Hanging Around Central Wisconsin

I hadn't taken a road trip by myself in a while. Victoria and I previously drove to Roswell and before that flew to Wisconsin for our vow renewal and second wedding reception. Prior to that, it was April that I had gone cross-country. I decided to change that and hit the road and visit Central Wisconsin.

Long straight highway stretching toward the horizon through flat agricultural terrain under clear blue skies

It seems like Texas didn't want me to leave. It took me two hours to get from the south end of Fort Worth to the north end.

Highway traffic approaching an overpass with green directional signs for Abilene visible above

It took close to six hours to get out of the state when it normally should have taken four. It seemed like it was a traffic jam after traffic jam.

Highway traffic with vehicles ahead and dense tree line visible along the roadside

After what seemed like forever, I finally made it to Oklahoma.

Oklahoma state welcome sign visible from highway with wooded area in background

Stuckey's is up at exit 15 and I was hungry. I knew I could get a great meal there!

Stuckey's restaurant sign displaying Salads Pizza Chicken Burgers against blue sky

I got a burger and some fries.

Burger and french fries meal with drink on red outdoor table

I can tell you, the burger was great! It was made on the grill right in front of me and it was oozing full of flavorful juices.

Hand holding open burger showing patty, lettuce, onion, and toppings with fries visible below

The rest of the drive wasn't bad. I was able to stop every here and there and checked out the scenery at an Oklahoma scenic turnabout.

Elevated view overlooking forested valley with wind turbines and power transmission tower visible in distance

I made my way to a Kansas travel plaza, where I spent the night.

Nighttime view of brightly lit gas station canopy with vehicles parked beneath

The next morning was kind of wet and rainy.

Highway view through wooded corridor under overcast gray skies

It started to clear up later in the day and the further north I drove.

Interstate highway stretching into distance through rural landscape with cloudy skies overhead

I finally made it to the infamous Dudley's Corner (you'll definitely want to read about this place here).

Dudley's Corner storefront with distinctive red and white signage and awning

After Dudley's, I stopped and checked out the cool Iowa Welcome Center.

Red barn-style building with metal roof, silo, and American flag flying in front

The drive through Minnesota and Wisconsin was very scenic, but eventually got really foggy.

Highway view through rolling hills with smoke or clouds visible on horizon Interstate highway with visible smoke plume rising from wooded hillside Historical marker sign for The Upper Mississippi along residential street Waterside view through trees at sunset with reflections visible on water surface Highway driving through hills with dramatic clouds and rainbow visible overhead Foggy highway driving conditions with headlight beams illuminating road ahead at dusk

I spent the night at my parents' house, and the next morning I went to visit a friend in Friendship, WI. It was still kind of foggy but was scenic.

Wet highway stretching into distance during rainy conditions with fall foliage visible along roadside Lakeside boat launch with wooden dock extending into calm water surrounded by dense forest under overcast skies Misty lake view with fog hanging low over still water and forested shorelines barely visible in distance Empty two-lane highway stretching straight ahead through dense forest corridor with fall foliage under foggy conditions

My parents were throwing a Packer party so I went back there before the game. They had everything ready to go.

Rustic cabin interior with bar area, wooden chairs, bottle display shelves, and decorative lighting along ceiling

The Packer tree was lit up.

Illuminated Christmas tree decorated with ornaments standing in corner of wood-paneled cabin room with Green Bay Packers memorabilia

There were brats waiting.

Cooked bratwurst sausages arranged in black slow cooker or serving dish

My dad made his homemade "potato pack."

Foil-lined baking pan filled with sliced bratwurst arranged over bed of onions and peppers

Of course, there was plenty of cheese curds and summer sausage.

Party spread on counter featuring Lay's chips, cookies, brownies, dips, and Green Bay Packers towel

As you can imagine, I loaded up my plate with all the goodness of Wisconsin.

Paper plate with bratwurst on bun topped with sauerkraut, accompanied by pot roast with vegetables and egg rolls

My parent's dog Jordy was also in a festive mood.

Small dog wearing Green Bay Packers bandana sitting in burgundy cushioned chair

After the game, I decided to take the scenic route to the hotel I was staying at. By scenic route, there's a cow crossing.

Rural road curving past working farm with white barn and twin silos under cloudy skies

I stayed at the infamous Neva Jean. I needed a good internet connection to work on things and they delivered. They actually delivered on everything and I hate the reputation they have.

Vintage illuminated motel sign with star decorations reading Motel & Apartments against night sky

Between working and visiting with family, the week was a blur. I still managed to cover a lot of ground and explore Central Wisconsin. I made sure my Cougar was doing well.

Covered boat stored in wooden storage space next to yellow kayak

I got lunch at World Buffet one day with my mom.

Casino buffet interior with long food service counters, decorative ceiling fixture, and customers visible White plate with assorted sushi rolls, nigiri, and spring rolls from buffet selection

I explored Marshfield at four-in-the-morning to see what was open.

Nighttime driving view of small town street with streetlights and distant business signs visible

With that 4AM exploration, I rewarded myself with some Kwik Trip breakfast.

