Nomad Life - Day 163

This morning, I woke up at 0515 (before alarm) and spent time reading, doing puzzles and working on Duolingo exercises.  At 0600, I started teleworking, with only a short break for breakfast (0745).  Once I was back in my room again, I went back to teleworking and continued online until just after noon.  I took another break for lunch (which I made in my room) and then worked until 1530.  Leaving my hotel as soon as I could, I got on Business US-31 (later, IN-933 and MI-51) and drove north.  Once I was in Niles, I began looking for the Madeline Bertrand County Park, which I'd heard had some cross country ski trails, and finally arrived there at 1550.  Next, it took me about 10 minutes to get my ski equipment out of the car top carrier.  Feeling hopeful, I donned my boots and my (old) Salomon skis and was ready to start some fun on the trails at 1605.  Unfortunately, the man selling passes at the entrance to the trail system told me "we lock the gates promptly at 1700".  At that point, with less than 50 minutes, I realized it wasn't worth the cost ($8) for such a short adventure.  Reluctantly, I left the park drove to a nearby field I'd earlier seen (it turned out to be the property of an Evangelical Free Church) and parked in the plowed lot there (1620).  I'm sure almost everyone who saw me during the next hour probably laughed but I managed to get nearly two miles of skiing in that location.  Fortunately, there were already some snowmobile tracks that made this easier - when I tried to break some new trail, I found it very difficult because of the heavy eight inches of snow.  Next (1720), I drove north (suing unplowed back streets) from the "ski field" towards downtown Niles.  I was searching for a Brewery that had signs posted everywhere but it turned out to be a significant distance away and I had trouble getting on US-12 (which I'd need to use to reach it).  Instead, I gave up and drove to the nearby Iron Shoe Distillery, where I was able to sample a flight of delicious drinks (bourbon, rye, single malt, whisky barrel aged rum, limoncello and "orangecello").  Along the way, I ordered some dinner ("the special", which was a good chicken sandwich and fries).  It was a pleasant ambiance - lots of '80s music.  I finally departed at 1845 and, from downtown Niles, I drove (more unplowed surface streets) back to MI-51 and went in search of a Walmart which was holding a new ink cartridge for me (unfortunately, the one I just bought last week leaked out all over the place). I finally arrived there and picked up my ink cartridge at 1905.  Before departing, I tried to recycle bottles and cans but had no luck because the machines couldn't ID them.  Also, there were some ominous warning signs on the machines about not bringing recyclables from other states.  Once I gave up on this project, I decided to try to get the rest of my daily step goal by walking around inside the Walmart building.  Between 1915 and 1955, I logged 1.8 miles (reached 10K steps).  Leaving the store, I carefully made my way out of the parking lot - I couldn't find a traffic light to access MI-51 until I had already gotten on that road...  From Niles, I made my way south and back into Indiana - I arrived at my hotel just after 2010.  The rest of the evening was consumed with eBird, Duolingo, reading and movies and I finally went to sleep at 2230.  Very glad to have gotten some time on skis today!

