Monday 29 June

Monday Morning 10:01 local

Got up at 6:30 (my cell phone said it was 5:30) and was at the bus stop by 7:30 (watch time) and caught the bus right away to Los Mochis which is on the coast. It cost 55P and took an hour and a half making stops like a Guatemalan chicken bus. Once I got into town I took a very short taxi ride to the main bus station (50P) and bought a ticket to Mazatlan which is 6 hours down the road. It is a paseo which means that it’s just making a stop here and it could be early or late. I had enough time run down the street and have a couple of tacos (w/o lettuce) and bought some water and cookies for the ride.

I was glad to get a bus to Mazatlan because otherwise I would have to get off in Culiacan which I didn’t want to do. If I am correct Culiacan is a very dangerous city because of drug wars (I believe its more dangerous than the border towns) and I just wanted to avoid it.

I’m going now.

6:08 local

I’m in Mazatlan and am really regretting my decision to leave after 1 day. My hotel is in the old part of town and is simple (wifi that doesn’t extent \to my room but works (supposedly) in the lobby) but cheap (285P). I’m sitting in an outdoor restaurant 3 blocks from my hotel and it is so tranquil, touristy in a way, but totally void of gringos. Which brings me to a thought I had today: once I crossed the border and got in my taxi I’ve seen (to my knowledge) 1 gringa. She stayed at the hostel (from England) and rode on the train with me for the first 4 hours. Actually her nose was stuck in a book and she didn’t attempt to look out the window. Strange behavior for a person who has been traveling for over a year. But I digress, no gringos thus far. I’m sure (as I write I here English across the street – 4 gringos – damn) – what I was going to say is that I’m sure I’ll see more gringos than I care tomorrow (unless I change my plans and spend an extra day here) as I bought a ticket to Puerto Vallarta. The only bus that goes directly to PV leaves at 11 at night – ain’t gonna happen. So I said I’ll go to Tepic knowing I could catch a bus to PV and she wanted to sell me an ‘open ticket’ which I didn’t want to do. Instead I got a ticket with an hour plus wait in Tepic. But like I said I think that Mazatlan warrants another day – not sure what I’ll do.

Note:
for some reason my cell phone is an hour off real time this morning and here? not sure why?

Sunday Night

I’m in El Fuerte but not sure when I can post this as I don’t have internet (ok obviously I have it - its a weak signal but it will do - I wrote this thinking I don't have a connection).

I was in bed around nine (give or take) but did not sleep soundly after 2 am as I was worried about missing my train. Well I didn’t miss it but was exhausted. The first hour was somewhat boring and I kept drifting off to sleep. We left at 6 am sharp and at 7 breakfast was served – I screwed up the order and thought I was ordering eggs Mexican style but I clearly ordered something else off the menu that was expensive and crappy – I should read the menu better.

After breakfast (and 3 cups of coffee) I spent a good part of the day between 2 cars (in the area that the sign says not to be) taking a gazillion pictures. I am an idiot. Last night I charged the batteries for both my cameras but didn’t bother to charge my spare battery. My little camera really doesn’t work well when there is a lot of movement while my Lumix has a sport mode that made taking pictures a breeze (that’s the one I have an extra battery for) and wouldn’t you know it but the battery didn’t make it.

When I wasn’t standing between the cars in the afternoon I was in the ‘lounge’ car having a few beers talking with some ladies from Mexico City. There were 5 of them taking a vacation together (10 years they have done this) minus husbands. It was entertaining.

The scenery was awesome but not what I expected. I realize to understand the true magnitude of this place its necessary to spend a few days and take side trips up the canyons. It was well worth the price though.

We got in to the station at 6:15 only 5 minutes behind schedule (if only greyhound and Amtrak could do that). The station is away from town and there were taxis waiting. They were actually larger SUV type vehicles and took more than 1 person. I told the guy where I wanted to go (from Lonely Planet) and he said it doesn’t exist – hmm. I then told him my criteria – inexpensive, clean and near the center of town. He says what is inexpensive and I say 300 P (which is $22 or $23) but I prefer less. Well he took me to a place which is exactly what I asked for (no complaints at all) and what do you know but it’s exactly 300 P. I’m guessing there was a hand signal telling him what I was willing to pay – it’s just too convenient. Anyway the place is great and when I came back from dinner I took a shower and then sat out in front of the hotel sipping a beer and talking with the owner (I think he is, at least the mgr.) and his family. It was fun.

