So, it was “So Long” to Minneapolis, after a lovely evening in the heart of the city! People were friendly… had a city energy but a rural approach, as folks were so comfortable to talk and seemed to be from everywhere except Minneapolis 😂 (pop. of region nearly 3.7 million). Like most city stops… it’s expensive but always lots of eye candy. Departure from the city was a smooth, Saturday morning getaway with limited traffic and open highway.
And “Hello” Wisconsin, our avenue back to Canada. Known for the Green Bay Packers, That ’70s Show, Old Milwaukee Beer and dairy farming, it definitely would be considered a “less traveled” state. We were targeting an 8 hr drive time through this beautiful region, looking forward to expansive views of Lake Michigan and more common terrain. This evening’s destination would be the Canadian side of Sault Ste Marie… as we gather ourselves for the cross Ontario drive, this time via Sudbury, North Bay, Pembroke and Ottawa.
By about 1:00 PM we were looking for a place to open the cooler and have a snack. Janie had zoned in on Bailey County Park, a lakeside picnic area just outside the Wisconsin/Michigan state line. Although a bit “tired”, the space was isolated and quiet and we hosted an absolutely perfect lunch there! Natural beach, broad views of Lake Michigan and a well placed log and we were all set! We enjoyed local cheese (yummy Garlic flavored cheddar) and cured meats… simply a peaceful stop!
Then onward to Sault Ste Marie, Canada 🇨🇦! With excellent highways (both condition and driving) we made great time and were cozy in our room by 6:30 EST. Holy bridge 😳! Michigan is a large state… didn’t realize it loops back around the northern coastline of Lake Michigan. We settled in quickly and took time to plan next steps and regroup! We booked a couple of nights in Ottawa and hoped a day of attractions (but no road travel) would give us time to catch our breath! 😂
Saturday evening we walked the St Mary’s Canal Boardwalk accessible from our hotel on a beautiful evening. I’m betting this was an industrially impressive port of call back in the day. Lots of folks out enjoying the breeze on a warm evening. Tourists, sport fishermen, classic car enthusiasts, dog walkers and partygoers were all on the move! All settled back by 9:00 PM for an early to bed before another big travel day across Ontario!
Welcome back to Canada. Seems like you guys are balancing some crazy busy days with some slower paced days. Good move as I can’t imagine going at your early pace every single day. I was lucky enough to camp very close to Lambeau field one night. Couldn’t get into the field but found a spot where we could peek in. Who doesn’t admire the Packers?
You are absolutely right… the early pace was unsustainable! It did get us into new territory, giving a little more time to relax and take in! We thought about a Lambeau tour after a chat with some lovely Wisconsin folks at the Twins game. However, after checking online, the tour schedule didn’t lend to an afternoon stop (I believe there may have been a special evening event scheduled for fund raising). No Aaron Rodgers this year so the Pack may need to dig super deep!