Nomad Life - Day 162

My first day in the Eastern Time Zone required an alarm clock to wake me up at 0600.  After getting out of bed, I drowsily started teleworking immediately.  I took one break for breakfast in the lobby of the Baymont (South Bend) at 0730 and then returned to work.  Without further interruptions, I worked until noon and made lunch in my room.  After my meal. I did some reading until 1300 before resuming my work day.  I finished up my hours by the end of my last meeting (1600).  After that, I left the hotel and drove a short distance (south on US-31 Business) to the west end of the Notre Dame Campus.  In the Dorr Parking Lot I had trouble driving around the mostly-unplowed lot but eventually found an open spot (no charge after 1600).  Starting at 1615, I started walking around familiar haunts of the campus; even though I'd been here last Spring, there were still several things I'd neglected to do and see.  First, I walked completely around St. Mary's Lake (it was hard going because of the roughly 8 inches of snow on the ground), visited the Grotto (saw students praying there) and went inside (for the first time), Remick Family Hall, which I learned was a post-graduate teacher college.  Next, I looked around inside the Main Building.  As I had in May, I visited the Hall of Honor Wall.  This time, I noticed some new plaques (posted there in memory of some of my professors); before departing, I sent a photo of Dr. Craig's plaque to Eileen. Exiting the Main Building on the south end, I headed over to La Fortune Student Center (closed last Spring) and found some familiar things (barber shop, flower shop, bank, etc.).  There were also some improvements: they had a nice display of all the editions of "The Shirt", a wonderful Game Room, a Multicultural area, etc.  The best part, though, was that there were lots of students in the building - it reminded me of my time on Campus.  Departing the "Union", I explored the area near the Hesburgh Library (found Robert Moran Engineering Chair etching) and the Jordan Science Hall (returned to Dominic's family bench in front and sent him a photo).  While looking for the Loftus Sports Center, I found myself inside (only because someone let me in when they were exiting) the Guglielmino Athletics Complex.  In the lobby, I found the 1988 National Championship Trophy, Heisman Trophies for all of ND's winners and a huge statue of the Four Horsemen.  Just as I was finished marveling, some nice people started shooing me out...  Continuing to the north and west, I found new parking lots, watched the Army ROTC students wrapping up their classes and then made my way to the southeast corner of Grace Hall.  On the way, I got to see the (lit!) "#1" sign on the roof and then took a look at my dorm room window from sophomore year (1988-1989).  High above that room (way up on the 11th floor), I could see my dorm room from freshman year dorm (1987-1988). From there, I made a full loop around St. Joseph Lake and was impressed by the huge number of birds I saw on the (unfrozen) surface of the water.  I even met some birders (Engineering students but also volunteers with eBird).  I stayed for a while with them, watching the activity through some wonderfully capable "long scopes".  At one point, every bird lifted off the lake and covered the sky with their wings.  As the sun finished setting, I got some more nostalgic sights (e.g., Golden Dome lit up) and sounds (chimes ringing in Sacred Heart).  I was done with my walk at 1900 and departed (by car) from the Dorr Road Lot.  At that point, I started looking for a place to get some dinner.  Driving north on Business US-31 until passing the Indiana Toll Road, I found myself on IN-923 and experienced lots more Deja Vu with several old businesses in that area.  I ended up traveling into Michigan (road became MI-51) and briefly considered stopping for dinner at a restaurant I found in Niles (near the junction with US-12).  In the end, though, I wasn't "feeling it", so I backtracked to my hotel again.  After arriving at 1930, I ate "dinner" (snacks) in my room and then spent the rest of the evening reading and watching movies.  Bedtime was at 2215.  Happy I took the trip down memory lane today!

