Central Wisconsin to Michigan`s U. P.

 I decided that since my route to Michigan`s upper peninsula was passing through Green Bay, Wisconsin, that a stop at the Nalional Railroad Museum was in order (saw it on the map).  After spending 2 hours there I realized that trains are really "Big Things". 

 Could not resist getting into the picture with one of the biggest locomotives ever built.  The model is called the "Big Boy" and has two sets of driving wheels with ten wheels in each set.  That makes it (in locomotive terms) a 2-10-10-2.  It is only one of five of it`s size that still exsist.

 This is a concept engine from the 1950`s that never really cought  on but it is very aerodynomic (?).

 This is a British locomotive that got traded to the US after it was decomissioned.  It was re-named the Dwight D. Eisenhower but never saw service on this "side of the pond".  You know they drive on the other side of the tracks!  HA, HA.

 Standing on the "foot plate" (engine control area) of an old steam engine.  Note the doors are open where the coal is shoveled into the boiler.  Below is the inside of the boiler, closeup.  It is so big you could park several pickup trucks inside.

 The amazing "hardware" on the otside of this engine.

 I am now by the shore of Lake Michigan, in a great campground (with power) & it only cost $24.00.  It about 100 miles north of Green Bay but into Michigan.  I can see the northern tip of what is called the "Door Penninsula" which is part of Wisconsin across the lake.  Very nice and I found it just about the time I had decided to stop for the night.  Life is good!

On to explore Michigan`s upper peninsula tomorrow & maybe down across the Mackinaw Bridge, time allowing.  No set schedule as usual.
It might be a two blanket night but so far no rain.....

Driving Day across three states

 Lots of clouds in southwestern Minnesota but no rain.  I (of course) was driving while taking this picture but I was only going 70!

 Stopped for the night in Coloma, Wisconsin (between La Crosse & Oshkosh).  Small town with a classic old church.

 This is the "old" hotel where I got a room.  Note the sign that this place was established in 1876.

 A front view of the hotel, which is decorated for fall.  My room is the center one that sticks out in the middle.

Great front porch.  The hotel and town both remind me of the movie - Groundhog Day.  The only difference is I would not want to live there.
So far I have driven 2,700+ miles & passed through 8 states.  And I am still having fun.  It is cooling off but that is a relief from the 100 degree temps when I started.
Today was the last day of Fall..........

The pictures from the last post

 The actual mountain is in the background but only the face is completed - the white is the model.

Heading North

My route was north from Boulder on the way to Mt. Rushmore.  There were several stops along the way.
First I happened across a Stage Coach Museum in Lusk, Wyoming.  that is the first picture.
Next I stopped at a saw mill where I was allowed to photograph inside since the workers were on break. that is the second picture.
Into South Dakota to see the Crazy Horse & Mt. Rushmore Memorials.  I enjoyed both but spent more time at Crazy Horse since it is a work-in-progress.  that is the third & fourth picture.
That night I found a "primitive" camping spot in the National Forest.  Very quiet and peaceful.  The picture is as I was closing down my camper & you can see the "road" I parked next to.  that is the fifth picture.
Next I stopped by Sturgis, South Dakota which is the site of a big motorcycle gathering once a year.  I took a picture of the town sign.  that is the sixth picture.
Last I had to stop & see Wall Drug in Wall, South Dakota.  It is a tourist trap and they got me.  that is the last picture.
This is the last several days which I could not post since I did not have a connection.  I am moteling it tonight in Mitchell, South Dakota & heading east toward Michigan`s U. P.
Because I am not doing something "right" you will have to go to the next post to see the pictures. 
That all folks, Bob

Denver Chihuly Glass exhibition

Drove down to the Denver Botanic Gardens to see an installation of glass art by Dale Chihuly.  The gardens were something to rival Lotusland gardens in Santa Barbara.  The kicker was an extensive collection of glass art by the world famous Dale Chihuly all throughout the gardens.  We spent about 4 hours touring the grounds with lunch (of course).  This is now the third time I have seen his work.  Once at his studio in Washington State and again at the old Worlds Fair grounds in Seattle.
If you ever get the chance to see his work in person, do not miss it.  You can search by his name and see more of his creations.
I will likely hit the road on Wednesday heading for Mt. Rushmore.
I will leave you with a few pictures of some of the glass creations I saw today.  

 

Pueblo, Co. to Boulder, Co.

My stay at a RV park last hight (as usual) had a few drawbacks.  First my camper does not mask out noises very well or at all.  Due to that it was late until I was able to get to sleep (about 1:00 AM).
Enough of my complaining about things I can not control.
I spent a few hours touring at Royal Gorge Bridge and then headed to Boulder. Co. to have dinner with friends.  We are thinking about driving down to Denver to see an exhibit of glass by Chihuly, who is a famous glass artist originally from the northwest.
I will leave you with a picture of the Royal Gorge Bridge.  Day three and still having a good time!!!

A hint, if you want to enlarge any of the pictures on this blog, just double click on them.  Then click again and they will return to thier former size

Day two

Today was a drive from Winslow, Az. to Pueblo, Colorado (area).   I decided that I wanted to see the Royal Gorge Bridge which is west of Pueblo by about 25 miles.  I go here after dark and will see it tommorow before heading to visit friends in Boulder, Co.
The only good picture I got on todays drive was a big white cloud that was hanging on top of a mountain next to the road.  Sorry it is not that exciting but I should have something else tommorow