Crossing Wisconsin

Welcome to Wisconsin

In our last blog we were still in Minnesota and reported on Nando’s intestinal problems. We can now report he is back to his old self! With Nando’s recovery we got back on the road.  We are now on the eastern side of Wisconsin.

Jay opted to forego a Wisconsin northern loop outlined in his Adventure Cycling maps and took a more direct path across the state on State Road 64. Today he completed the last eight miles on SR 64. The crossing was a mostly pleasant experience, but we did have some unexpected discoveries.  

Sign with Balloon

On our first full day in Wisconsin, Jay rode 80 miles from New Richmond to Cornell. Helen drove the same route. Jay thought, “Hey a State Road . . . there should be a plethora of gas stations and convenience stores.” As she drove ahead, Helen texted back to Jay that this state road was devoid of towns, stores and any source of water. Egad!  Cell coverage was spotty, but Helen was able to update Jay with the short text that she had left a large bottle of water at the base of a road sign (“Cornell 42 Miles”). Per the protocol that we established in Washington state, another low cell coverage area, she tied a balloon with pink nylon cord to the sign.  Water retrieved. Jay completed the ride.

Campsite in National Forest

Typically we select campsites near the road, but the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest was nearby and we opted to camp there. Our senior pass gives us a 50% discount, so we paid only $7.50 for a campsite.  Well, Helen had the day from hell finding the campground. Signage was poor to non-existent and she drove for two hours on dirt roads in search of the campground. More egads!

We were in favor that evening of a low cost option at a national park based on our experience the previous night at the Brunet Island State Park.  We discovered that out-of-state residents pay a premium at state parks.  Our campground was pleasant, but cost $44.00.  A recommendation on another park was declined due to a higher cost.  

Overall, our crossing of Wisconsin was pleasant and pretty quick with Jay putting in several 80-mile rides.

Tomorrow we will be near Appleton where we plan to have dinner with Jay’s cousin Bob.  Another ride will put us in Manitowoc, WI where we will take a four-hour ferry ride to Michigan.  In Michigan we will visit some of Helen’s family.

Once we cross Michigan, Jay will end his easterly riding and turn south and start heading south to Savannah. 

More Photos (Click to Enlarge)

Our Journey

Tin Man On Tractor