I bought a hand woven basket (very small) for 30 P at one of the places that the train made a short stop. I hope it makes it to Guatemala in one piece. I’ll probably give it too Sheny.

Not sure what I’m doing tomorrow – other than heading south. I have a lot of miles to go and not enough time to do it in.

Saturday

I bought my ticket today Chihuahua to El Fuerte – It’s not the entire route but all but the last part (which is less scenic and it will be getting dark) and I will get done at a reasonable hour. The train leaves at 6am and I need to be there at 5:30. The ticket guy was insistent that I be there on time and he insisted that I see the time (very politely – he could never get a job at greyhound) and I realized I’m on the wrong time. Apparently between Nogales and here the time changed – good thing I know.

The train cost 1708 Pesos which is about $125 US – pricey but I have wanted to do this for 3 years. If I had more time I would take 2 or 3 days and get off in other villages on the route and explore a bit more.

I went to bed late (apparently an hour later than I realized) and got up at 9am (local time) well refreshed. I was the only one in my dorm so I wasn’t disturbed. I will get to bed early tonight. I just had a tasty breakfast on my way to the center to explore and relax. I will hopefully post this from there.

Good news, my body survived the food I put in it yesterday. In the early afternoon yesterday we stopped at the bus station for ½ hour in some small town and I had some sort of food in a tortilla. Ground beef with lettuce (or cabbage) and hot sauce – tasty but uncooked veggies are a no no. I ate 1½ of them and said a prayer to the gods of diarrhea asking for a mulligan on this one. Then last night my hamburger had lettuce (I scraped a good portion but not all of it off) and the meat was undercooked – a recipe for disaster if there ever was one – there is mulligan number 2. Not sure how many I get but I had been in Mexico for less than 30 hours and had used up 2 of them. I need to be more careful or I’ll spend a day of my precious time sitting on a toilet.

I’ve been walking around for 2 hours. The downtown is bustling but there seems to be very few cafes and restaurants. There is a literally unlimited supply of boutiques catering to the women and quite a few boot shops. Apparently Chihuahua is the place to buy those cowboy boots you always wanted – I’ll pass.

The elevation is 4,770 feet and its hot. The thing is when you are out of the sun its very comfortable. I need to find a bar with an outside patio and umbrellas to pass the afternoon in – not sure I’ll find them here.

Still haven’t found wifi (I’m in my second café) but I have an idea – near hear there is a hotel that has an unsecured connection and it must be near here as I’m picking it up – just 2 weak to use. In fact I have lost it but the hotel is a few blocks up the street and if there is a café nearby I might be able to connect.

Didn't find a place but walked down to zona rosa where by all indications its the place to be after I'm asleep but on my way back (one street over) I found a place to eat and have a few beers. Continuining on my way back to the hostal I found a cafe with wifi and can post.

May write a tad more later

arrived in chihuahua

I was up at 5am no thanks to my cell phone alarm or my watch. Don't know what happened there.

Got to the bus station at 6:15 for my 7 am departure. I guess I will never learn. The bathroom was disgusting - worst I've seen in a bus station. There was only 8 people at the most on the bus - in some stretches 2 or 3. It was a 12 hour ride with a couple of short breaks - one half hour stop.

I'm in the hostal and its borring - I'm having a beer but its not allowed (the guy working just make sure there is no evidence tommorow morning). There is 1 or 2 other people here. And there is no place near here to eat/drink. It's clean and quite but sucks.

I had a disgusting burger for dinner - if I'm not sick tomorrow I'll be amazed.

6 pounds of shit in a 5 pound sack

I’m in Mexico on day 9. If I travel quickly but not speeding I will be in Guatemala in 6 days but it won’t be a ‘relaxing ‘ time – what it will be is 8 to 12 hours on the bus every day. If I wish to spend 6 weeks in huehue there just isn’t enough days in my vacation. Something has to give. I think I will take it a tad more slowly through Mexico having fun on the way and then will fly back from Guate to Phoenix.

Part of the problem is PPP (piss poor planning). Taking the route I took is hardly the ‘direct’ route to Guate – I mean, look at a map – boy did I go out of my way. It was worth every mile as I’m going somewhere different (at least for part of my trip) in Mexico and the sights in the States were to die for.

