Easter in Wisconsin Hitting Up Canada and Bouncing Around Texass

I haven't taken a big road trip in over 6 months with the last trip being up toe Wisconsin for my bachelor party. The last job I had turned into hell where I was on call every other week and I didn't have a ton of time to myself. I decided to make a change and find a new job. I also made sure to have a little gap between jobs. With this gap, I was finally able to take another road trip.

I decided I'd go to Wisconsin for Easter and then since I was “in the area” visit Thunder Bay. I'd then head back to Texas and do this trip in the course of little over a week. Little did I know, my trip last year where I visited every Buc-ee's in Texas would go viral. I ended up extending my road trip a bit more. When everything was said and done, I made it to 4000+ miles (6400+ km) across 2 different countries and then all around Texas.

The pre-trip started on 4/16. Victoria and I had a lunch date and we went to one of our favorite restaurants, Dos Batos. I got a torta.

Metal food tray containing a sandwich on a roll, tortilla chips, salsa, and butter cup

Wednesday 4/17 is Victoria's birthday. We celebrated at Reale's and I got an Italian Hero Sub. I was definitely getting my last tastes of Austin before I hit the road!

Large submarine sandwich with layers of ham and cheese on a white plate with a knife

Now there were talks of these massive storms that were supposed to hit us. It seemed super overhyped and in the whole scheme of things, the storms weren't too bad. I will typically wake up if it does get bad and I slept solid. They must have developed east of us.

Weather radar map showing severe thunderstorm system moving through Texas at 6:41 AM Modern apartment complex entrance with security gate at dusk with trees surrounding the building

I packed light with my clothes and everything but food in a backpack. I had a separate tote for food.

Car backseat packed with luggage, backpacks, and travel gear Black reusable shopping bag containing snacks and food items sitting on red car seat

I hit the road around 7am. There was a little rain along the way but I didn't run into much weather. I was able to drive 19 hours straight and drive it straight through. I made it to my parents' house at 2am. This was the first time I was able to do this driving up to Wisconsin.

Multi-lane highway at early morning or dusk with street lights illuminated Rainy highway driving conditions with water droplets covering windshield Gas station with Burger King and Love's Travel Stop visible in background under blue sky Open Texas highway with sparse vegetation and clear blue sky with wispy clouds Highway with dramatic cumulus clouds filling the sky Highway elevated section with concrete barriers and rolling hills in distance Three flags flying on pole against stormy sky - American flag, POW/MIA flag, and Missouri state flag Wide highway with overcast gray skies and sparse landscape Sunset visible on horizon from highway with silhouetted trees Pink and purple sunset colors reflected in clouds viewed from highway Silver Hyundai sedan refueling at Kum & Go gas station at night Dark highway at night with headlight beam illuminating road and taillights ahead

In the morning I could hear sniffing under my door. Jordy was all excited to see me. When my mom opened the door, Jordy jumped on the bed and then laid down.

Gray tabby cat curled up sleeping on bed with yellow and gray striped bedding

After sleeping a bit, I left Jordy outside to go to the bathroom. It was still a bit chilly and there was some snow sitting around.

Black and white Shih Tzu dog sitting on beige carpet in front of wooden cabinet Backyard with white decorative bridge, green lawn, and wooded area in background during winter or early spring Backyard landscaping project showing black mulch, tan stone path, melting snow, and white lattice fencing

After I was done with that, I changed oil on my car.

Silver Ford Focus with hood open in residential garage showing engine compartment

I then went into town and ran some errands.

Marshfield, Wisconsin town sign showing population 19,118 and sister cities information along rural highway Parking lot with large melting snow piles and parked vehicles under clear blue sky Massive pile of dirty snow mixed with sand, gravel, and road debris

Since it was Good Friday, I got myself a fish sandwich from Kwik Trip and visited my grandma. The weather was also starting to warm up a bit.

Hand holding partially eaten cinnamon roll wrapped in paper Weather app displaying 55°F sunny conditions at Marshfield Municipal Airport in Wisconsin at 1:53 PM

I visited my other grandma and then went home. My parents and I went to Lindsey Bar to get a fish fry. You gotta love Friday night fish fries in Wisconsin!