Nomad Life - Day 161

Last night I realized that I'd likely be transitioning to the Eastern Time Zone today so I decided to try to get my circadian rhythm in sync.  With that thought in mind, I woke up at 0500 (alarm needed) and started teleworking immediately.  After my first meeting of the day, I took a break for breakfast in the lobby of the Super 8 (Davenport).  With the morning meal completed, I went back to work and didn't stop again until I had finished all my hours (1300).  Just before turning off my computer, I made lunch in my room and, after finishing the meal, I loaded up my car.  Outside, it was 29 F and sunny - another clear, blue day!  Next, I departed the hotel and got on I-80, which I followed to I-74.  After continuing (south) through Bettendorf, I crossed the Mississippi River on a beautiful new bridge and entered the city of Moline (Illinois).  With the Mississippi behind me, I truly began to feel like I was back on the East Coast...  Before departing the Quad Cities, I stopped to visit the Deere-Wiman House in Moline (1325).  Even though I couldn't go inside the building (it required prior arrangements for a tour), I walked around the grounds.  Next, I moved my car (a few blocks) so I could explore, a nearby green space called Velie Park.  I was hoping to get a good view from the plateau there but found too many trees blocking the view.  There was, however, a nice monument to the Spanish American War.  I also encountered a nice old man who wanted to talk - at first, I believe he thought I was local and commented on the 30+ degree day.  When I told him I was just visiting, he started extolling the virtues of Moline and described how the Viking River Cruise ships docked at the waterfront below to give tourists a view of this "important area".  It was nice to meet such a passionate ambassador!  After getting my fill of the crisp air (1345), I left Moline at and got back on I-74 (still headed south).  When I reached I-280, I followed that Interstate to the east.  As I mentioned, the temps had risen well into the 30s - I started wishing I wasn't driving... Before long, I reached the merge with I-80 and continued east until I reached Bureau County.  With a long drive ahead of me, I didn't plan any stops; but then I saw a big sign for Ronald Reagan Birthplace and exited the Interstate.  I've long wanted to see that landmark but have always been in a hurry when I passed nearby.  So, I followed the prominent signage north on IL-40, west on I-92 and north on I-172 until I reached the town of Tampico (1500).  In the center of the little hamlet (I think the population was about 800), I found plaques, statues, banners and monuments that celebrated the 40th President.  After wandering around on the Main Street (no coat required), I eventually found the "birth apartment" - it had a sign and seemed to be (or have been) the second floor of bank building.  After that, I backtracked towards I-80 (by a reverse reverse route), stopping briefly at the Hennepin Canal and Tow Path (Bridge 56) to get in some more steps.  By the time I reached the Interstate again, I realized my sightseeing had ended up being about a 45 mile round trip detour from the exit.  Don't regret the decision, though!  Continuing east again, I passed the time on the lonely prairie by listening to SiriusXM and audiobooks.  Even though I passed through the area close to Dixon, which was apparently the boyhood home of Ronald Reagan, I didn't stop.  Maybe next time!  I drove through Peru (La Salle County) at 1555 and Morris (Grundy County) at 1615.  During this phase of the drive, I started to see a lot more snow on the ground and the traffic began increasing.  It was quite clear that I was getting into the Chicago Metro area and this realization was amplified by annoyed construction zones with speed enforced by camera (55 mph for a while, then 45 mph).  Hoping to avoid a ticket, I stayed under the limits, even though everyone else was blowing by me.  Once I reached Joliet (1640), I got a warning from Google Maps about a traffic jam ahead.  Unwisely, I the apps advice and departed the Interstate to follow a convoluted trail of side streets.  The time of arrival really didn't change but it was slow going (lots of lights and traffic).  At one point, I ended up on a road with a (stalled ?) train that wasn't moving from the road.  Without delay, I balked at the route and tried another way - Google then took me through a maze of streets until I crossed into Indiana.  I should note that I never got any TMPS warning lights at all today - maybe that's a good sign?  Anyway, I stopped for dinner at Taco Bell in Muncie and also recycled old tech and an ink cartridge at Staples in the same parking lot (done with both tasks by 1750).  By then, I was only a stone's throw away from I-80.  When I got on the highway again, though, I found myself in a traffic jam immediately.  Dang...  Fortunately, the slow down (caused by cops/car in far left lane) didn't last long; within a mile, the speeds opened up a good bit.  Soon after clearing the slow down, I switched to I-94 and it got dark.  At around the same time, I realized I'd found the "real Winter", with lots of snow piled along the side of the Interstate.  Strangely, it reminded me of my four years in Michiana and didn't seem so bad.  Other than snow along the edge of the road, the surface seemed normal and the speed of the traffic seemed unaffected.  Temps were in the mid 20s by this point but, I think, they might have had some melting during the daytime.  Near the town of Springfield, I got off the Interstate and took US-20, which I followed for about 30 miles to the east before switching to IN-2.  I had to stop at several traffic lights along the way but the road remained a four lane until I reached the west side of South Bend / Mishawaka.  I don't recall being on the "new US-31" before (sort of a beltway) but I enjoyed the drive around the Northwest side of the city on that road and ended up intercepting Business US-31 (the old US-33/31 Highway near the Notre Dame Campus) from the north.  Somewhere during this time, I realized I'd reentered the Eastern Time Zone for the first time since mid September...  I arrived at hotel in South Bend (Baymont) at the "new" 2015, checked into my room and got organized.  Hoping to catch up on my steps (since I'd only walked about 1.5 miles for the day by that point), I went looking for the Fitness Center.  It turned out to be very limited (broken equipment) but, starting at 2045, I walked on the one functioning treadmill for almost three miles in one hour.  Afterwards, I checked out the Pool area (closed for renovations).  This place was definitely not as good as my last Baymont!  I spent the rest of the evening reading, catching up on Duolingo and getting tired.  My bed time was at the "new" 2315 and I quickly fell asleep.  It feels good to be back in South Bend!

