We had never been to Chicago so we really wanted to see it. The problem is that camping near a big city is always challenging. Our choices were to stay at least 40 miles outside the city and drive ourselves in everyday (scary) and pay high prices for parking, or stay close to the city in a trucking lot. Of course, we choose the truck lot! It was a 10 minute uber drive from the center of the city. We were one of only 3 RVs there amongst at least several hundred truck trailers and buses. Not only that but there was no electricity or water. But we did have trucks coming in at all hours to pick up the trailers, the train tracks right behind us and the flight path of an airport above us. It was great! Seriously. You know what they say about location, location, location.

We’ve had better happy hour spots. John literally had to kick an old juice jug full of urine out of the way before we parked. But there was 24 hour security and we never felt unsafe.

Random pics of the city:

Our next stop in Wisconsin was Door County, recommended by the Brushwylers. Loved it!
We stayed at Penninsula State Park:

The town of Fish Creek:

Door County is know for growing cherries, apples, and grapes. And the cheese!!!! Grapes in the foreground, apples in the background:

Sister Bay. One of the attractions is a Swedish restaurant that has grass growing on the roof which the goats eat. Yes, real goats.

Ephraim:

Ellison Bay:

County parks:

A little fall color:

And a few pics from Sheboygan where we are staying for a few days before heading to Chicago:

It is hard to believe that we have been traveling for almost 9 months and we will be home in just 2 more months! As we travel west we both are getting anxious to get home but each day when we set out to see new things, our zeal for the adventure returns. We are hoping to get through Minnesota and the Dakotas before the weather turns cold although we wouldn’t mind the excitement of a mild snow storm. If you’ve been following our map it is clear that we will only be hitting the eastern half of the country on this trip. But that is ok since we can hit the remaining states later from California. So for now, the journey continues!

Before heading to Townsend, Wisconsin, we spent a few nights camped right on the shore of another Lake Superior bay:

Then on to spend a few days with Gordon and Carol Brushwyler. For those who don’t know them, they live in California but spend summer and fall at their cottage on Bass Lake in Wisconsin. We have known them for over 50 years. I used to babysit their kids when I was a teenager. They were wonderful hosts and we had soooo much fun.
Fishing:

Morning coffee on their dock:

Riding through the woods in their off-road vehicle. John had a grin on his face the whole time he was driving. Carol and I did some screaming:

A hike in the woods:

John and Gordon on the Seadoo:

Sunset on the lake:

And finally, we had a great time worshipping our Lord today at their church. And so blessed to hear Gordon on trumpet:

Thank you Brushwylers for letting us play with your toys, great conversation, and sharing God’s beauty with us. And btw, Scotty, I know where you got your need for speed. And it wasn’t from your mom.

Another beautiful Great Lake.
Pictured Rocks National Seashore, Michigan:

Silver Bay, Minnesota:

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, Minnesota:

Black Beach, Minnesota:

Baptism River State Park, Minnesota:

Beaver Bay, Minnesota:

View of Agate Bay on Lake Superior from our campsite:

A ship full of iron ore leaving Two Harbors, Minnesota:

And lots of glassware for sale. Our kids will be glad to know I wasn’t even tempted to buy anything:

And even though we aren’t anywhere close to Fargo, North Dakota, heard our first “you betcha”.

We drove along the western shore of Lake Huron on our way to Mackinac Island. The shoreline was beautiful and the water was crystal clear!
Rockport Michigan :

A beautiful hike through the forest to the shores of Lake Huron on Presque Island:

Rogers City:

Apparently the geese in Rogers City know how to read because I didn’t see any of their poop around!

View of the Mackinaw Bridge from the State Park where we stayed. Apparently, the bridge is a big deal in Michigan! To us it was just another bridge. Mackinac Island was another thing! Everyone said we had to go there. We were afraid it would be like so many other places we had been. Nope. It was like none other. You take a ferry there and there are no motorized vehicles allowed. Horses do everything. And bikes are the way to get around. We rode the 8 plus miles around the complete shoreline.
Bike ride views:

The town:

A pink bar:

The horses do everything. They take people on carriage rides, move freight, and do street sweeping:

It’s nearing the end of the season and they started taking the horses off the island via ferry:

We love Michigan! On to explore the rest of the Upper Pennisula.