Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee, Wisconsin:  We left Spring Green early, but not before the Traveling Christian Minister (or so it said on the big portable sign outside his RV) next door asked me if I had been saved, as he tried to hand me a brochure. I was standing behind the RV and tow-car, the engine was blasting - we were in the process of doing the "safety check" (turn signals, brake lights, etc.). Not exactly a good time to try to save someone. I POLITELY told him "no, thank you" to his literature, to which he seemed to take okay, as it probably was not the first time he had been refused.

As he was walking away, he told me he "loved me anyway".

We drove to Madison and found the University of Wisconsin Arboretum so DT could have a run and Snickers and I could have a walk. Snicks and I had walked about 1/2 mile when we came to a sign stating: "Dogs are not allowed in This Park. Dogs are not allowed on the roads, trails, parking lots or buildings. Dogs are allowed in your vehicle ONLY." Ouch! Well, we just turned around and went back to our vehicle! DT ran for over an hour, so I had a nice needlepoint session and Snickers - happy for even the one-mile jaunt - snored at my feet. DT ran 9 miles and showered in the RV - nice to drag a bathroom around with you, isn't it? Then we went in to tour the campus and see the State of Wisconsin Capitol Building.

Wisconsin Capitol Building

We did all of this touring in the motorhome - towing the car! It's like DT is now fearless... He is getting so good he can now park Goldie in a compact car spot. (Just kidding.)

So then we arrived in Milwaukee. We passed on the luxurious parking lot RV Park at the State Fair Grounds near downtown, for the country camping experience 20 miles south of town - a Jellystone-Camp Yogi Bear place, because it was nearer our destination tomorrow. However, there was no room at the inn and we had to drive back twenty miles to the fairgrounds. It is deja vu all-over-again here - just like the State Fairground campground we frequent in Sacramento, California. Actually a parking lot - completely paved - but all the hook-ups a girl could need. They provide a patch of grass, a tree and hydrant for Snickers and a cell tower looms above.

After setting up camp, we threw the dog in the Honda (he has a doggie gate to keep him safe) and took a driving tour of Milwaukee. Who knew Milwaukee was so nice? I was really surprised! We took a drive along the waterfront, which had nice views out to Lake Michigan. Huge, old brick mansions line the shore. Quaint neighborhoods offer good shopping and interesting, small restaurants and coffee houses. The old brick apartment buildings along the lake reminded us of Vancouver, B.C. Then we went over to see the Milwaukee Art Museum. A private function - looked like a high school prom - was just beginning. Lots of limos, girls wearing too-tight dresses, too much make-up and wrist corsages.

Milwaukee Art Museum on the shore of Lake Michigan

Then we toured the downtown area - huge stone buildings, nice parks, a few canals, and a brand-new library. We ran into a wedding party with the bride and groom standing up in the limo - their shoulders and heads sticking out of the sunroof - with a line of 10 or so cars following, honking. Very fun. We continued our driving-tour, using our guide book to lead us through several neighborhoods, Miller Park (the Milwaukee Brewers stadium) and beautiful Marquette University, and then headed back to Goldie. Even though it is Saturday night and we were in a Big City with a lot of restaurants, we wanted to be home tonight to watch our favorite football team (this week) - USC - beat up on our always least favorite football team, the Evil Beavers. We decided to pick up a loaf of French bread (no time for me to bake) on the way home. We could not find a supermarket or bakery anywhere! Do Milwaukee-ites not eat?? Oh, yes they do! Behind the Fairgrounds is a large Greek community, with block after block of Greek restaurants. Every restaurant was hopping!

So, as I type this, the Beavers have been skunked in Los Angeles, we managed to enjoy a bread-less dinner and I have great cell service here at the Fairground Parking Lot RV Park. Ducks have a bye this weekend.

RV Park: RV Park at the State Fair Grounds in Milwaukee