Antioch, Illinois/Door County, Wisconsin--Final Thoughts

I made some notes on the trip home.  I am basically posting these for myself but thought I would share.  Things I want to remember if I ever return to Door County.

To our surprise, Illinois and Wisconsin 4-lane roads including interstates had speed limits of only 65 mph.  The 2-lane roads could be anywhere from 40 to 55 mph.

In Wisconsin, there are many county roads which are lettered, i.e. CR Q.  These are paved and a nice way to travel the backroads.

We discovered you cannot drive the shorelines of the lakes.  Houses are next to the lakes.  Not thinking, we thought it would be similar to driving highway 1 in California where we actually followed the shoreline.  That has been many, many years ago so maybe that has changed as well.

In Iowa the 4-lanes are 65 mph but their interstates are 70 mph.

Our car is new and I have been learning how to use the navigation system.  We have had some issues but basically human error.  I am hoping that eventually I will remember to double check all the route options before starting to our destination.

The navigation system has some limits.  There are many times we enter unknown territory. Strange as our portable Garmin knows probably 90 percent of the roads we travel on to include county roads.  Also the 370Z navigation system only knows the speed limits on some major US highways.  The Garmin even knows that for many streets inside of Lawrence.  I certainly think that is something that Nissan needs to improve on.  That being side, the 370Z navigation system has many features that are better.  Just wish I could pick and choose the ones I want.

We started to see quilt blocks on barns.  I loved them.  I had read that people were putting these on their barns in some parts of the country.  They are fun to watch for and really liven up the scenery.  I have included a snapshot.  Tiny but took as we were driving down the road.

Oh, yes.  We have AT&T cell phones.  The service in Wisconsin was absolutely miserable. Door County was maybe the worst area.  Occasionally, a text message would come through the data service but I would bet that 80 percent of the time we would not have been able to make or receive a phone call.  Thank goodness the hotel we stayed in had a reliable wifi network.   

James was surprised at the very large number of classic, antique, and muscle cars we saw while in Door County.  There was going to be a car show in Egg Harbor but not until the weekend after we left.  We have no clue why all those beautiful cars were in the area.  

We discovered at our first stop on the way to Antioch that James left his keys in the house.  The 370Z has a keyless ignition and my key was in the car when he started it.  That made for an interesting trip as I was in charge of our only key.  Made me a bit nervous.

While traveling on I-80 on the trip home, we watched a plane spraying pesticide or fertilizer on the field right next to the highway.  Both of us thought it was very interesting.  That is until about a half mile down the road we discovered the car had been covered with the spray.  Fortunately, it washed right off.

Neither of us had a chigger or mosquito bite while we were gone.   I had read that the winters were told cold for chiggers but was quite surprised about the mosquitoes.  I think maybe we were just lucky with those.

Can't end without one last comment on the luggage.  We were surprised at how well they packed in the hatch area.  They were very spacious and allowed us to pack a few souvenirs on the way home.  Because of the awkward opening of the trapezoid pieces, they were difficult to pack.  I don't believe we would ever take these on a plane with us but sure were perfect in the hatch of the 370Z.

Our next trip will be in October.  Hope to see you then.

Antioch, Illinois/Door County, Wisconsin--Travel Day to House on the Rock

We are off to Spring Green, Wisconsin, to see The House on the Rock.  About a 4 hour drive.  Of course, it takes us 4 hours and 45 minutes to include a quick lunch at a Subway.

Walked downtown to The Bistro at Liberty Hall for breakfast.  I had checked out the menu in advance and thought I would try the scones which had a good review in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.  I had an English toffee scone with yogurt and fruit on the side.  James chose the All-you-can eat breakfast which he couldn't eat all of it.  Funny, huh?

I have had trouble getting a good photo of my hubby.  This is at The Bistro.

