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photo of car and teardrop trailer

Governor Dodge State Park

Teardrop trail log: June 20, 2016

photo of Campfire cocktails

Campfire cocktails

Before we left for Racine, I asked Facebook friends for places to visit in Wisconsin. Jim also polled the members of his international online Bridge group. We got some great suggestions. We headed to Governor Dodge State Park near Dodgeville about 48 miles west of Madison to set up camp near several of the most highly recommended attractions.

Humans moved into the area that is now Governor Dodge State Park, just after the glaciers retreated. The park’s scenic hills and valleys provided shelter from snow and cold to the area’s first human inhabitants. The forest, mostly oak and hickory is thick, beautiful and green. The park was named for Henry Dodge, the first governor of the Wisconsin territory.

photo of campfire with human

light and warmth and insect deterrence

We pulled in and established our camp. As is normal, we soon had neighbors. It’s always fun to meet other folks who enjoy camping and they wanted to see the inside of the Ambassador. They told us about another teardrop trailer a few sites away from us. As we left for a day trip, we caught a glimpse of the tiny trailer.

The highlight of our stay was an honest-to-goodness campfire. The glow of the fire was absolutely magic.

photo of a teardrop trailer and campfire

A magical evening

photo of Econolodge in Madison

Breakfast at IHOP (Again)

Teardrop trail log: June 19, 2016

graphic of FAST Biryani Logo

FAST Biryani Logo

After exploring Madison, we noticed FAST Biryani. Finding new culinary adventures is one of the reasons we love to travel and this looked like an opportunity to explore a unique restaurant, especially in a neighborhood of chain eateries. Later, we would learn that FAST stands for Flavorful, Aromatic, Spicy and Tasteful, authentic Hyderabadi Indian cuisine in the Nizam tradition. The experience was amazing, the perfect balance of spices in recipes that had been handed down for generations. Conveniently located across the parking lot from the Econo Lodge.

photo of Chicken Biryani

Chicken Biryani

After dinner it was a short walk across the parking lot and we were back to the motel. As we climbed the stairs, we looked down on the lobby. It always seemed to be awash in activity, busy staff trying to run the hotel complete with an array of eccentric guests speaking lots of different languages – a true international Fawlty Towers.

We awoke from a deep sleep the next morning. Although breakfast came with room, we decided to not dine amidst all the chaos, but sought out the offer of predictability and comfort food of a nearby IHOP, located in a strip mall just down the street. Bacon, eggs, hash browns and toast!

photo of the Classic IHOP breakfast

Classic IHOP breakfast

photo of Wisconsin Capitol and Fountain

Exploring Madison

Teardrop trail Log: June 19, 2016

photo of the Capitol majestic dome

the majestic dome

We departed the Old Fashioned after the wonderful Wisconsin lunch – on to explore the city. Jim’s career in higher education information and instructional technology had taken him to Madison for conferences in the past. He would be my tour guide to this beautiful city.  Our first stop would be to experience the beauty and grandeur of the Wisconsin Capitol, where the corner stone was laid in 1837.

photo of the Classic interior of the Capitol

Classic Capitol Interior

The building was erected on the highest point of the isthmus of Lake Mendota and Monona. The dome was modeled after the dome of the United States Capitol and is topped by Daniel Chester French’s elegant gilded bronze statue, “Wisconsin.” The walls were decorated with colorful murals, stone from around the world, hand-carved furniture and exquisite gold mosaics. From the observation deck, we enjoyed breathtaking views of the city.

photo of Student Union on Lake Mendota

Student Union on Lake Mendota

We then proceeded down “The Drag” (State Street) to the University of Wisconsin – Madison also located on the isthmus. We walked along the landscaped campus that has the familiar feel of academia until we reached the Memorial Student Union, considered one of the most scenic student unions in the country.

photo of Most of Madison enjoying The Terrace

Most of Madison enjoying The Terrace

We entered the building and walked past the Rathskeller, a German pub adjacent to the lake terrace overlooking the shore of Lake Mendota. The Terrace was crowded, filled with both students and members of the public enjoying the picture-perfect sunny day, socializing, gazing at the lake and the sailboats. Picture perfect. Hard to image how this idyllic view would look in January, something Jim and I continued to discuss as we toured the state.

On the way back to the car, we indulged in some window shopping walking up State Street.  From indie book stores to the incredible range of locally-owned specialty stores and boutiques filled with treasures, we were treated to a fun-filled afternoon. Lo and behold, we spotted the familiar green logo – Starbucks and it was Mocha time.

photo of Windsurfing on Lake Mendota

Windsurfing on Lake Mendota

photo of A real Wisconsin Pub

On the Tasty Trail – Classic Wisconsin Fare

Teardrop Trail Log:  June 19, 2016

We walked through downtown Madison. Jim had visited Madison before but it was my first time. We spotted The Old Fashioned, a tavern and restaurant founded in 2005, serving Wisconsin fare on the Capitol Square. As their website says, it is much more than beers, brats and cheese, they are preserving traditions of Wisconsin taverns. serving local foods and brews. The atmosphere was retro-style with dark wooden walls, warm and cozy.

