Day 19 - Chicago, IL to Minneapolis, MN

[sunshine718]

We woke up this morning at 6, made the long trek down to the bathroom and then fell back asleep until just after 8. Wasps started chasing me as I was trying to paint my toenails and eat breakfast so I hid in the car while Daryl packed up. We went down to the shores of Lake Michigan again and took some brighter pictures - it was absolutely beautiful this morning. We were on our way by 9:45 and into Wisconsin,  the dairyland state. Unfortunately, we didn't get any icecream so I'm not sure if this is very accurate. We had lunch in Madison at McDonald's and I had a snack wrap (very yummy) and half an Asian Chicken Salad, both of which I hope they get in Canada soon because they are very good and very healthy! We drove a lot today and played 'name that tune' on our iPods. I, of course, beat Daryl hands down because I have a fantastic memory for menial things like songs and random tidbits. We stopped for a rest near Black River Falls and went for a hike/walk up to a lookout and took some pictures there. Wisconsin is very beautiful - lots of trees and hills. The funniest thing is seeing 'ski area' signs and looking around for mountains or even a large hill but only seeing flat, flat land!! Their idea of skiing must be MUCH different then ours. I guess that's why when Americans come to Whistler, they are so awe-struck by the size of the mountains. I didn't get to drive at all today which was fine with me - more knitting time! I am almost finished two balls on my baby blanket so it's about 2/3 complete.  On some rural stretch of road, a semi tried to pass us but he took a really long time and when he finally got past us, he cut right in front of us and slowed right down. We were on cruise control so Daryl pulled out to pass him. I guess this angered the truck driver because as we were trying to pass him, he veered over into our lane and tried to push us off the road! Crazy hicks!!! Then he yelled at us as we went by. What a weirdo! We crossed into Minnesota and headed for the Twin Cities - Minneapolis and St. Paul. We got there at about 4 and tried to find a hotel near the Mall of America but they were all way too expensive. We picked up a visitor info guide at one of the rest stops and found a coupon for a hotel about 10 minutes away. Our room wasn't anything to brag about but at least the bathrooms aren't a 10 minute hike away! We checked in and then headed down to the Mall of America to find something for dinner and do some shopping! We went to Tony Romas and I had a yummy steak salad. We wandered around the stores and I tried stuff on in Macy's but everything was way too expensive! I was grumpy until I found this shoe store with a big buy one, get one 1/2 off sale AND I found the shoes I wanted in Ohio in my size!! I was stoked! I got a pair of brown dress shoes and a pair of brown nice shoes to go with jeans! Woo hoo!  We found an awesome store called Goldy's Locker Room which had a bunch of Golden Gopher stuff. Daryl was in heaven! He got a North Stars sweatshirt (it's awesome!) and two t-shirts, one for me! Then I went to Old Navy and got some brown pants to go with my brown shoes! We only got to explore two of the three floors today so we are going back tomorrow morning! We came back to the hotel and watched the end of Rockstar Supernova. I'm exhausted but happy that I had a successful shopping day!



Lake Michigan.



So I only got to put my foot in 3 of the 5 Great Lakes. That's ok though - I'll get the other two on another trip! Here I am in Lake Michigan.


Daryl marveling at the size of Lake Michigan.


He wouldn't put his feet in but at least touched it with his hand.


The long sandy beach.


Welcome to Wisconsin!


Me at the lookout near Black River Falls. Apparently a big forest fire ripped through here about 20 years ago but it's all grown back nicely!






Welcome to Minnesota!