Pics We got off to a fairly early start on Labor Day. The air was so full of moisture from the previous night's rain that I felt wet before we even loaded the car. I swept puddles off the deck and we finished our packing. Off at 8:28 and into Wisconsin before 9:00.
The day was overcast and ominous clouds filled the sky in the east. Sure enough, we did hit a few sprinkles from time to time but also saw a little sun. We took Hwy 51 north from Wausau but headed east earlier than usual, on Hwy 64. The two-way road was a little congested for part of the route, until Labor Day travelers branched off for Green Bay. Our only delays were due to route confusion around Eau Claire on Hwy 29 and a Hwy 64 detour that temporarily took us a little south of the main road.
Our decision to take Hwy 35 rather Hwy 41 up the coast from Menonomie, MI, was a little disappointing. We picked it for the "scenic route" along Lake Michigan, the most of the scenery was blocked by private properties along on the lake. By the time we entered the eastern time zone north of Fox, we were a little frazzled and ready to stop for the night.
Confusion ensued. I somehow figured that a Best Western in the AAA book was the same Escanaba motel as one we have stayed in seven years ago, on the Lake Michigan shore. By then it was pouring rain and we drove around, somewhat aimlessly, as I tried to follow the GPS and Bob was convinced that it was leading us away from the lake, which it was. We saw a couple of real dumps north of Escanaba and I imagined myself on a mildewed mattress watching the rain fall.
By now, tensions were somewhat high. We followed GPS instructions back downtown, rejected the Comfort Suites (no restaurant) and ended up at Best Western, mostly because of the onsite restaurant, which was, in fact, closed for Labor Day. Damn.
Moods lightened with a little scotch & soda and a swim in the large, empty pool. No view, but a king bed with nice bedding was very comfortable.
