Woke really late (8:30 central) and actually woke the kids up as they
could have slept longer. had breakfast in the hotel restaurant (kids
ate free but it was still $20 for the 6 of us). Sausage was deep fried
(??!!), potatoes were deep fried (???!!!)), and I think they would have
deep fried the coffee (Folgers, of course) if they could have. Kids
have adjourned to the pool; it is 11am and they are still swimming.
They made friends with a family of 3 boys and I’m watching them while
their parents stink up the (indoor) pool area with smoke.
We found the green. As we passed into Wisconsin (La Crosse) we found
emerald green fields. First green of the trip. I think it is safe to
put the sunglasses away; we haven’t needed them since we spent a couple
hours in western Utah. It has been threatening rain all day but so far,
no rain. We’re heading towards Oshkosh on route 21 and it is rather
scenic. Lots of river and waterway; some hills; quaint little towns
(though they would look much more quaint in anyt other season). the
wind in Minnesota was fierce and bitter cold. Fuel prices have also
increased; we spent 2.07 for diesel in Minnesota and here in Wisconsin
it is up to 2.17. I’d had hopes it would continue to decrease and maybe
closer to a large town it will. We left the Holiday Inn (smokehouse)
about 11:45 and will be getting into Neenah rather late – after 5pm, I’d
guess.
Pikey has been enjoying "The Theif Lord" and this afternoon we listened
to "Henry and Beezus". Starting late has made for a long day in the
car. I thought it would be an even tradeoff, but today’s late start and
350 miles feels much longer than yesterday’s early start and 460 miles.
It is 4:45; we still have a good 45 mintues or more left to the day and
it is dark.