25 June

Had a great relaxing time in Flagstaff – it’s an awesome downtown. I’m thinking its typical of college downtowns but mix in the oldness and it was great. The hostel was good but a private room was expensive ($42) but it was downtown and it was a hostel. One of the traditions in hostels is that travelers can stay for free and work for their room. The guy I was talking to last night spend time in the India House which is the hostel I stayed in New Orleans.

I got up at 5:30 and left at 7 for the bus station (it’s a 15 minute walk). My bus left at 8. Had an interesting talk at the station with a lady traveling with her kids around the country. The bus ride from Flagstaff to Phoenix was crowded and boring. From Phoenix to Nogales was boring but not crowded.
Arrived in Nogales at 4:40 pm and went in to the bus station to take a piss.
side note:
when I worked for Lorrigan’s we took the work truck to the parade in Francis Creek – why we wanted to be in the parade (I abhor parades) is beyond me. We started drinking about 8 am and then went to breakfast in Francis Creek. I had to piss and went in the bathroom, locked the door and went about my business. When I went to leave I unlocked the door, turned the handle and pulled. Son of a bitch, but the door handle was in my fucking hand. I was locked in. The restaurant was packed. Here I am pounding on the door to get out – finally one of the guys we were having breakfast said to Dupes and Jason – “isn’t that your friend in their pounding on the door?” – talk about my most embarrassing moment of my life. I live in mortal fear of this happening again.
OK, so I had to piss. As I am about 100 ft from the border the reality is that I’m in pseudo Mexico so I had to pay to use the toilet. I put my $.25 in the door thingy turned the handle and went about my business. I went to leave and there was no door handle. Holy fucking shit – I’m locked in a bathroom for the 2nd time in my life – this just doesn’t happen to people. I calmed down, took out a quarter and was able to use it as a screw driver to unlatch the mechanism and grabbed the closer above the door and was able to open the door. That was close.

Walked across the border (much more convenient than Brownsville or Del Rio). You just walk across and you are in Mexico – no immigration. This bit me in the ass when I crossed in Del Rio (I was an illegal) so I asked for immigration and instead of stamping my visa as is normal and saying I must go to the bank to pay my money he made me pay before he would stamp it. The bank was about 45 seconds away and it was very convenient and easy. It took me about 10 minute’s total.

I then found a taxi and told him I needed to go to an ATM machine and then to the main bus station. I was a bit aprehensive as I couldn't see the taxi while I was getting money - would my backpack be there when I was done - it was. I bought a ticket for 7 am to Chihuahua which is a 12 hour bus ride and then sent Deb a text and she made me a reservation in the youth hostel there for 2 nights. I would have done it but I have no internet and last night I had no idea if I could get a bus for Chihuahua and if I would be leaving tonight or tomorrow.

From Chihuahua I will decide if I want to take the train or head to Zacatecas – I think I will opt for the train as it has been a dream to take it and then maybe I will take the beach route.

Tuesday

I left early in the morning for the four corners - nothing of much interest but it was cheap ($3) to enter. Mostly booths lined around the monument to sell Native American jewlery and other things. I didn't even look.

From 4 corners I continued on my way to Mexican Waters where I ate breakfast and believe it or not they had wifi. They had a cute sign that said "voted the best restaurant in Mexican Waters for 8 straight years" of course the only thing in Mexican Waters is that restaurant and a gas station. We are talking super remote here. I gassed up in a small town before Mexican Waters and they actually had PO boxes in the convienence store - that was it - one gas station in the town (if I remember it was Red Mesa). Thats not totally correct as Red Mesa had a school also - they were the Red Mesa Redskins. Now we have been conditioned to think that these are offensive names and I always thought redskin was similar to niger, spik or honkey. Yet here, smack dab in the middle of the reservation with no whites in a gazillion miles there is a reservation school calling themselves the redskins - not sure what to say.

From there I proceeded south to Chinle AZ. I stopped at the gas station at the intersection. Here for the 4th time (give or take) I was hit up for money from Indians looking for hand outs - its a shame. I then decided to take a trip to see what (according to my map) was a lake. I saw no water but I did see incredible scenery (which I hope to upload soon) in the Canyon de Chelly National Monument (free) I took the south road and went about 75% of the way.

I then drove to Winslow and on to my stop for the night.

View Larger Map

cops, kids and drive in movie theaters

Cops

Once I left WI I saw 1 county cop in town in SD. 1 state trooper in town in CO. I saw no other county cops or state troopers anywhere. Very strange.