Friday Fish Fry menu listing various fish and shrimp dinner options with prices Fish fry dinner plate with battered fish, shrimp, German potato salad, coleslaw, tartar sauce, and dark rye bread

Later that night I met my buddy Jake and a few other people at the brew pub.

Two illuminated business signs at night - circular Open sign above Blue Heron Brewpub sign

On Satuday, 4/20, we had family Easter at my uncle's house. It was definitely starting to feel nice weather wise!

Plate with BBQ pulled pork and ham, mashed potatoes with gravy, pickle, cheese, and small cheeseburger slider Weather app showing 69°F sunny conditions at Spencer HS in Marshfield, Wisconsin at 3:56 PM Rolling farmland with green fields and bare trees under clear blue sky

On Easter Sunday I went to mass at Sacred Heart. They are tearing down the school to build a new parish center. It's kind of crazy to see this as I was third generation to do to this school. The building is over 100 years old so they definitely got good use out of it.

Large pile of demolished building rubble with brick church building standing in background under cloudy sky

I then went home and we sat outside since it was a nice day.

Backyard featuring white decorative bridge, rock garden with lighthouse ornament, and bare trees

On Monday, 4/22, I had to do laundry. Packing light means less clothes and more doing laundry.

Electrolux LuxCare front-loading washing machine with digital control panel

My mom had the day off so we went into town. We first visited my grandma and I put the new registration sticker on the Cougar.

White vintage Mercury Cougar Eliminator stored on raised platform in wooden garage or workshop Hand holding small red Wisconsin license plate sticker showing 20 with state outline Close-up of red Wisconsin year sticker 20 affixed to white America's Dairyland license plate

We then drove out to Stratford and went to the This & That Wisconsin Store.

Cow mascot statue holding red flag in front of This & That Wisconsin Store sign advertising wine, cheese, ice cream, and sausage with windmill in background

On the way back, I stopped at a self service maple syrup kiosk.

Log cabin structure with self-serve maple syrup stand featuring green signs and white metal door

We then went to Marshfield Mercantile and I found a cool old license plate.

Marshfield Mercantile brick storefront building on downtown street under overcast sky Hand holding vintage yellow Wisconsin license plate L34-633 from June 1972

We visited my other grandma and headed to Hewitt's Meat Processing.

Hewitt's Meat commercial building with stone facade and wet parking lot under cloudy sky

On Tuesday, 4/23, it was time to say good to everyone in Marshfield and head up to Thunder Bay. It was a cold morning and I had a decent amount of driving to do. I stopped a Kwik Trip along the way and got breakfast.

Silver sedan parked on gravel driveway at sunset with bare trees silhouetted against orange sky Weather app displaying 38°F partly cloudy conditions at Marshfield Municipal Airport, Wisconsin at 6:36 AM Weather app showing 27°F sunny conditions in Thunder Bay, Canada at 7:36 AM Beef stick and Kitchen Cravings breakfast croissant packaged snacks on dark car seat Open highway with clear blue sky, green fields, and dense forest on right side Driving across steel truss bridge with Lake Superior and city visible in background Highway view approaching green distance sign for Two Harbors and Grand Marais with forested areas

I made it to Northern Minnesota. Since I had been busy the whole time Victoria and I hadn't talked on the phone much. On her lunch break she called me. Due to such limited reception, I stopped at a marina where I knew I'd have some cell phone reception.

Lake Superior waterfront view with rock breakwater, marina, and amphitheater area under blue sky

I then continued driving until I got to Grand Portage. I filled up there and made my way to the Canadian border.

Two-lane highway with orange diamond warning sign surrounded by pine and birch forest Large wooden lodge-style building with timber frame entrance and water visible in background

The border crossing was pretty easy this time. I was in Ontario in no time!

Ontario Travel Information center building with white exterior, blue roof, solar panels, and bilingual signage

I first stopped by Metro to get my bearings and then headed to The Haven Hostel, where I'd be staying.

Metro grocery store exterior with parking lot and red covered shopping cart collection shelter The Haven Hostel at 226 Ambrose Street, dark gray two-story building with white trim windows

I let my buddy Ryan know I was in town and we met up at Prince Arthur's Landing. I took a few pictures along the way as we walked to Barbecupid and had some BBQ. Things were still a bit frozen over on the lake.

