Minneapolis to Ludington

In Minneapolis (actually St. Paul) we visited Barbara and Wayne and, of course, Bella. We relaxed and enjoyed Wayne's delicious food. we especially enjoyed it after the shall we say mediocre food we keep eating in the heartland. We had planned to visit the Pipestone National Monument (just across the border from South Dakota in Minnesota) but

unfortunately we encountered a road closure and a detour into the REAL boonies on roads reminiscent of German cow paths. The car didn't mind that, the problem was we couldn't find the so called roaads on our map OR the car's computer. After a two hour hegira through the South Dakota countryside (with me whimpering "but I don't want to go to North Dakota today") we finally found our way back to what passes for civilization and on to Minnesota and more empty, flat country. The main difference: Now the empty country is green and it is humid.

We visited the Arboretum in Minneapolis : Below a willow twig sculpture in front of the entrance

I

It took some begging, but we now have a picture of Barbara and Bella:

Bella is the black one.

From St. Paul we drove to Manitowoc, Wisconsin to cross lake Michigan on the historic car (originally train car) ferry SS Badger. Since the ferry was scheduled to leave at 2 pm and we had to drive 320 miles, we left St. Paul at 6 am. Didn't want to miss the ferry. Arrived in Manitowoc at 10:45 am. This gave us ample opportunity to eat more heartland food, as we watched the

SS Badger arrives in Manitowoc

Manitowoc to Ludington on the SS Badger

The ferry experience was interesting. I am used to Washington state ferries where you drive you car on the ferry and God help you if you make ANY mistakes. Not so here. I was told to leave the key in the ignition; leave the window open; and step away from the vehicle. When I enquired how I would get my car back, I was told to just walk off the ferry and wait and get the car. I asked "any car"? The ticket taker suggested that I should have more faith in the honesty of the good citizens of Wisconsin. I worried, since after all we would be in Michigan!

 But, everything turned out just fine. We had a  nice crossing (skipped the movie, the bingo and  the game room - thank you, the "quiet" room  was exactly what we wanted and enjoyed.) And  the car was where it belonged, when we arrived  in

Ludington, Michigan

 In Ludington we stayed at a lovely B&B - the  Lamplighter Inn Below is a sitting room in the  inn with Maggie the resident Wheaten terrier.  We had a delightful time there and enjoyed a  truly lovely breakfast. Too bad we will probably  not get to return, but I can really recommend  the Lamplighter Inn.

 Unfortunately we could not spend more time at  the Lamplighter Inn with Jane, Bill and Maggie (She is the cutie in the picture) -  we had to get back on the road and head  toward Toronto.

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