Kids

I am still perplexed and very disturbed by the lack of kids playing. My trip has taken me through the small towns and rural areas of the US. I have seen probably less than 25 kids total on bikes, playing in yards etc. 25 might be a gross exaggeration - it might be closer to 20. Like the Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam for you young kids) song 'Where do the Children Play?'.

Drive In Movie Theaters

I didn't think that they existed. I saw two in SD and one in CO or AZ. The last one was a two screen teater.

updates

will try and write about yesterday and finish the day before tomorrow

I'm out of sync here

Today is Wednsday and I'm really behind (sorry Angie)

Last night I camped at some non descript booring RV park between Winslow and Flagstaff. $25/night. Spent a good part of the evening talking with a guy from Georgia and his daughter. He was the other 'tenter' although they actually are 'hammockers' (www.hammockforums.net).

This morning I got up at 5:30 local time (I’m still on central time and AZ is on mountain standard time not daylight savings time so there is a two hour difference). I drove about 35 miles into Flagstaff and hit 25oo miles in Flagstaff. I drove the length of town and found a storage place on the end of town and they are full (size I need) He told me the only other place was on the other end of town 8 miles out – lying bastard. I passed 2 places, the first had no openings for vehicles and the second did. It was about 2 miles or a tad less out of town. I took the place for $74/month. The manager was very friendly and helpful.

Once I left I tried hitchhiking until the curb and gutters started about a mile down the road as there was no place for a vehicle to safely pull over. So I walked for about 2 miles total and then found the local city bus stop. I asked a guy if this stop would get me into downtown and he said yes. I asked how much and he said $1. I asked if they gave change and he said no – fortunately he had change for a 5.

Took the bus to the down town and was dropped off right by the chamber of commerce who gave me directions to the Grand Canyon Youth Hostel. Got a single room and then walked to the bus station. I have an 8am bus to Nogales. I hate greyhound with a passion. The qualifications to be an employee are to be a lazy obnoxious ass. They are all jerks and I don’t exaggerate.

Since I’ve been here I’ve walked around and sat at outdoor cafes and sipped good micro brew. The down town is wonderful and I could see coming here again. I love Flagstaff.

The Picture Says It All

why I love traveling

Stopped in Fort Garland and went to a Ute Creek Station coffee house and assiding from blogging and loading pictures on picasa I also chatted with some people including the owner. Its a great place and the people are awsome. John the owner told me there was a guy from Wisconsin that owned a shop down the road - antiques, native american stuff (I didn't pay attention). So I stopped in for a chat and we chatted about 15 minutes and in walks a couple from WI. Its a small world.

Talking with and interacting with people is what I love.

Right now I just had an awsome lunch at the Peace of Art Cafe and their phone number is 65-PEACE. Its the most amazing building and I will try and take a few pictures without being obnoxious.

I'm in Del Norte and am heading west. It took me about 4 hours to go my first 100 miles - slow but fun.

Picasa

I've uploaded a bunch of pictures on Picasa - they are in folders for days 1 thru 4.

http://picasaweb.google.com/rmuskett

It takes about 3 minutes to upload 5 pictures total - yikes.

day 5

I left Lusk at 6ish and headed south on 85. For the next 47 miles I saw 7 or 8 deer and less than a dozen cars (it was Sunday morning). I also saw 1 porcupine. I think the deer are different and some I'm pretty sure are antelope - are there both deer and antelope here?

I stopped at a little diner for breakfast at Torrington and then headed east on 26 into Nebraska. Just before the border I stopped at a gas station to find a map of Nebraska and she rather snottily told me this was Wyoming (no shit I thought but I'm about to enter Nebraska dumb ass).

In Nebraska I turned south in Scott's Bluff on 71. It was beautiful.

I wasn't in Nebraska long and then I entered Colorado. I drove on 71 to highway 350. Highway 71 was remote beautiful and again indescribable.

From Kimball Nebraska to Brush was about 70 miles with almost nothing in between. From Brush to Limon was 73 miles of incredibly remote. Limon to Ordway was 75 miles of equally incredible beauty and remoteness.

I was a tad worried on these stretches as it was very remote and got hotter and hotter as I headed south. I didn't want my car to overheat so as it got hotter I drove slower. I was driving at 50 once it was above 90. I had zero problems but I figured it was better to be cautious.

Once I hit 350 I had about 70 miles to drive to Trinidad. Again beautiful, remote and spectacular.

