Day 5 – Madison to Grand View

We finally caught up on some sleep and relaxation. When John woke up this morning, he rolled over, looked at the clock, and said, “Darn! I slept through breakfast!”

We hit the highway outside of Madison about 1100, and enjoyed the 5-1/2 hour drive northwest to Eau Claire, then north and northeast to Dot’s. For you map and compass geeks, we came within one degree of Longitude to the northern midpoint of the western hemisphere – we were at 45^oN, 91^oW when we passed Tipton, WI. We also stopped at a rest area that has this tribute to statewide law enforcement.

We think the designer probably watched “2001: A Space Odyssey” a few too many times.

We were treated to a very pleasant surprise – Jean and Steve just about followed us into Dot’s driveway! Dot’s county-famous garden is still in full bloom, despite a few weeks without substantial rain and today’s 90^o heat. John and I grilled two tenderloins of pork and we dined al fresco.

Dot’s “guest house” is finished enough for us including a bathroom (of sorts) and we’ve made ourselves quite at home here.