Nomad Life - Day 160

Like last Sunday, I didn't plan to drive anywhere today.  Bonus: I slept very well and didn't even think about getting up until 0630.  After my eyes were open, I spent time reading, doing Duolingo exercises and finishing puzzles.  At 0745, I went to breakfast in the lobby of the Super 8 (Davenport).  Sadly, there were very limited selections and the pancake machine was broken.  Eventually, the staff fixed it for me (the only guest in the dining area).  After finishing my "meal", I returned to my room and spent the rest of the morning working on finances, planning for upcoming lodging and continuing work on the digitization project.  Meanwhile, it was snowing outside so I deferred my plans for outdoor fun.  At around noon, I ate "lunch" (snacks).  When I was ready to leave the hotel (1330), I came outside to about an inch of snow and temps in the mid 20s.  I used US-61 Business (with one mistake that took me on to US-6) and US-67.  Before long, I crossed the Mississippi River on the Centennial Bridge.  It was strange to think that this was my first time on the east side of the River since September 2025!  Using IL-92, I explored the waterfront area of Rock Island (IL) and, at 1355, parked in lot by the river that was next to the Schwiebert Riverfront Park.  Not completely sure that my car was sitting in a good place, I walked around nearby and found bike trail that followed the top of the levy.  There were SO many waterfowl!  This gave me the impression that there must be a parking lot for that somewhere nearby.  Before moving my car, though, I explored historic Rock Island downtown area.  After that, I moved east "up river" and found a better place to leave my car (Botanical Gardens) before I resumed my walk on the Quad Cities Riverway.  During this part of my day, it was snowing steadily and there was a light breeze.  I backtracked to downtown Rock Island, then checked out the bridge to the Rock Island Arsenal (didn't cross) before continuing my walk upriver.  The bike path was isolated between two tall fences (one for the river and one for industrial properties) and I was itching to get off the trail by the time I reached Sylvan Island.  During this time, I was impressed by the behavior of the partially frozen Mississippi River.  There were lots of birds on the water and in the trees above and there were several small islands scattered nearby.  After checking out Sylvan Island (I even crossed a pedestrian bridge to reach it), I started looking for a way out of the green space.  I noticed a John Deere statue in the parking lot for the island and, after maneuvering through sides streets that connected lots of manufacturing and farming businesses, I finally reached a main street.  By this point, I could why this place is popular with the politicians during the Caucuses - lots of Labor, Agriculture, etc.  As I walked west on side of the road, I ended up on the edge of a major railyard.  Near the old Depot (for sale!), I found a monument to the construction of the first railroad bridge across the Mississippi River.  I reached my car (after walking four miles) at 1545 and decided to cross the River into Davenport.  The bridge I chose took me across the property of the Rock Island Arsenal but I couldn't access it (gate closed).  I parked right near the north end of the bridge to Davenport and got a great photo of the "Welcome" sign.  Nearby, I spotted the Great River Brewery and decided to go in there for some beer tasting (1600).  It wasn't too busy so I decided to order food (panini-like sandwich & Caesar salad).  The nice lady bartender was a wealth of information and she pointed out that the Quad Cities was the only place where the Mississippi flows West to East, has the longest "Roller Dam" and (as I'd seen in town) boasted the first bridge across the Mississippi River.  After finishing up my drinks and dinner, I (re)crossed the river to Rock Island again.  On the way (1730), I stopped briefly at Fort Armstrong (built in 1816) - there were nice views there of the bridges along the river (they were lit up for the night, even though it wasn't dark yet).  I arrived at my goal, St. Pius X Catholic Church, at 1745 and was one of the first parishioners in the building.  When Mass began (1800), there still weren't many people.  The priest appeared to be from somewhere in Eastern Europe and he gave a good Homily.  The service was over by 1845 and I exited the church to find it was snowing much harder than it had been earlier.  Carefully, I drove back to Davenport using surface streets and the Centennial Bridge.  Before long, I was backtracking on Business US-61.  By this point, my gas tank was nearly empty so I stopped for (cheap) gas at Stop N Go before heading back to my hotel room (arrived at 1910).  I spent the rest of the evening relaxing and watching movies and finally went to bed at 2215.  Glad I got a better feel for the Quad Cities today!