Day151-154 Duluth MN to Brighton MI – Oct 8-11

Made the run to Michigan over a four day period, following the western border of Wisconsin following the St Croix down to the Mississippi River into Illinois, then east towards Chicago, around Lake Michigan and then up into Michigan.

My first day on the road I stayed on SR-35 from Superior WI south. Mostly rolling hills covered in very colorful forests of maples and oaks along with the occasional stand of pines, some open meadowland and a little cattail covered lowlands. Flights of Canada Geese gathering for their own trip south and small flights of ducks forming up for the same purpose.

Managed about 200 miles today, stopping for lunch by crossing over into Minnesota and eating in Red Wing. On the way back, I spotted a little island below the bridge with a campground and marina so found my way down to camp for the night. Had a nice little campsite right on the big water, directly beneath the bridge and across the river from a major granery and a very busy rail line. Spent a noisy but enjoyable night watching north and southbound freight as well as the occasional barge tug.

Day 2 was more of the same as I continued south toward Illinois. Again managed around 200 miles and arrived in Prairie Du Chien WI needing fuel, dinner and a place to stay the night.

Day 3 was a big mileage day for me as I managed over 300 miles this day. Crossed over into Illinois early morning and drove through Galena IL, home of one US Grant just before the start of the civil war. I had been here years ago and toured the town as it is very quaint and picturesque. As I recall, Grant’s father owned a market or was a butcher here and the son was not very successful as a merchant. Nonetheless, the town embraces him as their own due to his accomplishments in the south in the mid 1860’s.

Routed myself south out of Rockford to avoid the numerous tolls and toll booths as my rig is a total of eight axles and I was concerned about the expense. Got on I-80 despite my pledge earlier to never utilize this road again. It is a bit unavoidable as I-80, I-90 and I-94 all converge south of Chicago and pass east through NW Indiana. I also expected some traffic in this zone and was not at all disappointed. Made it as far as Michigan City IN for the night.

Final approach into Michigan was easily made and completed by early afternoon, including a stop for fuel and to purge the tanks in Lansing. Made camp in the drive of Mom and Dad, but had considerable trouble getting the drive train on the Durango engaged. So a call to AAA and a short wait for the tow truck and off she goes to the tranny shop.