Trinidad was a beautiful town. I stayed in Lake Trinidad State Park. I had a non electric site for $14 plus $6 parking sticker. It was a beautiful view of the lake.

I had dinner at a pizza place (had Lasagna) and a flying dog pale ale:) The food was very good and then I went back and read for a bit and hit the sack at 9 pm mountain time.

I got up at 7 am and it was 53 degrees. It was still in the low 80's when I came back from the restaurant.

I was on the road at 7:30 and my beginning mileage was 1799 which means I drove 479 miles total.

I'm writing this from Fort Garland CO at a coffee shop and heading east to four corners or south to Taos NM - don't know

Day 4

Today I started at 907 and finished at 1320. It was an incredible journey. I will try and break it into

segments.

Segment 1

I was on the road at about 6 am and wanted gas. In Burke and Gregory Gas was not to be had (premium that is that wasn't flex fuel). I ended up buying gas in Winner along with coffee:)

13 miles outside of Winner I turned off of 183 and traveled 39 miles. I saw 5 vehicles (going in the opposite direction), 6 deer and approximately 20 pheasant. The pheasant were mostly in the first 20 miles. As the terrain changed the sitings stopped. It also could have been the time of day. I saw one on a fence post and like an idiot didn't take a picture. I saw a total of 40 pheasant. I'm sure thats more than I've seen in my whole live. Is SD a pheasant mecca? If I saw that many there must be gazzilions of them.

Segment 2

I then turned on 83 for 3 miles before the next 23 mile section of 44 in which I saw 6 cars.

The next 16 miles of 44 I saw 2 turkeys and 3 cars.

The next 36 miles of 44 I saw 11 cars.

I use the term cars to mean vehicles.

I passed a town called Wood which had a population of about 70 but a sign pointing to the 'business district'. It wasn't the only small town with a business district but might have been the smallest.

This segment can best be described as prarrie but with a many cattle. Some fields were plowed and in general it was beautiful but remote. There was the occasional tiny town or farm - where do these kids go to school? Its crazy.

Segment 3

I entered the Badlands National Park (free this weekend) and drove through a good portion of it. Incredible is the best way to describe it. Beautiful. Words don't do justice to this place. It is aptly named and incredible.

Segment 4

Once I left the Badlands I drove to Wall (home of the famous Wall Drug). Population 800 something and a gazzillion motels, gas stations etc. I got gas and hit the road. From Wall I went to Rapid City (50 miles away) by interstate. I needed to make time and it saved me hours.

In Rapid City I stopped at the Firehouse Brewery and had a beer - it was good (very) but sadly they don't bottle it so I couldn't buy some for my cooler.

Segment 5

The Black Hills. Maybe 30 minutes out of Rapid City. The terrain changed in an instant - prarrie like to mountains with majestic pines. Not sure my car likes the mountains but beautiful. I drove by Mount Rushmore but didn't pay the $10 to park so I got no pictures. It was incredible. For the next 1 to 2 hours (from Rapid City) I drove through incredible beauty marred only by

disgusting tourist attractions.

Segment 6

After Custer the countryside slowly then more rapidlly changed from mountains with beautiful forests to hills and scrub brush to prarrie.

I entered Wyoming.

I drove to Lusk which seems like a nice town and found a campground (basically for RV's) but they have tent sites and it only cost $15. According to the kid at the desk they have wifi (because you are reading this its true). Right now I'm at a pizza joint in town and had a great pizza and beer from the Alaska Brewing Co. on tap. If the kid was correct I will be posting this soon.

South Dakota:

as you head west it gets more poverty stricken and more beautifull. I was awestruck by this state. I had no idea.

I've been averaging just over 45 mpg on the trip.

Tommorow I will go to Colorado, from there not sure.

Day 3 continued

I left this morning after driving a total of 597 miles in two days. Today I finished at 907.

Very soon after I posted before I came to the Missouri River and the country in the ten miles before

and since is absolutely gorgeous. I will try and post some pictures.

I went to Burke Lake State Recreation Area. Its rustic and there is about 15 sites or so for

$8 per night. As of 8:09 pm I'm still the only one here. I plan to run in the morning and then

take a swim, although there isn't a beach - will go at the boat launch (nobody on the lake either.