Frozen marina with partially ice-covered water, damaged docks, and residential buildings in background Frozen lake or bay surface showing textured ice patterns with patches of snow and open water Red Canadian National railway caboose numbered 78175 with CNR logo on display at rail yard Shoreline view with open water channel, distant frozen ice, and bare vegetation along rocky shore Paved walking path bordered by wire fencing with frozen water visible on right side Frozen lake or bay with ice-covered surface, bare brush in foreground, and distant treeline Expansive frozen Lake Superior surface with distant Sleeping Giant mountain formation visible under clear blue sky Close-up view of frozen lake with textured ice patterns and industrial grain elevators visible on distant shore Large bare tree in foreground overlooking frozen Lake Superior with distant buildings on horizon Modern apartment complex across frozen Thunder Bay harbor with concrete dock posts in foreground Bilingual warning sign about changing ice conditions and restricted harbor access near frozen waterfront Frozen marina with multiple wooden boat docks partially covered in ice and snow Marina boat slips with wooden docking platforms and calm blue water under clear sky Large teardrop-shaped polished metal water drop sculpture outside modern building with glass walls Two large angled metallic paddle or oar sculptures mounted on poles against blue sky Historic black cannon mounted on wooden carriage with chains near waterfront overlook area Multi-story apartment or hotel building with distinctive red and white striped balconies viewed from street View beneath elevated highway bridge showing brick hotel building and railroad tracks in foreground Modern high-rise hotel tower and historic stone church building viewed across railroad tracks Modern enclosed pedestrian skyway bridge with blue steel frame and glass walls crossing over railroad tracks Elevated view of Thunder Bay waterfront showing Lake Superior, harbor facilities, and roadway infrastructure Interior walkway of enclosed pedestrian bridge with dramatic blue steel framework casting geometric shadows Prince Arthur Hotel brick building with Canadian flag flying on tall pole against blue sky Downtown street intersection with buildings backlit by sun and pedestrians at crosswalk Pedestrian crossing sign showing walking figure with left arrow mounted on metal utility pole Storefront with large pink and red barbecue-themed mural advertising food truck with Facebook handle Building with distinctive green peaked roof and bell tower flying Canadian flag and New Brunswick flag Historic red brick building with arched windows, wraparound covered porch with white posts Modern six-story apartment building with balconies next to concrete parking structure Maltese Grocery storefront sign in yellow script lettering showing 301 Pearl St. address White plastic bag containing hot dog and red sports drink bottle with receipt visible Hand holding large hot dog or sausage stick in front of mustard yellow tufted velvet couch The Nodder illuminated business sign with rock hand gesture logo on brick building at night Sport Chek retail store exterior illuminated with red accent lighting at nighttime Cheers The Village Pub illuminated rectangular sign with Celtic tree logo at night Rocks glass with clear beverage, ice cubes, and lemon wedge garnish on red wooden table Person playing brightly lit pinball machine in dark arcade with multiple machines visible Vertical illuminated sign reading ESTFO on pole at night against dark sky Quiet empty street at night lit by street lamps with small commercial buildings Dark hostel dormitory room showing wooden bunk bed ladder and illuminated doorway to hallway

The next day there was a free breakfast at the hostel. Jordy also woke me up by sniffing under the door at my parents' house. Here at The Haven Hostel I heard people making noise in the kitchen. I made sure to roll over and get some more sleep until I felt like getting up. I then had some breakfast at the hostel.

Hostel breakfast buffet counter with fresh fruit, sliced oranges, plates, and bread in baskets

I then wanted to get some more caffeine and check out St. Paul Roastery. I plugged the parking meter and then had some coffee.

Weathered vintage parking meter numbered 33 with rusted brown finish on turquoise pole Downtown street scene on an overcast winter day with wet pavement, parked vehicles including a bright yellow car, and commercial buildings lining both sides of the street Vibrant turquoise and pink graffiti art covering a brick wall along an alley, featuring abstract lettering and geometric shapes Corner intersection showing St. Paul Street sign and modern commercial building with ground-floor businesses including insurance companies St Paul Roastery coffee shop storefront with large windows, black exterior facade, and wet sidewalk in winter weather Pour-over coffee service on wooden tray featuring glass carafe with hot coffee and gray ceramic mug, with green plants in background

I had some extra time on the parking meter and I noticed La Poutine had just opened. It was around lunch time, so I decided to get some Montreal-style poutine there.