We arrived at The House on the Rock about 3.  There are 3 different sections and we were told that each section takes about an hour.  Because The House closes at 6 we really felt like we would be rushing if we did all 3.  Chose to do sections 2 and 3 which did not include the house.  Actually, it was overwhelming there was so much to see.  It was hard to just take it all in and I don't think I could pick a favorite.  They did have many types of player instruments, i.e. player pianos although there were whole player orchestras.  I do not know how to explain it.  Just an unbelievable place to see.

The next two photos are on the drive into The House on the Rock.

This one is actually in the women's restroom.

I found this on the web.  Many photos from The House on the Rock.

http://www.pbase.com/ysic/the_house_on_the_rock

Antioch, Illinois/Door County, WIsconsin--Sightseeing day including lighthouses

Monday was a very interesting but frustrating day.  Door County just does not have things well marked and it was hard for us to find the locations that we had decided to visit.  That being said, it was a good day and we are both exhausted.

We started our day at the Village Cafe which is a couple of buildings away from our hotel.  We are on vacation so started with a mimosa.  James had oatmeal and I had a quiche.  Both came with fruit and a muffin.  Very tasty.  

We then headed to Ephraim to see our first lighthouse, Eagle Bluff.  This lighthouse was established in 1868 before there was water or electricity.  There is still no electricity.  Water was carried up steps on the 33 foot cliff before a well was dug.  The house is now maintained by the Door County Maritime Association and the light by the US Coast Guard.  The solar powered light sits approximately 76 feet above Geen Bay and can be seen for 16 miles.

Off to Ephraim and to the famous Wilson Family in Ephraim.  Everything I read said we needed to stop in for at least some ice cream.  We were glad to do that.  We both just had a single scoop.  I couldn't even eat all of mine.  What a waste on my part.

We then crossed the peninsula to the Lake Michigan side and the Cana Island Lighthouse.  This is near Bailey's Harbor.  The tower is 89 foot tall and can be seen for 18 miles.  Once again the house is maintained by the Door County Maritime Association and the light by the US Coast Guard.  This light is now powered by electricity.  We are able to climb the 89 step spiral staircase to the light and then out on the balcony.  It was raining and allowed one to understand how the ship captains may feel.

More sightseeing and souvenir purchases before heading to a Door County Fish Boil at the Old Post Office Restaurant in Ephraim.  This located about 20 minutes from our hotel.  James is not fond of fish but did like this Lake Michigan white fish.  The boil master told us it was a vegetarian fish as it eats no meat products but items such as seaweed. This diet makes it mild.  There is a huge pot over a wood fire.  First the potatoes, then the onions, followed by the fish.  The boil master throws some kerosene on during the last few minutes.  I would certainly recommend that one experience this tradition of Door County.

Antioch, Illinois/Door County, Wisconsin--Headed north to Egg Harbor

Sunday we traveled from Antioch to Door County.  It was a slow drive as we tried to follow the shore of Lake Michigan.  We had beautiful weather.  Very scenic along the shore and thru the towns.

You can see downtown Milwaukee in the distance.

Out the window from our table at Stone Harbor Pub and Restaurant in Sturgeon Bay

One of the highlights of the day was to see two drawbridges being raised over an inlet on Sturgeon Bay. Historic Michigan Street Bridge which we walked over.

Took this as we were walking over.

Newer bridge.  These two bridges are just a couple of streets apart.

Two photos below are at the Egg Harbor marina.  While on the pier of the marina, a woman caught some kind of small invasive fish (don't remember what it was called).  She threw it to a mink that was living in the rocks.  Mink loved it.  Saw it for just an instance, as it quickly returned to a cubby hole in the rocks.

Supper at the Shipwrecked Brew Pub.  Had some tasty seafood chowder and fried cheese curds.  The fried curds are a big thing in Door County.  Maybe all of Wisconsin.  Will probably find out.  They were very good.  Served with a garlic ketchup for dipping.

Antioch, Illinois/Door County, Wisconsin--Curnes/Smith Family Reunion

We had a couple of hours before we needed to arrive at the Curnes/Smith family picnic.  Antioch is 30 minutes east of Lake Michigan so drove over.  Other than the traffic construction that slowed us down and couldn't figure out how to get to the beach, it was a lovely couple of hours. One cannot drive up to the beach.  We parked then walked approximately 75 yards up a bluff before you could see the lake.  It was an awesome sight when we finally arrived.

After walking a bit, we decided to head to the lake house.  Not wanting to go back on the same route, we wandered north to Wisconsin then asked the GPS for the shortest route to the picnic. This kept us off of the 4-lane roads and on county roads of both states.  It was a beautiful drive. This time of year here is gorgeous.  Not sure I would want to be here in the winter but love now.

We arrived at the Curnes/Smith family picnic where they were once again honoring Rick Carey.  I was wanting to be here as we did not attend Rick's funeral in February.  I also wanted to see this important part of my daughter-in-law's life.  I am so glad that we came.  As one walks in from the street which is the back side of the house, they hand you an ear of roasted corn.  They dip this into melted butter that is sitting on the grill. Quite the custom in this area and very good.

Enjoy the snapshots from the picnic.  The house is located on the shore of Lake Marie.  we enjoyed meeting all the relatives and the delicious food that was provided.

Casey, James, Seth, and Louise on the lake side of the house.

Boat dock on Lake Marie side of house.

Zeke with a cross bow and arrow.

Mary Jane with her Uncle Rich

Mary Jane playing in pool with cousins.

Antioch, Illinois/Door County, Wisconsin--Travel Day

We have officially begun our Anitoch and Door County yesterday morning.  Took the kid (oops, dog) to the local dog hotel.  Good Grief!  Checked Boz in at 7 a.m. and were on the road by 7:24. The gps lady said it was 591 miles and would take us 10 hours and 48 minutes.  I figured about 9 hours including stops.  I didn't notice was that the Triple A Trip Tik said 577.  Hmm, maybe should have taken note.  I was having a little trouble finding the highway the gps was having us turn on as we neared our destination.  Might have been because the gps lady took us up to Wisconsin and then back down into Illinois.  What?  After we turned onto the highway leading us into Antioch, I discovered why.  We would have had quite a bit of time on Highway 173, a two-lane road with a 45 mph speed limit.  I am so glad I couldn't figure out the map.  By the way, if any of you travel into Illinois or Wisconsin, their maximum speed limit on interstate highways is only 65 mph.  We did have rain until we were close to the Missouri border north of Kansas City.  Not hard but very, steady.

After that pretty smooth sailing.  The trip into Antioch took us 10 hours.  Checked into the Best Western Plus in Antioch.  Quick change of clothes and we were off to the Antioch Golf Club where we attended a memorial dinner for daughter-in-law's great Uncle Bill.  It was very nice to be included as we had never met him.  We are in Antioch because there is a memorial today at the annual Smith family picnic for daughter-in-law's father who passed away 4 hours before Uncle Bill.  Rick died in late February and we were unable to attend those services.  Hopefully, I will have some photos to share in the morning.

As you can see, we chose a healthy place to eat breakfast.  This is in Bethany, Missouri.  I need to have a breakfast burrito fix from time to time.  Now that is out of the way for this trip.

Antioch, Illinois/Door County,Wisconsin--Luggage

I believe I have mentioned that we have a very small space to carry luggage, etc.  We did get everything in on the trip to Frisco.  But getting it in almost drove me nuts.  Not because it was that tight, but because hubby was so concerned about the wheels making a mark on the interior of the car.  YIKES!  He found some luggage that was made to fit into the storage space of the 370Z.  They are called Fairlady Z.  Not terribly expensive so thought we would give it a try.

Looks pretty nifty.  Right?  Here is what arrived.  

Well, they didn't actually come in this 13 gallon tall kitchen trash bag but a very similar postal bag. We about cracked up.  Thought we would have a great big box with our fancy new luggage inside.  Here they are laying flat on the floor.

No zipper compartments to store smaller items in.  They don't open wide so might be difficult to pack. Never fear, though.  They will not scratch the inside of the Z's storage space.