I now know why everyone goes north for the summer. We arrived at the city campground around 1:45 to 79 degrees, sunny and 20 mph breezes. Tonight is supposed to be 58 and we actually have the windows and screen door open with no AC...enjoying Bloody Mary's and contemplating brats, Cole slaw and broccoli salad for dinner. Good thing everything is already either cooked or made since there is alcohol in the equation.
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We left around 8am this morning, with grey skies and mist. The drive was really nice, even with the AC going back on the fritz (not the fan switch tho) and the fact that the service engine soon light came on as we struggled up a big mountain,.....undulating fields of new corn and wheat, mountains (ok maybe hills) with plenty of greenery, old and new farm houses, Norman Rockwell barns and outbuildings...and a scenic ride along the upper Mississippi River.
We left Iowa City, skirted east of Cedar Rapids and west of Dubuque avoiding the true interstates(US roads, even if some day may be interstates, were fair game)crossing the mighty Mississippi at Prarie de Chein, WI. and driving north along the river to La Crosse and then north to Strum. Can't believe we still found scenic overlooks and wayside parks on the route. (Good thing too... remember I said that check engine light came on) We came into Strum from the SW on WI 93, ultimately cutting across a very small county road that had Bruce wondering if we'd made the right decision. When the road changed to S 5th, we realized we'd arrived.
We left around 8am this morning, with grey skies and mist. The drive was really nice, even with the AC going back on the fritz (not the fan switch tho) and the fact that the service engine soon light came on as we struggled up a big mountain,.....undulating fields of new corn and wheat, mountains (ok maybe hills) with plenty of greenery, old and new farm houses, Norman Rockwell barns and outbuildings...and a scenic ride along the upper Mississippi River. We left Iowa City, skirted east of Cedar Rapids and west of Dubuque avoiding the true interstates(US roads, even if some day may be interstates, were fair game)crossing the mighty Mississippi at Prarie de Chein, WI. and driving north along the river to La Crosse and then north to Strum. Can't believe we still found scenic overlooks and wayside parks on the route. (Good thing too... remember I said that check engine light came on) We came into Strum from the SW on WI 93, ultimately cutting across a very small county road that had Bruce wondering if we'd made the right decision. When the road changed to S 5th, we realized we'd arrived.
Strum is a one road downtown and 1.25sq mi.c ity The campground is city owned and has plenty of permanent and repeat seasonal occupants. We were lucky we wanted W and TH, because I'm pretty sure every site will be gone come Friday. We have a fairly level gravel site, in what used to be a field but where now trees and other vegetation have taken root. We have water, electric, sewer and cable for $27 cash/night. Took all my spare bills. 
I hate having to pay more to use credit card, but can definitely understand a small place requiring you to foot the credit cost if you want to use the card. There is a 9 hole, par 36 golf course across the field with a small grill and full bar. They have one other real restaurant that does breakfast (yay) and lunch, open 6-2, and 2 full bars that also serve food. All this for 1100 people, including children. Am guessing they get lots of use in winter... it's cold, dark early, snowy, cold.....need something for internal warmth. Anyway..this update is to keep me on track. Yes, we did do The Amana Colonies on Monday, and no, I haven't forgotten, just need to think about that part a bit. Since we have good WiFi here, I'll do that blog tomorrow.
I hate having to pay more to use credit card, but can definitely understand a small place requiring you to foot the credit cost if you want to use the card. There is a 9 hole, par 36 golf course across the field with a small grill and full bar. They have one other real restaurant that does breakfast (yay) and lunch, open 6-2, and 2 full bars that also serve food. All this for 1100 people, including children. Am guessing they get lots of use in winter... it's cold, dark early, snowy, cold.....need something for internal warmth. Anyway..this update is to keep me on track. Yes, we did do The Amana Colonies on Monday, and no, I haven't forgotten, just need to think about that part a bit. Since we have good WiFi here, I'll do that blog tomorrow.
Time for one more Bloody before dinner...Au Revoir mes Amis.
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