Week 1

Well here we are again heading out on a new adventure and to get out of the Texas heat for a bit. Enjoy our blog as we head out to see this beautiful USA.

August 5 - League City, TX to Abbeville, LA

As always as soon as we head east on I-10, Abbeville is a must stop for us. It didn't take us long after arriving at cousin Marcel and Cheryl's that we quickly headed over to Shuck's for our Cajun fix. And Shucks didn't disappoint us. The gumbo was terrific and the shrimp outstanding.

August 6 - Abbeville, LA to Tunica, MS

What's for breakfast? Beignets of course at Comeaux's in Abbeville.

Then long drive to Tunica for some gambling at Sam's Town Casino.

August 7 - Tunica, MS to Collinsville, IL

Driving over the Mississippi River into Illinois

August 8 - Collinsville, IL to Madison, WI

August 9 - Madison, WI area

Our day trip today has us heading out west of Madison.

New Glarus is a small town settled in 1845 by Swiss immigrants.

New Glarus Depot

These cute planters were sitting outside a shoe repair shop.

Anchoring Monroe's town square is the Green County Courthouse dating from 1891 with a 120' clock tower.

This is for granddaughter Madison -- Spongebob Square Pants characters were spread out around the town square!

This mural depicts a Wisconsin countryside scenery.

The Dickeyville Grotto was built by Father Mathius Wernerus, pastor of Dickeyville's Holy Ghost Parish from 1920 to 1930. The grotto was erected to demonstrate the patriotism of Catholics.

Some of the many materials used in the grotto.

Views of the Mississippi River from Nelson Dewey State Park near Cassville.

I believe this is to be a Indigo or Blue Bunting. If it is a Blue Bunting, then it is very rare for him to be in this part of the country. Maybe my friend, Bob Douat, will help me out on this one.

This little guy wouldn't leave Larry's arm.

Views overlooking the Wisconsin River where it meets up with the Mississippi in Wyalusing State Park near Bagley.

A short tough little hike.

Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds at the State Park office.

Fennimore Depot and Mural

Mineral Point's oldest standing depot in the state of Wisconsin. Circa 1856

The 1836 Capitol of the Wisconsin Territory near Belmont

This Iowa County Courthouse is the oldest still in use in Wisconsin in Dodgeville. Circa 1861

and this unusual BBQ name

And what can I say about our drive today, corn and soybeans everywhere, and I mean everywhere! Who knew Wisconsin produced so much corn and soybeans!!!

August 10 - Madison, WI area

Today on our travels, we headed north and east.

First stop, Horicon Natural Wildlife Refuge. I love seeking out different species of birds and stopped here in hopes of finding some, but was quite disappointed. But here are a few of the birds and wildlife I did spot.

Canada Geese

This little frog popping his head out.

The geese in flight.

American Robin

Traveling to our next destination, we happened upon this Standard sign and pumps (not operational).

Hubertus is the home to the Holy Hill National Shrine of Mary.
Below is an excerpt from the website. To view more about the history go to: www.holyhill.com

"More than 500,000 people from all over the world visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians, at Holy Hill each year. Some come to admire the beautiful architecture of the neo-Romanesque church built in 1926. Others make a pilgrimage to Holy Hill to worship, to meditate or to pray for healing. Regardless of what brings people to Holy Hill, they are bound to be touched by its peaceful environment and to be renewed in body, mind and spirit.

Holy Hill was declared a Shrine with "Portiuncula privilege" by Pope Leo XIII in 1903. And, as a result of the increasing number of pilgrims, the Discalced Carmelites of Bavaria were invited to staff the Shrine in 1906. On November 19, 2006, the Shrine was elevated to the status of Basilica."

Words cannot express the beauty, peace and calmness of this most sacred place.

Next stop, Cedarsburg and The Last Covered Bridge in Winsconsin- 1876 - 1955 and the beautiful creek it crosses.

Our last stop of the day is the Port Washington Lighthouse and our first view of Lake Michigan.

Due to the constant rain showers, we decided to head back to Madison and finish our east side touring another day.

August 11 - Madison, WI area

Today's travels have us heading north of the Madison area.

Natural Bridge State Park

Beautiful farmland landscape

Devils Lake State Park
The pink, red and lavendar blocks are Baraboo quartzite

This little chipmunk practically posed for me!!

This was our attempt of a 1/4 mile hike straight up, climbing boulders all the way. Had there been handrails or something to hang on to, we would have completed the hike in search of the "balanced rock." But we never made it. And it wasn't the going up that worried us, but more the going down. This picture was taken from my vantage point further up. Larry didn't make it this far.

Larry's stopping point. Notice the boulders on the right heading straight up that look like stairs.

Wisconsin Dells - we were told to avoid this place like the plague but our curiosity got the best of us. While they boast the "Waterpark Capitol of the USA," I still think our Texas Schlitterbahn has them beat!!! We took these pictures of the "Dells" in the downtown area.