Tag: Travel

Day 2

We got on the road at 7:45AM from Milwaukee, but because of road construction, we went a bit out of our way (scenic route) before finding the I94 on-ramp. We made plenty of stops throughout the day – washroom breaks, gas fill-ups and lunch. We have to admit, the States does it right with their Rest Stops along the Interstates. Most we have encountered were very clean and well-kept (bit of a disappointment in Wisconsin). Lunch was bean salad (from Costco before we left), some mini Bretons, and a glass of wine.

The drive was uneventful …lots of rural land, cows, road construction, and billboards…. Hit one spot where clouds were “ugly” and rain came – but only for a very short time, oh and another where a transport almost went off the road (we sped by him…).

We arrived in Fargo (vaguely remember that movie with the Sherriff in Fargo – liked it…) around 6:30PM. After checking into the Wingate (had pre-booked on route this morning), we headed to Target to get some lunch supplies for tomorrow and some wine. Guess what – they don’’t sell alcohol in grocery stores in ND – you have to go to a liquor store! So we went to Harry’’s Bottle Barn – WOW! – could have spent hours looking around, BUT, I was on a mission…. Got some wine and headed back to the hotel to put it on ice.

After the greasy supper last night, we figured we should eat somewhat healthier… we walked across 45th St. to the plaza and found an Asian fusion restaurant called Samurai. We each had Miso soup, then split Edamame Beans, Beef Negimaki, and Vegetable Udon. The food was very good – fresh, hot, nicely presented and reasonably priced.

Retired to our room to have some “beverages”, play on the computer, watch some tv…… and get a good sleep, so we can have an early start tomorrow – another long day of driving….

Day 1 (on our way to Woodinville, WA) –

We both slept off and on all night anticipating the early start to the day, but then decided “we are on holidays!”, and didn’t leave the house until almost 8AM. We stopped at the duty free before the border – Todd was excited to get a 24 of Moosehead for $16; I picked up a reserve Sav. Blanc.

Up to that point the drive was uneventful -then we reached the US border at Sarnia and were “selected” for the intense screening (an orange paper was stuck to Todd’s passport) – we had to park the truck, turn over the keys, leave all electronics, take all cash and ID and proceed inside. Once inside, the security guy took our passports, had us fill out a form, asked us the basic questions, then went to remove the orange sticky note from Todd’s passport – AND RIPPED THE PAGE – NOT JUST ANY PAGE, BUT THE ONE WITH HIS SIGNATURE ON!!!! He then took the passport and taped the page in with GREEN DUCT-LIKE TAPE!!!!! He did apologize and then sent us on our way – no more questions, no frisk…..but a defective passport!!!!

We pulled over to a rest stop in Indiana for some lunch that I had packed – devilled eggs, chicken, and cauliflower salad…..plus a glass of wine.

We continued on…just in time to hit Chicago during rush hour – traffic was incredibly slow, but at least it kept moving. Once we passed the airport, things opened up. (Temperature – 35 degrees) We munched on some trail mix I had made – the chocolate covered goji berries “made it”.

We stopped in Milwaukee at a Best Western Plus for the night – got a special rate with one of the coupon books at the rest stop. It’s not bad (comes in middle of the road on TA) – it has a safe, fridge, and microwave….….wine and beer are chilling….

Looking forward to a good night’s sleep and an early (not too early) start in the morning….