I went into Gregory (8 miles away) and bought brats (Johnsonville), mustard, buns, charcoal and

and an onion. I grilled my brats and it was great:)

Went to bed at 10 and still the place is desolate:)

Day 3

I got up at 5:30 this am and took my tent down and then went for a run (2 miles more or less). I think staying in state parks is good since they have trails to run on. I showered and was on the road by 7:10. Had breakfast at the same place that I had dinner and was really away at 7:36.

Its been interesting watching the change in the landscape - my route through WI was mostly woods while MN was farming on a huge scale. There was a train track along side the road that I was on an every few miles it seamed like there was a co-op and some were very large. SD has been largely farming but I think its less crops and more livestock.

SD is really spread out - there is a reason the speed limit on the 2 lane roads is 55 - there is nobody on them.

I don't think I will get very far today. I'm in a cafe right now eating lunce and its already 3:12. I will be lucky to get 250 miles. The name is serendipity coffeehouse in Platte. My salad and roast beef sandwich on Panini bread were great, but as usual I don't like coffee house coffee.

Later

Day 2

I left Doug's around 7 (slightly hung over) and headed south for Minnesota. I decided to go through Mondovi and see the Buffalo River. The ride on 93 to 10 and 37 from Mondovi to the Mississippi was beautiful but my enthusiasm was dampened by the fact that my check engine light came on again. This happened a week ago and I got it “fixed”. With some help from Deb (thank god for technology – I called Deb on my cell phone to her cell phone in Door County and she used her lap top to get me help) I was able to get the phone number and directions to the Smart Car dealer in the Twin Cities. I called and they were wonderful – “whenever you get here we’ll help you out”.

I was in and out in 50 minutes (which included getting all my stuff out of the back so he could get at the engine). It was the same problem but he replaced the part that the Milwaukee dealer had just cleaned out.

I can’t say enough how pleased I have been with the Smart Car service (both in Milwaukee and Twin Cities).

I crossed into Minnesota on 25 outside of Nelson and drove up to Red Wing and then zigzagged over to the dealer. I did need to drive on a freeway (35W) for about 10 miles each way but that was ok I guess.

From the Twin Cities I headed SW through New Ulm and am staying in Lake Shetek State Park about 40 miles from SD.

The ticket price was a shocker - $5 for the sticker (daily) and $24 for the lot for a night. These were my choices:

$24 for electricity

$20 w/o electricity

$12 for a lot with pit toilets and you aren’t supposed to use the showers

Well I wanted to blog (can’t upload it here) and I needed electricity for my computer. This morning in my grogginess I decided that a shower wasn’t necessary – by the time I got here at 5pm I couldn’t stand myself – so the $24 site it was.

Went down the road for a burger and beer and as they open at 6 am I will probably go have yokes in the morning.

I’m drinking Lakemaid beer – it is made in New Ulm and it is good – I should have gone to the brewery to see if they sell Lakemaid t-shirts:)

Day 1

My ride on Wednesday being written Thursday night:

I will try and get a map once I’m somewhere with internet. I headed around the southern end of Lake Winnebago with intention of taking 23 across to 12 but without a navigator I’m easily confused. I ended up on 73 out of Princeton and didn’t realize it until I was in Wautoma – oops. I then stayed on 73 until it hit 10 and then took 10 to 12 and 12 into Eau Claire.

Note to Don – I got your comment after I left Eau Claire, so I don’t have any of the answers to your questions.

I went about 280 miles (I forgot to check exactly).

Doug cooked chicken marisela for us and two of his good friends (Janelle and Dave) and then we went out to the bars. Doug is actually a very good cook – I was impressed. We left around 8 and stayed out way past my bedtime. It is tough being an old fart while hanging out with college kids. I still woke up around 6 am – hung over and tired.

I had a great time with Doug and need to get back there

Where have all the children gone?

I left Manitowoc after a run at a bit after 8am and am now in Ripon and I just finished eating lunch. I took the back roads (more or less) until I got to Fond du lac. It was drizzly on and off but I have seen a total of 5 kids since I left. 1 near Potter, 1 in Fondy and 3 outside of a house a few miles before Fondy. In Fondy it was sunny and nice, granted I was on 23 but when I looked down side streets nothing. I can't believe kids are still in school so it leaves only 1 other option - they are in the house - parents kick those kids outside and let them play sans electronics. For gods sake its summer out!

Any guesses where this might be?

Well for those of you ignorant of such things this was in Rosendale.

I ate lunch at Dos Gringos and it cost $11 (no beer) for a burger, fries and coffee - ouch.