Monday, August 25, 2008

Leaving Wisconsin

Left Muskego, Wisconsin Sunday drove through a quiet early Sunday morning Chicago and arrived in Albion, Michigan mid afternoon. The campground is on a series of five small lakes. We spent an afternoon exploring these lakes in our canoe. The time in Albion was a transition time and a little difficult. After spending almost 7 weeks with Dale’s dad, brother and sister-in-law we had a bit of a let down. We didn’t do much of anything in Albion, just let the time go by so we could adjust. It was with sadness that we left Dale’s dad knowing we might not see him again.
On Wednesday we left Albion and crossed the border to Canada. The campground was north of London, Ontario in Granton. A lovely quiet spot with our site facing a small river. It was beautiful and peaceful. We visited St. Mary’s, Ontario, a historical town on the Thame’s River. We returned for a second day, enjoying the many walks in the town and the second hand store shopping. I purchased a lovely little teapot and another Catherine Cookson book (my favorite author).
Yesterday, Sunday we left Canada (and spent 3 hours at the border crossing waiting to cross) and arrived in Gasport, NY. The weather has gone from hot to quite cool. We are 29 miles from Niagara Falls and will visit tomorrow. We are also very close to Lake Ontario and will make excursions to the water. Today we visited a Lake Ontario lighthouse and hiked along the rugged coastline.

Monday, August 4, 2008

The Bike Ride


Dale, Lucas and Lori...on your mark get set.....smile!

Okay Dale, Lori and Jane ready for those comfy bike seats!!



Jane wrestling the might bear. Jane wins !!!


Lucas, Lori and Dale resting beside the vanquished bear.





Saturday, a picture perfect day with low humidity and mild temperatures found us on a fantastic 20 mile bike ride with our dear niece Lori and her fiance Lucas. This area of Wisconsin is fairly flat with small rolling hills making it a great place to ride. There are many paved bike trails. The one we went on was originally a train track: smooth, flat and almost straight. Lori and Lucas packed a picnic lunch for us which we all enjoyed immensely, half way through our ride.
Lori lives in the small, historic, artsy town of Waukesha. The scenic Fox River run through the village with beautiful flower gardens, bike and walking paths beautifying both sides of the river. We biked directly from Lori's country cottage home to Frame Park. After stopping for cold drinks we enjoyed a most pleasant and relaxing day together. The garden town and verdant rolling countryside reminded us of the quiet beauty of the English countryside.