South Bend to Madison

This morning we explored Notre Dame. The first thing we noticed about it is that it is HUGE! So many buildings spread out over so much space. It was a beautiful place to be. In fact, it looked like a lot of families who were off for labor day were strolling the grounds. 

This picture doesn't do the basilica justice:


The grotto was an extraordinary space:


 Carol lit a candle in honor of all our departed loved ones.


The library has an extraordinary mural. I love this shot, because we took it during class change and we can see all the kids going to class.


In sum, I was thoroughly impressed by the beauty of the campus. Amazing.

Thank to our friends Kevin and Cathy for generously allowing us to use their home away from home. 

Then it was off to Madison. The trip was easy (i.e. shorter) compared to our initial leg to South Bend. We started on the interstates, but got off and took some US highways for the final leg. We discovered an amazing  town called Lake Geneva. It was a perfect 10 of a day, as far as weather, and the place was absolutely mobbed with people enjoying the weather, town, and scenery. 

We made it to Madison, and after checking in to the wonderful Madison Concourse Hotel (thanks for the tip, Andrea), we bee-lined it to State Street Brats. We enjoyed a couple of brats and fried cheese curds (I'm now addicted).  Oh, and some Spotted Cow ales, from New Glarus brewing. 



Afterwards, we took a walk down to the university and the waterfront. Apparently some higher power knew that I was missing my dog Mac, so provided an almost exact substitute for me to give some pets to.


It was another fantastic day. Tomorrow we're heading for the Black Hills in North Dakota, or at least as far as we can get in one day!

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