[posted to the Wheeled Migration Yahoo Group on August 25, 2004]

Hi folks! On Tuesday afternoon I took the ferry from Manitowoc, Wisconsin, to Ludington, Michigan. I'm now on my way down the Lake Michigan coast, hoping to reach Kalamazoo by Friday. Here are some reflections on my two weeks in Wisconsin.

Local produce I sampled, buying most of it directly from the farmers: apples, beer, bison, brats, cheese, corn, cream, eggs, fudge, ice cream, melons, milk, peaches, pears, peppers, tomatoes.

Favorite place I visited on purpose: Tunnel #3 on the Elroy-Sparta trail.

Favorite place I found by accident: Rock Ridge Primitive Campground, under construction at mile 11 of the Red Cedar State Trail.

Favorite smell: a field of dill.

Least favorite smell: a field where liquid manure (i.e. untreated sewage presumably from pigs but not necessarily) was being applied.

Favorite cultural difference: In Wisconsin, ice houses are called "fishing shanties," and they have decks and pontoons on them so they can be used on open water as well as on ice. I'm sure someone in Minnesota has thought of this, but in six years of living there I never saw such a thing.

Favorite differences so far in Michigan: Public trails here are called "linear parks" even if they go in circles. Also, a convenience store that doesn't sell gas is a "party store."