DAMP & COOL BUT STILL MADE THE FERRY

 The Weather Witch threw us a curve, but we still had four riders show up for what may have been the final ride this season.  Dee arrived on her bike, while Wayne, Dave, and Bob rode trikes.

WE LOOK PRETTY BUNDLED UP

The weather was predicted to be overcast (no rain) and temps in the mid to low 50's.  The Weather Witch decided to throw a little rain and cold wind at us about the time we were scheduled to depart from Casey's.  The original plan was to motor up to Lansing, take the ferry across to Wisconsin, and do some touring over there, and get back before dark.

However after looking at the skies toward Lansing and then Prairie du Chien, the decision was made to go through Prairie first, since the sky looked brighter in that direction.  So, off we went down HWY 76, with rain sprinkles most of the way.  After passing through PDC, we took HWY 60 into Wauzeka with some very light rain still falling.  Besides the rain, there was a strong, cold north wind that jolted us every once in a while.

While we took a break in Wauzeka (hot drinks), we checked the radar, and decided that we were soon going to be on the backside of the rain clouds.  So we took CR N out of Wauzeka and gladly the rain quit.  The roadways were still wet, and the wind was still cold, but at least we were getting dry.  CR N took us on a scenic journey up to HWY 27.  There we turned north and passed through Eastman and Seneca and into Mt. Sterling.  We then headed down the mountain on HWY 171 to HWY 35.  Just before we reached HWY 35, two huge deer crossed the road in front of me. I was able to stop in time and see if any more were coming.

Once we reached HWY 35 (still wet pavement), we made our way through Ferryville (appropriate name) with no stop for ice cream today.  35 took us over to HWY 82 where we turned as if to cross the bridge.  We did not know for sure where the car ferry was located, but soon road signs showed us the way. After a very short stint on well packed gravel, we reached the ferry dock.

The ferry was still here, and even though I told the steward that we had four bikes, he signaled me to board, and said he had room for the other three.  After checking things out, he determined that he did not have room for the other three, so I was the last one on the ferry this time, and the other three would have to wait for the next trip, since I couldn't back up and get off.

GOOD BYE, BOB!

While I was aboard, I was able to take some photos and videos of the journey.

A LITTLE HISTORY

NEARING THE DOCK

Once I got off the ferry, I knew it would be about a half hour before the other three came across.  So I went into Lansing Kwik Star for a coffee break, and returned to watch them come across on the ferry.

There they are--up front.

Ready to get off--

Here they come.

I tried to catch up to them in Lansing, but they had not seen me, so they continued on HWY 9 toward Waukon.  I finally did catch up to them, but since Dee was doing such a good job of leading, I just hung back.  I had 110 miles on the Wing when I got home.

Even though we were a little damp and a little cold, it was still a good trip.  The Cassville Ferry seems to be a well-run operation, and it was a fun ride across Ol' Man River!