Refrigerated display case showing packaged breakfast sandwiches with price signs at $2.69

I decided to drive over to Thorp and get some good jerky at Nolechek's Meats.

Highway view under dramatic cloudy skies with Amish horse and buggy warning sign visible Military tank display on grass with patriotic painted cow sculpture in foreground and flags behind Nolchek's meat market building facade with large signs reading Ham Bacon Sausage under cloudy sky Hand holding piece of beef jerky with packaged meat snacks visible in background on car seat

While in Thorp, I meandered over to Marieke Gouda to try some of their cheese.

Large commercial building with gravel parking lot and forested area behind under overcast skies Hand holding wedge of pale yellow cheese with dark rind

On the way back to Marshfield, Smith Bros. Meats caught my eye.

Smith Bros Meats storefront with covered entrance, smokers displayed outside, and vehicles parked in front Packaged smoked beef strips and dill pickle snack sticks on black car seat

I then had dinner with my friends Andy and Kate at Perkins. I'm not sure if you can get more Midwestern than pot roast.

Dinner plate with pot roast topped with peas and carrots, served with mashed potatoes with gravy and steamed broccoli

One morning I needed to use my ice scraper that had otherwise been dormant in my trunk.

Frost-covered car windshield in morning with red barn visible in background Ice scraper with brush attachment clearing frost from car windshield

On another day, I drove to Wausau to hang out with my friend Jake. We feasted at Hmong Eggroll.

Hmong Eggroll restaurant exterior with large signage on corner building against blue sky Two crispy spring rolls served with sweet chili dipping sauce on white plate White plate with stir-fried beef and vegetables over white rice, garnished with fresh cilantro Two fresh spring rolls wrapped in rice paper with vegetables visible through translucent wrapper, served with dark dipping sauce

We then did some exploring and first saw the Hmong-Lao Veterans Memorial.

Hmong-Lao Veterans Memorial statue depicting three soldiers on dark pedestal with commemorative plaque

Next was going into the core of downtown and checking out Downtown Grocery, The Square, and Janke Book Store.

Traditional red British telephone booth on brick sidewalk with downtown storefronts in background Downtown Grocery and Sweets On 3rd storefront in brick building along downtown street Town square featuring green lawn, circular brick patio design, and historic buildings surrounding plaza Downtown street view showing brick storefronts including Farmers Daughters business with parked cars along curb

Downtown was cool, but so is the nature around Wausau. We went to Barker Stewart Island Park and Big Bull Falls Park.

River view with rocky outcropping in foreground, flowing water, and railroad bridge visible in distance

Followed by Isle of Ferns Natural History Park.

Wooden park entrance sign reading Isle of Ferns Natural History Park Wausau Park System on grass with trees behind

Jake had to get going, but I had a little time to kill. I drove back to Marshfield on the county roads with Highway O being the main road I took.

Two-lane road crossing dam causeway between bodies of water at dusk with treeline on horizon

I stopped by George's Landing and watched the sunset and then made my way back to Marshfield.

Bare tree silhouetted against sunset sky at lake's edge with calm water reflecting warm colors Rural road at sunset with farm buildings and silos visible on hilltop against colorful evening sky Railroad crossing signals silhouetted against dramatic sunset with orange and purple sky

The week was pretty much done and I had to make my way back to Texas. I said my last goodbyes, including the Jordy and then hit the road.

Two small dogs cuddling together on tan couch with decorative pillows in dim lighting Turquoise vintage pickup truck driving on divided highway through forested area under overcast sky Park scene with vibrant red-orange fall foliage tree beside sidewalk with picnic tables and fallen leaves Highway view through rural landscape under cloudy skies with green exit sign visible ahead Interstate highway at dusk with dramatic pink and orange streaked clouds above horizon

I had made it to the last rest stop in Missouri and I figured I'd sleep for the night. The next day would be a bunch more driving.

White car refueling at Phillips 66 gas station pump at dusk with convenience store visible in background Empty highway stretching ahead at sunrise with tree line along horizon and warm golden light

I did get a chance to check out the Bazaar Cattle Pens in Kansas. It's basically a scenic parking area.

Highway rest area parking lot with single car parked along curved road through open prairie landscape

The driving was uneventful until I hit Southern Oklahoma. There was traffic jams like crazy.

Highway traffic with vehicles bunched together including visible car hauler truck under clear blue sky View from highway median across divided lanes showing sparse traffic on open prairie under blue sky

Being hungry in Southern Oklahoma brought me back to Stuckey's to get some chicken strips this time.

Phillips 66 gas station pump area with white building and fuel islands visible in bright daylight Fast food takeout box containing fried chicken pieces, tater tots, and hot dog with drink cup visible

I ate quickly to then be stuck in some not-so-quick traffic in Texas.

Highway driving view with dusty windshield, green highway sign visible, and slight traffic ahead Highway traffic behind car transport truck loaded with multiple vehicles on urban freeway

I finally made it back to Austin when the sun was setting. Overall, this trip was uneventful, but it was much needed to get out for a while. The time flew, but I did cover a lot of ground.

Urban highway at sunset with overhead electronic toll signs silhouetted against orange sky with industrial buildings

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