Back In Wisconsin Again

On Sunday, July 23 I wrapped up my West Coast tour and started making my way east, back to the state of Wisconsin. I left Winlock, Washington and took Highway 12, east into Montana. This is a beautiful drive through Eastern Washington, going through many of the vast orchards and vineyards in that part of the state. And then as you get into Idaho, Highway 12 follows along the Lewis and Clark Trail. You travel along through parts of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest. Where Highway 12 winds through the mountain following the beautiful Lochsa River. Here’s a few views of the river along this beautiful route.The first evening I stopped at a little pull off right alongside the River, and spent the evening enjoying the sounds of the rushing river and getting some nice rest. The next day I continued on enjoying the peaceful drive, and stopped at the beautiful wayside that’s located right on the Idaho-Montana state line, at Lolo Summit.There is a very nice Park like wayside with a wonderful information and visitor center with lots of information about the Lewis and Clark expedition that passed through here in the 1800s.From there I connected up with Highway 90 in Montana continuing east, eventually connecting up with Highway 94 and took that the rest of the way home to Wisconsin. This is a nice relaxing drive through the rolling hills mountains and open plains of this part of the country. I’ve traveled this route several times before over the years and still really enjoy it every time I come this way. I just stopped in waysides the next couple nights catching a good night’s rest and then continuing on. After four hard days of driving, and 2000 miles later I arrived at my brother-in-law’s home in Marshfield Wisconsin. They have a beautiful new home on the edge of town in a new subdivision. The next five nights I spent moochdocking on the street in front of their house. They live on a dead-end road with large fields and woods in their backyard. And I was able to park right on the street and run a cord to get a little electricity to run the TV and lights as needed. It was great spending time with them again and they always make me feel very welcome. They spoil me very much by feeding me and taking me out to eat, they won’t let me pay for anything. We played games off-and-on through the days I visited and I caught up on some of my chores cleaning my rig inside and out. I also helped Larry out with a few chores around the house, doing things that are difficult for him to accomplish. As most do you know he has been struggling with cancer for the last 14+ years now. It’s in remission again now and he’s doing pretty well. But with all that he has gone through over the years has taken its toll. I hope to get to see them one more time again before leaving at the end of August and heading east. On Monday morning July 31, I packed up and we said our goodbyes for now and Maxine and I headed about 100 miles southeast to the community of Green Lake. This will be my base camp for the next few weeks. Green Lake is the small community in central Wisconsin where I spent about 20 years of my life living, (from my mid-20s to mid-40s). I will once again be moochdocking at my very good friends Steve’s and Patty house. As you might remember I spent time here last fall and Steve help me with many of the new improvements on my RV. They go out of their way to make Maxine and me feel very welcome and part of their family. Over the next few weeks we will be working on projects both on his and my rig getting ready for our trip out east. The plan is just before Labor Day weekend we will head to Lower Michigan, spending the holiday weekend visiting their friends. And then over the next month or so we will continue on to New York, Maine and other parts of the Northeast. We have no real set destinations and will be playing it mostly by ear. Which is the best way in my opinion to do this kind of exploring. Well that’s a quick summary of what’s been going on and a few of the plans for things ahead. There will be lots more to come of, Maxine and my “East Coast Adventures”.

Take Care and Safe Travels to all. Rick

PS: Here’s one last photo of my great RV spot and Patty and Steve’s, “Thanks again for all your hospitality love you both”.