Traveled in four different states today

Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, and I can tell you that after 420+ miles of driving, I’m worn out!  I’m generally an early riser, and with the trip on my mind, today was no exception.  I was ready to go by 7:00, but the kennel up in Dyer doesn’t open until 9:00, so Emma and I took our constitutional first, and I dawdled around until I could finally leave.  At that, we had to wait 15 minutes for the place to open, and then their computer didn’t want to work.  So, an easy drop off at the doggy spa for four nights took 45 minutes.  Ugh!

One advantage to the delays is that Jack-in-the-Box (my GPS) was able to take me through Chicago after the rush hour(s) lickity split.  I stopped at the Wisconsin Welcome Center for lunch, and once more for gas along the way.  By the time I made it to Minnesota, I was dragging a little, so I stopped at that Welcome Center also.  I lived in Minnesota for 13 years previous to going full time, so I knew where I was going, but the break was welcome.

This rest area is just after you cross the Mississippi River. 

There’s an observation deck so you can enjoy the views of the river.  That’s the I-90 bridge in the background.

I decided to go down the road about a half mile to view the dam and lock a little closer.

Looking north, and then looking south.  No tankers or boats were around while I was there, so I didn’t get to watch the locks in motion.  I’ve been here before when they were in operation, and I always find it interesting.

Here’s the actual dam that helps maintain that 9’ deep water level.  If you look closely just to the right of center there is a purple martin house in the shape of the Army Corps of Engineers symbol.  I thought that was kind of neat.  The martins are all done nesting for this year, but I imagine there’ll be a full house next spring.

There’s a nice park at lock and dam #7, and you can get a little feel for the marvelous bluff country on Minnesota’s border along the Mississippi.  Before I-90 was completed, I used to drive US 14 along the river to Rochester with some grand views where you could stop to admire.  Since it was already after 4:00, I decided to make time and stay on the interstate for the final 75 miles or so to my destination.

By the time I got to the motel in Kasson, it was almost six.  I had made reservations for three nights, and ended up with a handicapped room.  Apparently there are quite a few construction workers staying here.  As it turns out, I think I’m going to like the handicapped room.  There is a shower instead of having to climb in and out of a slippery tub to shower, and the clothes racks and hooks are lower down.  Much more comfortable for a vertically challenged individual. 

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy