Day 18 Starting the trip Home

Last night we attended a traditional Door County Fish Boil. Must-do when in the area. It never sounded very appetizing, (we're more familiar with the Southern-influenced Shrimp Boil) but there's safety in numbers, and about 25 of us listened to Earl the Boilmaster present the history and making of the boil.
Interesting stuff and some jokes, too (ask us why a mermaid wears seashells!) and we were all pleasantly surprised. More Lake Michigan whitefish - yum!

Today is the day we have been trying not to think about too much; starting the drive home. Not being too anxiuos to get underway we hang around the cabin with Carrie and Ryan till about 11 am. Missy had vigorous playtime and a long walk with Alfie to prepare for the car ride. We have had a great week staying with them but there was always so much going on we did not get enough time to just hang out. Nice chatting over breakfast. We will have to get them to visit us in FL this winter.



We dropped by the club to grab the boat and finish some final tie downs and packing. By about 11:30 we were leaving the club in heavy overcast and fog but no rain. It was sad to leave Door County and we wished we had more time to sight-see and enjoy the area. Before leaving, however, we stopped at a local store to purchase a Cheese-head for Green Bay Packer fan neighbor whose dog ate his previous one. Mission accomplished and we're on the road, again.

Curiosity: As we leave Egg Harbor, we notice a sign for the Cape Cod Hotel.

To avoid Milwaukee, Chicago, Indaianapoilis and Atlanta we decide to swing a little more to the west to Madison then south from there. It is slightly longer but we were hoping it would be less congested and more pleasant.

At 2:00, we're a long way from Madison, but we're still in WI, this state must be as long as FL! At 3:50, we arrive to IL, poor roads, traffic (seriously?) AND a toll? Good Grief. $1.00 for car, and $2.85 for the Piggy trailer? That's just wrong plus the road really sucks and is nothing more than a giiant contruction zone. It should have been free.

Funny item: License plate: ODYSEA on a Toyota Van.

Unfortunate sighting: slow traffic outside of Rockford, IL. Cop at roadside, Bow of Laser and trailer in the trunk of a car on the side of the road. OOPS, not quick enough with the camera.

Fun fact: Arcola, IL - Largest Amish Settlement in IL. They have quite a bit of Amish commerce in the area.

There is an exit named Tonica

where Kim breaks into the lyrics of Adam Sandlers Hanukkah song "Happy Hanukkah....drink your Gin and Tonica".... Ok it is almost time to look for a Hotel.

Driving surprise: we passed a van towing a powerboat (there have been quite a few on the road, not unusual). The vehicle passes us, and we notice Carrie Berger waving happily in the passenger seat!! Hi folks!! Wishing you safe return to Louisiana.

We did a little over 600 miles before stopping at another Super 8 Hotel (Missy the dog friendly!) in a little town called Effingham Illinois. Not much more than one of those littel towns that form at the junction of two interstates, I-57 and I-70. I think we have a little under 1100 miles left to go.