La Poutine restaurant exterior with neon OPEN sign in window and stylized logo showing building skyline silhouette Loaded poutine dish with french fries, cheese curds, gravy, corned beef, and yellow mustard drizzle on white plate

I wanted to get some more pictures of the marina, so I went there after eating.

Frozen Thunder Bay harbor in winter with ice-covered water, bridge spanning across, and high-rise buildings along the shoreline Ice-covered bay with open water patches visible, rocky shoreline in foreground, and distant buildings under overcast sky Frozen waterway with bare tree standing on shore, ice floes on water surface, and industrial buildings visible on distant horizon Marina boat docks and equipment stored on wet pavement for winter season, with industrial buildings in background Temple Reef Sailing Club building with cream-colored siding, navy blue trim, and Home of Sail Thunder Bay sign Long rock breakwater extending into frozen harbor with warning triangle sign at the end and industrial facilities visible across the bay Blue directional sign reading GAS DOCK CUSTOMS with white arrow pointing left, mounted on white building siding Rock jetty breakwater extending into ice-covered Thunder Bay with red and white warning triangle sign and distant shoreline Rock breakwater with caution sign viewed from base, showing frozen bay waters and industrial port facilities in the distance White aluminum gangway or dock ramp leading toward frozen marina waters with industrial area visible in background Long floating dock extending into partially frozen harbor with ice formations and industrial grain elevators on horizon Electrical outlet mounted in rustic reclaimed wood wall with visible weathering and nail holes, charging cables plugged in

All the picture taking drained the battery on my phone and also I needed to sync it with Dropbox. I headed to the hostel to charge the phone for a bit before heading to the Waverly Public Library. One of my readers, Will Scheibler, wanted to give me a Thunder Bay flag. He read my Quest for a Canadian Flag blog entry and thought a Thunder Bay flag would be perfect for my collection. I met with him there and he gave me a flag and several other Thunder Bay related thing (Thanks Will!).

Thunder Bay Public Library brick building featuring large colorful mural depicting abstract figures and flowing designs along exterior wall Thunder Bay city flag featuring blue, green, and yellow diagonal stripes with red maple leaf emblem

I then went to Fisherman's Park and saw how raging the river was.

Fast-flowing river with white water rapids rushing past rocky shoreline and bare trees under overcast sky

I was soon back at the hostel again for a little break. I wasn't there too long before I met up with the Pink Gorilla and we explored all the great local businesses at the Thunder Bay Country Market.

Person in bright pink gorilla costume posing outside Thunder Bay Country Market building with wooden bench

After the Thunder Bay Country Market, I picked up my buddy Ryan again. The next day I was planning to drive to Silver Islet and then back to Texas. I didn't want to be hungover so I decided to stay sober again and offered to drive. Ryan took me up on that offer and we first went to Fastlane so we could BS with our buddy Kal who bartends there. This is where I got a burger and some more poutine.

Residential street view at sunset with colorful sky, power lines, bare trees, and silhouetted buildings The Fast Lane Bar & Grill exterior entrance at dusk with illuminated signage and stone accent walls Cheeseburger with lettuce and tomato on pretzel bun alongside poutine fries covered in gravy and cheese curds

We then got to experience some #ThunderBayWeird at The Apollo. I do love how quirky this bar is!

Two musicians performing live on stage with electric guitars under blue, green, and red stage lighting

We then finished the night at The Waterhouse.

Quiet downtown street at night with street lamps, traffic lights, and sparse vehicle traffic Illuminated Waterfront House sign on wood panel building exterior at night

I dropped Ryan back off at his place and then went back to the hostel to get some sleep. The morning of Thursday, 4/25, came really fast!

Row of five metal lockers numbered 1 through 5 with black handles in dimly lit storage area Sunrise or sunset view from window overlooking three-story brick apartment building and residential neighborhood

Ryan was going to explore Silver Islet with me. I picked him up and he was surprisingly pretty awake for being out late and having a few drinks. We hit the road.

