Minocqua, WI
Our last day in Eau Claire (Friday the 3rd) was largely idled away. In the morning Lew read the 4th edition of "A Goodly Heritage" which Irene had duplicated for him, while Bobbi read her chick-lit. In the afternoon we visited Irene once again to get a photo of her,


and to say "good-bye". Then it was refuel, resupply ("Wally World" again), and back to the campground for showers and bed.

Saturday (the 4th) was on the road again -- up county road N, WI-27, WI-29, US-51, and MI-70 to the campground Bobbi had selected: Patricia Lake Campground. The northeastern part of Wisconsin ("north woods") is filled with a multitude of little lakes/large ponds, reminiscent of Michigan. And they seem to be a similar magnet for vacation kitsch. The roads around Minocqua are littered with shops purveying real estate, mortgages, contractors, food, souvenirs, and every other temptation to part the vacationer from his money. This campground reflects the role of destination: most of the lots are occupied by "seasonal" campers, many empty this weekend, the grounds are heavily wooded and most lots shaded, but the plumbing is elderly and less than perfectly maintained and cleaned. And while they advertise WI-FI, one must go into the office to use it. On the whole adequate, but not as pleasant as Sandy Hill, Big Cedar, or Higgins Lake. We would stay here again, but only because of the paucity of good campgrounds between Wausau and Copper Harbor.