Wassau, WI

The Rockford Bixbys drove due North for three and a half hours. The Minnesota Bixbys drove due East for about exactly the same amount of time and we ended up at almost exactly the same time in Wassau, WI at the Hampton Inn.

The Rockford Bixbys were caught in a torrential downpour. It was so bad we had to pull over to the side of the highway and wait it out for about twenty minutes. We heard later that flash floods had occurred in the area, causing five feet of flooding in downtown Madison.

First, we settled into our rooms, enjoyed the free, fresh-baked cookies that Hampton Inn offers, and then piled into two cars to go to Wal-mart. We got there straightaway because we had directions given to us by the hotel staff. However, on the way back we had to rely on Dan and Dad reading the directions backwards. It proved too challenging. Eventually, we made it back, but I must say that popping U-ies in the back seat of a Ford Focus is hard on a man's stomach. Jennie spied out the Hudson Grill and we decided to eat there, enjoying fried pickles for the first time in our storied lives. Wausa does have charms that Europe has never known.

The kids swam tonight. At first the pool was ours entirely. Unfortunately we were joined by a man who, though he seemed physically fit, was (as Jennie says) "a bubble short of a boil." Though you may not be cooks, you might get the gist. So swim time didn't last long.

Now we are in Dad and Mom's room, room 210. Bob and Jennie are in an adjoing room, room 208. Patience is fascinated with the two-door concept. Well, Phase 10 is coming up.