Residential street view driving toward bright rising sun with lens flare, vehicles ahead, and bare trees lining road Rural highway curving past tall electrical transmission tower with bright sun creating lens flare effect

We made our diversion down Lakeshore Drive. This is a place I made a detour 5+ years ago. I had stopped into Crystal Beach Variety and had great conversation with the owner, John. I couldn't remember exactly where this was until I started doing some research. I decided to drop by there on my way to Silver Islet and then visit The Fish Shop.

Highway directional signs showing routes to highways 11 and 17, with checkered traffic sign and Mackenzie Station Road Self-serve Junys gas station with multiple fuel pumps under canopy on sunny day Yellow roadside sign advertising fresh and smoked fish shop, seafood, and Amethyst gifts and jewelry with blue OPEN sign below

After miles of narrow and twisty roads, we finally made it to Silver Islet!

Silver Islet historic site sign reading World's Richest Silver Mine with forest backdrop and patches of snow Historic two-story dark blue general store building with white trim, STORE lettering, and lake visible in background Rocky shoreline with concrete boat ramp leading into calm blue waters of Lake Superior with forested coastline

Thursday 4/25

Seeing the beauty of Silver Islet was great! I wish I could have stayed there longer, but I needed to get back to Texas. I headed back to Thunder Bay, dropped Ryan off at his house, and said goodbye. From there it was heading to Metro to get some Canadian groceries and then to the border.

Two-lane highway stretching into distance with exposed rock cut cliff on right side and evergreen forest on left Blue highway sign reading City of Thunder Bay Population 108 000 beside rural highway with evergreen forest in background Metro grocery store exterior with large red logo signage and curved glass facade, parking lot with multiple vehicles Three beverages on car seat including two energy drink bottles and Crispy Crunch candy bar wrapper

When I was talking to the US border guard, he had remembered me from last time. He made a recommendation I check out High Falls. This was at the Minnesota Welcome Center half a mile up the road and a short hike. I'm glad I took up his recommendation!

Powerful waterfall cascading over multiple levels with vibrant rainbow visible in spray mist and tan-colored rushing water

I started driving towards Duluth and realized I needed gas by the time I got to Duluth. My Buc-ee's story was taking off, so I decided to go to a place the opposite of Buc-ee's. It was an unattended Sinclair station in the middle of nowhere.

Rural gas station with green canopy and fuel pumps on sunny day with blue sky and white clouds

Who says I35 only sucks in Austin? In Duluth I got held up in a traffic jam.

Driver view following semi truck on highway with tall concrete barrier wall and scattered clouds in blue sky

I eventually made good time until my tire pressure light came on. Looks like I had a nail in my rear driver's side tire. I used my air pump and got it to good enough pressure to keep going.

Dashboard view driving on two-lane highway lined with bare deciduous trees on both sides under clear blue sky Vehicle dashboard displaying low tire pressure warning light on digital screen showing 63°F temperature and 52044 miles Tire pressure gauge mounted on white car showing PSI measurement scale with numbered markings Black portable air compressor with cord connected to vehicle tire on concrete parking lot surface Close-up of hand holding tire pressure gauge with PSI measurement markings from 10 to 30

The tire didn't give me any grief the rest of the night and I was able to drive to a rest stop in Iowa about 30 miles from the Missouri border. I slept there for the night.

Rural two-lane highway at dusk or dawn with pink and blue gradient sky, flat agricultural fields on both sides White sedan parked on dark forest roadside at night with interior dome light illuminated

On Friday 4/26 I woke up and defrosted the windows. I then drove straight through from Iowa to Kansas before I had to put more air in my tire.

Early morning highway view from moving vehicle with smoke or field burning visible on horizon at sunrise Interstate highway with spring flowering redbud trees displaying pink blossoms along wooded roadside embankment Car dashboard displaying low tire pressure warning alert showing 59°F temperature and 52456 miles traveled

The tire seemed fine afterwards and I made it almost to Texas. I decided to check out Stuckey's.

