January 2020, I had a great idea! Could I organize a road trip to Madison, Wisconsin? Once settled at a state campground, here was my plan: photography and bird watch in the morning, photography and bicycle ride on bike paths and rural roads during the day, and enjoy dinner and craft beers in the evening.
February 2020. So I could camp at state parks, I got my Non-resident Annual Admission Sticker to WI State Parks and Forests and to bicycle ride on their trails I got the WI Annual State Trail Pass. I wanted both done to have 2 less things to do when in the state. Campground and hotel reservations were also made from Arizona to Madison and Stevens Point, Wisconsin. My plan was to be traveling for a month but I only booked half the accommodations. I researched Audubon Centers and other places of interest, along with bike paths that criss cross the state of Wisconsin. How could I not get excited about eating cheese in this state? It has the largest number of milk goats and 600 or more cheesemakers. I did not know it is a large cranberry producer and despite being known for its Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, I heard a craft brewery scene had been growing. I wanted to check all of this out!
March 2020, do I have to cancel my May into June visit to Wisconsin? Covid-19 has run rampant the past few months around the world, including the USA. What shelter-in-place world am I living in now?
April 2020. The numbers of USA Covid-19 cases and deaths related to the virus increase across our nation. I cancel all my accommodations. Thank goodness I only booked a couple of weeks, but I am sad. I love to travel and discover new places and things. Darn, darn, darn!
May 25, 2020, I thought I was going to be on the road this day, Memorial Day. I had booked my WI state park reservation back in the winter since I figured everyone else would be camping this weekend too. Instead I am home in Arizona with limited access to most places and our Covid-19 cases still on the rise. I will take time on this day to honor the men and women who died while serving in the US military. There usually are parades, but there is a 3pm, your local time, national moment of remembrance on this day too … a time to think and thank those who served, and I want to thank those individuals who still serve!
You and I are alive; let’s have a good Memorial Day wherever we are!
I made a few close friends from Wisconsin when I use to go to School Administrators conference in Denver each summer. I still travel with one who lives in Janesville. She brought me to the Dells for hikes and a ride on a duck boat. We went to the Univ. In Madison. I wanted to visit as my daughter in law is a grad. Loved Wisconsin, geography. people and cheese. You will enjoy it sometime. I’ve cancelled 4 trips for this year. It was to be a banner year.
I am sorry that your elaborate trip planning went unfulfilled, but you are right that we have a lot to be thankful for just the same.
So true, and do look forward to future travels.
Many years ago I drove west from NYS and stopped at the Dells, beautiful! I keep cancelling plans to stay healthy this year, truly depressing but believe it smart! May we travel again soon- our paths may even cross again!
We keep looking at all of the places that we would like to go… the virus can’t stop us from dreaming and planning, right?!
We must dream and plan. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me. I love the USA!
Thanks!
It sounds like it would have been a great trip. Hopefully you can re-book in the not too distant future.
Yes, hope is alive!
I enjoy the way you write Mary. I felt invested in the evolution of your stories – the trip to Wisconsin and gratitude for those that serve our country.
Robin
Thank you.