Back on the Road Again

“The Ladies” road trips have started for the year – WooHoo!!  

First trip this year was to the Milwaukee legendary Domes.   Personally have not been there for a number of decades and one of the ladies had never been there – so great fun to share the experience with her.

We visited the Tropical Dome first so some of us could warm up (for the first part of May it was still chilly). Our eyes feasted on beautiful foliage, flowers and trees including banana, cocoa, grapefruit, and orange.  If you look closely at the pics you will also find some prehistoric creatures mingled in.   

  

The Desert Dome was my personal favorite because I am always amazed that plants that really are rather ugly can produce such amazing flowers and colorful patterns.   One tree in particular stood out with a basic dull base but the branches resembled elephant trucks.

 

The third dome – called the Show Dome always has seasonal displays.   For this time of year cascades of spring flowers in an Irish setting including sheep, toad stools and a leprechaun house in a tree truck.  The flowers and pond were spectacular – you could just sit there and relax for hours.

For lunch we visited one of the oldest authentic German restaurants in the area – Kegal’s Inn.   It was established in 1924 and is still run by the Kegal family.   Wonder atmosphere and probably the best cheese soup I have every tasted – the authentic German food was also nothing to sneeze at.   If you are in the area be sure to check it out – located at 5901 W. National Ave.  You will not be sorry.  

We meander back home via Hwy 59 through Waukesha.  Waukesha is considered Guitar Town because Les Paul (creator of the electric guitar) was born there and is buried there.   As you drive the main drag you will find guitar statues on the street corners – all unique and some very colorful. The downtown area is just a fun place – lots of shops and eateries.  

 

No disrespect to the fine citizens of this city but I have a warning if you ever travel to Waukesha – be sure to have a GPS.   The streets are just plain screwed up – without navigation you may drive around for days.    Trust me – I am not kidding.

We did make it through Waukesha and hooked up with Hwy 18 West.   After traveling through several small communities we arrived at Cambridge and needed a stretch and some substance.   We never had dessert so a bakery had to be found.  

Ripley's Bakery and Cafe on Main Street was just the ticket.   Good assortment of goodies from cookies to pies, to decadent bars.   Prices were very reasonable and everything delicious.   We may have to go back and try them for lunch. 

While sitting enjoying are goodies an attractive woman came in wearing a marvelous black and white flower pin.   Turns out she was the proprietor of a clothing store right next door – well we could not resist. The shop name is the Garment Shop and owned by Jan Carpenter.   She has been in business for over 20 years – which is an amazing record for the town.   We found her inventory fun, unique, and not overly priced.   Be sure to stop in – I bet you will find something you can’t live without.   

We arrived back in Madison and sadly the drive was over – but what fun we had.   I want to thank “the Ladies” for being my friends and making time with them such an adventure.    Can't wait for our next.