Bruce's Travels

 By Bruce Shawkey May 27, 2026 -- 9 a.m. departure to Cashton with Chris Vandall to see Joe Hochstetler, the watchmaker. Stopped at a McDonald's for a to-go breakfast for me of two egg burritos, hash browns, and orange juice. Circuitous route through some beautiful country to Joe’s, including winding roads at Wildcat Mountain Stat Park.  Joe didn’t have Chris’s repairs done, in spite of the agreed-upon pickup time of five months. Awkward time there as Chris and Joe worked out a new pickup time in August. I scored a new black leather band for my Longines chronograph from Joe. We then stopped at Old Country Cheese in Cashton, where I bought a pound of delicious Swiss cheese, and some yummy chocolate toffees. Odd store. Lots of Amish stuff, and the lone worker there was barefoot. Then we stopped at the Reedsburg Family Restaurant for a big lunch of Gyro, fries, chicken dumpling soup, and large Pepsi. Chris treated in honor of my upcoming 70th birthday. Then back home via Highways...

 On the road by 10:45 to Lacrosse. Took the scenic route via Highway 14. Had lunch at Ft Mulligan's Grillpub in Prairie du Chein.  Ft. Mulligan's Grillpub Excellent bacon bleu burger with chicken dumpling soup and a New Glarus Spotted Cow beer. Arrived Lacrosse 3 p.m. and checked in to the Charmant. Now under corporate ownership.  Laid down for a bit, then to the rooftop for a cocktail. Then dinner at the Freighthouse, small tenderloin and a salad.  Saved my loaded baked potato for later. Then back to Charmant for cribbage and Baileys Irish Cream in the bar. To bed at 9 p.m., and had fitful sleep with Dawn across from me snoring like a wildebeest. Friday, May 15, 2026 Up at 8 a.m. for breakfast in the Charmant restaurant.  Charmant restaurant with open kitchen Two over-medium eggs (with orange yolks, no less), sausage links, toast, coffee, and split a fruit plate with Dawn. On the road back to Madison by 11 a.m., and this time took I-90-94 back to Madison to...