Phillips 66 gas station with blue metal roof building, fuel pumps under white canopy, and vehicles refueling

I then fought the traffic jams and finally made it home to Austin.

Six flagpoles flying American flag, Six Flags corporate flag, Spanish flag, Georgia state flag, Texas flag, and Confederate flag Stone monument carved in shape of Texas state outline with TEXAS text, limestone construction with grass lawn Dashboard view following pickup truck and sedan on highway exit ramp with visible windshield crack Multi-lane highway at dawn with pink and blue gradient sky, sparse traffic, and street lights along concrete barrier walls Highway view at dusk with orange and purple sunset sky, vehicle taillights ahead, and roadside lighting

I made it home by 8:30pm. I was exhausted and Victoria and I went to bed early. The next morning we'd be heading the Bryan for the Texas A&M Women's Chorus Spring Concert. We ate some turkey bacon and then hit the road. This time Victoria would be driving.

Two skillets on white electric stovetop cooking breakfast sausage links with kitchen towel hanging from oven handle Woman wearing blue mirrored aviator sunglasses and polka dot sleeveless top smiling in car driver's seat Interstate highway with green Exit 93 sign indicating Taylor and Round Rock, pickup truck ahead on concrete roadway Two-lane rural highway following vehicle through green countryside with trees and blue sky with scattered clouds

We made a pitstop at a Sonic for lunch.

Sonic Drive-In restaurant location with tall yellow and red sign, green canopy over ordering stalls, and landscaped lawn Golden fried tater tots in paper container next to large white Sonic cup with red straw on tan surface

We went to Victoria's grandparents' house. She visited a little while and then headed to practice for the concert. It was the 40th anniversary of Texas A&M Women's Chorus so the alumni were asked to sing. I got to hang out with Victoria's grandparents and we had a great time visiting. Before the concert, we went to Downtown Bryan and ate some Mexican foot at Papa Perez.

Multi-lane road with green directional signs pointing to Bryan and College Station, power lines overhead and hotel building visible Downtown street with angle-parked cars, sidewalk planters with trees, and multi-story buildings in background Historic red brick storefront with Barber's oval sign and large windows reflecting urban buildings Elderly couple smiling and toasting with wine glasses in restaurant booth with wood paneling Mexican combination plate with three rolled taquitos, Spanish rice, refried beans, shredded lettuce, guacamole, and sour cream

The concert went well and I can say it was my first time at a choral concert.

Women's choir in matching red performance gowns on stage with pianist, audience visible in foreground of concert hall

Later that night Victoria and I met up with some of her friends at Northgate. We went to Mad Hatter's and Paddock Lane.

Vintage-style MAD HATTERS sign with gold and green lettering mounted on exposed brick wall above window with lamp Illuminated Northgate Map kiosk at night displaying blue directory screen with no parking sign in foreground Fiddick restaurant exterior at night with outdoor patio seating filled with diners under string lights

We spent the night at Victoria's grandparents' house. The next day all of us met up with her Uncle Craig and Aunt Kathy and headed to Wings N' More.

Wings 'N More restaurant building with beige exterior and full parking lot under partly cloudy blue sky Hamburger and pile of seasoned curly fries on paper basket photographed under red restaurant lighting

We were soon back on the road back to Austin.

Wide urban roadway with multiple traffic signals overhead, blue sky with white clouds, and commercial buildings visible Pickup truck towing large white horse trailer on highway under partly cloudy blue sky with steel truss bridge visible in distance

I could finally take a bit of a breather and look out my patio window.

View through sliding glass door to outdoor balcony with stucco privacy wall and lush green trees beyond

The breather didn't last too long. KTEN wanted to do an interview at the grand opening of the Melissa, TX Buc-ee's. You can read about that adventure here.

Tall roadside pole sign for Melissa restaurant featuring cartoon chicken logo on yellow circular background against overcast gray sky

After that, I was able to squeeze in getting new tires at Discount Tire. There was a whirlwind of media appearances with my Buc-ee's trip. I'll have to write about that once everything settles down. Looking back on writing this blog entry, it's amazing the sheer amount of ground I've covered in the last 2 weeks. I think I'll be good for a little bit when it comes to long trips and look forward to sticking around Austin for a bit while I start my new job.

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