On the Road

We recently returned from our road trip to the Midwest. By the trips end we had traveled over 3000 miles and were road weary for sure. Flying would have been much faster, but the beauty of this country along the way was worth every mile.

Our journey started the first day leaving NH at 3 a.m. By daylight we were entering NY and well on our way for the first 800 mile day. Traveling through northwestern NY and into PA we were surprised to find miles and miles, acre after acre of vineyards. It was very impressive and one can only imagine how much wine is produced from the fruit of these vines.

Entering Ohio we came upon the Midwest and were reminded of why it is considered the breadbasket of our country. On both sides of the highway were farm after farm. Fields either planted, or being readied for planting as we drove by. Hard working, proud farmers bringing food to the tables of America. Farmers we should be very thankful for.

We ended our first day in Toledo and enjoyed a wonderful Mexican meal at El Tipico http://eltipicotoledo.net/. We topped off the meal with a dessert of cream cheese and strawberry preserves in a deep fried tortilla topped with cinnamon and sugar. Not heart healthy but amazing!

Day two brought us through IN (speed limit 70 and they strictly enforce this), IL (Chicago was a treat), and finally to our destination of Appleton, WI. Our hotel was very nice with cookies and coffee available in the lobby 24 hours a day, and a wonderful pool area to relax in. Our first night we went to Carmella's http://carmellasbistro.com/about/ - an Italian restaurant that could rival any in the North End of Boston. The food was absolutely incredible and we could not imagine finding this in WI.

 Pool & Water Slide Fun at our hotel in WI

 



 Relaxation in the Whirlpool

 

Day three was mostly time to relax a bit, however as with all trips there is the unexpected. Unfortunately we had to have a tire fixed that went flat, and also replaced alternator and air conditioning belts. At least it did not happen on the highway. Later we had an early dinner before heading to graduation in Green Bay. It was a small intimate graduation for 12 Registered Dietitian Interns and we met many wonderful people from WI and MN. Families of friends that had been made while interning. Congratulations Tina on a job well done - you should be proud!

 





 

 

Day four we headed south to Springfield, IL for a stop at Lincoln's Tomb and Homestead. As we headed into IL there were hundreds of windmills along both sides of the highway. It was a sight to see, and we could only imagine how much power was being produced by the wind pushing through the large blades.



Windmills in Illinois

 

 Lincoln's Tomb is extremely impressive as you stand and look up at it. Pictures cannot do it justice. We are very glad we took the detour to see this and the Lincoln Homestead.

 

 

 

 

And on through IN and into Dayton, OH for a night. Day five bringing us into PA and to the next stop on our journey. Two nights spent with good friends catching up and visiting all those that have not been seen for a few years. Constantly on the go from one place to another - fun times for sure.

 

So...day seven leads us down the road a short distance into NJ to spend some much anticipated time with my brother and sister-in-law. This was truly the most relaxing day of our journey. Sitting in the back yard talking and reminiscing of days long ago. The time goes by too quickly as it always does. They return to work the next day and we head north to NH. This last day seems like the shortest and longest ride of all. We have had a wonderful trip and the memories will remain with us, but we are happy to be back home.