Big Hearts in a Cozy Home

To Lake Delton, Wisconsin -- 48.8 miles, 12.0 mph, 1325 ft

It was a quick ride today. As usual, when we have a major destination ahead, we were motivated to put the miles behind us. We were routed onto highway 26 for the first 20 miles, which was fast, but poor Bob was constantly fighting the narrow shoulder and broken pavement with the two wheels of the Burley trailer.

Even though it was only 11:00, we stopped for a nice lunch at the Portage Cafe. Jerry’s long time friend, Michael, stopped in to visit. He explained that back in the 1800’s, traders used to have to portage between the Fox River, which flows down from Lake Michigan and the Wisconsin River, which flows into the Mississippi. Eventually a a small ditch was dug to eliminate the portage and hence the name of the town.

The second half of the ride was on fantastically quiet roads along the Wisconsin River. By the looks of the surrounding forest and roadway, there has been plenty of rain. Despite the clouds, our luck held and we stayed dry.

By 1:30 we were at Pioneer Park and Meg’s Aunt Ruth's cozy summer house. Aunt Ruth spends half the year in Florida and half the year here. She complained however that this year she should have stayed longer in Florida given the cold and rainy weather. Despite having had lunch, she offered us some great snacks, which we partook of heartily.

Unlike the last couple nights, when we threatened to play cards but wimped out since we were too tired, we pulled out the cards early for a rousing game of 7 handed Hearts. It was great fun and there were many changes of lead. Afterwards, Aunt Ruth served up a tasty meal of meatball soup, which we promptly finished off. She kept saying she didn't like leftovers....

We tried to stay up with Aunt Ruth to watch the Dancing with the Stars season finale, but gave up after the first hour and a half. We're apparently not as spry as some.

Aunt Ruth keeping the kids company while they light a fire

Meg and Aunt Ruth

Jerry, taking a cat nap