Rather a
mixed bag type of day. Mother Nature gave me a reveille call with thunder and
pouring rain, as a storm front came through. As that delayed my departure, I used the time
to have my “free” breakfast, and also check out some weather web sites to see
what was going on in the mid-west, specifically along the I90 east corridor,
and Chicago. There had been all kinds of
warnings regarding severe storms, and reports seemed to differ in places. Using
the Doppler Radar presentations gave a better idea, and it looked like my storm
was heading NE, and the area to the east, including Chicago, would be OK during
the afternoon and early evening. I had earlier considered riding the northern
route on I94, but made the decision at break point after Billings to ride I90.
If the storms were going to persist, I could still head towards Fargo, Duluth
and cross into Michigan from the north. A long detour. The rain ended, so I hit
the road about 7AM, heading east for Sioux Falls. It was foggy all the way, but
not a big issue. Once there I made the decision to just continue on I90. If fog
and rain were it, then it would be OK. Actually after leaving South Dakota it
was just cloudy, and the roads dried out. During the afternoon through Minnesota
and Wisconsin it was warm and sunny. In fact on stopping in Rochelle, I saw one
place registering 87*. Quite humid as well.
Not much
in the way of scenery for today. Mostly flat, agriculture with ploughed fields,
corn I think, and everything bright green. Crossing the Mississippi from Minnesota
into Wisconsin at La Crosse was quite spectacular. Even
this far inland it is an impressive river. One thing I noticed in Minnesota was
the very large number of windmills, all along I90 on both sides. As it is flat,
and very windy, they obviously do the job.
Traffic
was again very light, until I94 joined the party, and boy did it change. No
more idling along on cruise control. The increase in the number of rigs was
amazing, and from then on traffic was basically follow my leader. Some roadworks
were around; I90 is obviously having a few dollars spent on it.
I had
already decided to by-pass Chicago and use I39 south, then pick up I80 to
continue east. So here I am in Rochelle, IL. for the night. Tomorrow is very
much weather dependent, so we will see.
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