Fine clear morning, 18C. Drove to the ferry terminal to wait for the Lake Express. This catamaran holds maybe 50 - 60 cars only. Mostly Michigan and Wisconsin residents, but a few Illinois and Iowa, and two bikers: a BMW from Texas and a Harley from Alberta. Since we crossed at Sarnia we haven’t seen any other Canadians!
The lake crossing was great! Muskegan is in a kind of deep harbour/lake, with a breakwater protecting it from Lake Michigan. There are quite a few marinas with sailboats and power boats. Once inter open water, the ferry accelerated (!) and we were told it could go 40 knots. It certainly felt fast - NOT the snail-like Marine Atlantic ferries! Doug had paid a few dollars extra and got us “Premier Seating” which turned out to be a sort of first class cabin (no kids allowed) with complimentary coffee and juice and a steward to fetch meals/snacks. This is the way to go! The 136 km took 2 21/2 hours.
Emily took us easily through Milwaukee, past Brewer Stadium, over brand new concrete paving and overpasses (the paint on the steel supports still shone) After Madison, we went SW on US 151 through Dubuque (crossing the Mississippi below) and Cedar Rapids to the I 80. Interesting countryside with many prosperous farms and rolling terrain.
The Holiday Inn Express seemed in the middle of residential Des Moines, until we found out that it was a block from Drake University. We ate dinner at the Drake Diner, next door; it’s a50’s themed place with a big screened in patio. Discovered Blue Moon, a “Belgian” white which was served with an orange slice - not bad. Meal portions were large, but the steamed veg were fresh and crisp!
