, yes, I am baptized Lutheran and a true blonde, blue eyed Swede.
I love this series of posts the best of any I have been reading from you folks for the past several years; maybe you could find a paper map (gasp) and draw a trail of your adventures and upload a picture of your handy work!? I got kinda lost but it's just a thought.
I can smell the sweetness of the grass Rusty rolls in; he loves you!
A friend gave me the National Geographic road atlas and we use it quite a bit actually to plan. Frankly I get a bit lost too, Evanston ti Door County. Door county to Tomahawk. Tomahawk accidentally to Wakefield Michigan. My wife found a harvest host at Indianhead mountain with no idea we had moved out of Wisconsin. Then across the upper peninsula in the middle mostly using M28 then across the bridge and now we are drawing circles around traverse city until we have to head south Friday. More or less.
Hi! Thank you for the map reference, it makes me homesick!
And yes, you are wise to be wary of the woods as they are "dark and deep." The woods can be creepy but I have a feeling you will come to love them for their beauty and tranquility. Press on!
I'm so glad to see that you actually stopped in Tomahawk. When I commented on your Instagram post, I didn't actually think you stopped,rather just drove through. When you parked by the bus, our resort is actually just a 1/4 mile up the road. You likely would have driven right by it, across the street from the abandoned ShopKo building. Either way, I am glad to see you were able to catch the cheese shop open, it's a rarity. They have scheduled hours, but seem to close whenever they feel. Even as a local, we can't seem to catch them open. Glad you enjoyed our little town, and yes, in the winter it is hell on earth. I wish I was able to say it wasn't. And here in the beginning of August, locals are already gearing up for snow. This is why a winter home in Florida is in my future.
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