logo of The Old Fashioned on the Square in Madison

The Old Fashioned on the Square in Madison

photo of Beer and Brats -- A traditional Wisconsin lunch

Beer and Brats — A traditional Wisconsin lunch

We took a table in the bar and ordered Bratwurst with raw onions, pickles and brown mustard on a buttered hard roll. The server recommended some truly amazing local beer to accompany the amazing meal. The only regret – we didn’t have room for beer-battered cheese curds. Soon we were off, fortified and ready to explore Madison.

image of La Brioche restaurant in Madison, Wisconsin

Dinner with Carole and Merritt at La Brioche

Teardrop trail Log: June 18, 2016

There are opportunities when traveling, and being near Madison was no exception. In a former life, I collaborated with Carol, a colleague on several conference papers and presentations for the IT Leaders Program, Educause and the Distance Teaching and Learning Conference in Madison. Since both of us worked in higher education information and instructional technology, we were interested in how well today’s universities were meeting the needs and expectations of the digitally sophisticated students who studied there. As part of our work, we enjoyed trips to Seattle, Madison, Austin, Berkeley and State College, Pennsylvania. I hadn’t talked with her in several years and wanted to catch up.

We joined Carole and her husband Merritt for our first dinner in Madison. They promised to take us to one of the most unique restaurants and they were true to their word. Although situated in a strip mall, La Brioche True Food is remarkable. This bistro and bakery is run by Jackie Patricia, feng shui expert and classically trained pianist with her husband, David Yankovich who was a student of Madison culinary pioneer Johanna Guthrie. Her vision was to serve people through conscious food and service. The website describes the space as “removed from the hustle-bustle outside – that you breathe and relax into yourself…” The atmosphere is amazing. Mahogany wainscoting, high back tapestry chairs and a warm light from the chandeliers. Another source says that they aim for a higher-ground culinary experience utilizing local organic food prepared well with just the right amount of fuss. Right on all points.

photo of old tractors with Harvester Heritage logo

Harvester Heritage Interview

Teardrop Trail Log:  June 18, 2016

At Red Power Round Up, I was able to connect with Sally Jacobs, the McCormick/International Harvester Archivist at the Wisconsin Historical Society. I had been working with Sally and other staff members as I compiled the material for Canning, Pickling and Freezing with Irma Harding. The collection is amazingly rich, offering publications like Harvester World online. The Internet has radically changed how authors access material. On past projects, I traveled thousands of miles, poured over boxes of papers and books, created countless index cards, before even starting to write.

image of Irma Harding by Haddon Sunbloom in 1948

Irma Harding by Haddon Sunbloom in 1948

Because the 27th annual Red Power Round Up was in Wisconsin, I really enjoyed getting to meet the people behind the emails and phone conversations I’d worked with for several years. As I was walking through the fairgrounds, I noticed a portable recording booth that was part of Harvester Heritage, a project of the International Harvester Collectors Club established to preserve the history. After Sally and I chatted for awhile, she mentioned Harvester Heritage and suggested that I sign up to record an interview about my research on Irma Harding. I walked back to the booth and the process began. I’ll be contributing both the visual and audio parts of my presentations to Harvester Heritage to share not only Irma’s story, but the story of the women behind Irma Harding, the roles they played at International Harvester and how they helped change the mid-western farm families way of life.

photo of the 120U Farmall Tractor

Steiger and Friends

Teardrop Trail Log: June 18, 2018

Saturday dawned clear and bright and I set out on my morning constitutional. The fair grounds were mostly deserted since the gates had not yet opened to the general public and most were just starting their day. Case/IH corporate offices are located in nearby Racine, Wisconsin, and they had provided models for display at the ‘Roundup. I had never seen this many current Case/IH tractors in one place before, so I stopped to look. They were impressive in the early morning light.

Many vehicles have what look like “faces”, but as I looked at the assembled horsepower, they seemed more exaggerated in their anthropomorphic details. High “foreheads” and curving hoods lent a childlike quality in spite of the size and apparent power. The line was very consistent in its styling as well — a far cry from the unstyled tractors of the pre-World War II years. There was something else — I was reminded of a cartoon aspect similar to the Disney/Pixar movie “Cars.” It wouldn’t have been surprising if they started talking.

One of the largest models, “Steiger” even had a name worthy of a cartoon superhero. In fact, the Steiger series comes from an American tractor manufacturer purchased in 1986. Founded by Douglas and Maurice Steiger in the 1950’s, they were some of the first to bring large horsepower and four-wheel drive to farms with their lime-green machines manufactured in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. Quite a linage for the inviting giants of the farm greeting me.

photo of the Modern 7140 axial flow combine

Modern 7140 axial flow combine

photo of the rebuilt and painted tractor

1936 Farmall F-12 Restoration in Three Days

Teardrop Trail Log: June 18, 2016

One surprising highlight of this year’s Red Power Roundup was the “flash” restoration of an old Farmall tractor in just three days. Originally the brainchild of Howard Raymond of Wellfleet, Nebraska, the idea had its roots in another restoration completed by volunteers in Madison, Wisconsin in 2009. Deciding on a Farmall F-12 that was stored in a warehouse, the process of gathering volunteers and sponsors took a couple of years, and the unrestored tractor was displayed at the 2015 Red Power in Sedalia, Missouri to encourage participation.

Everything was ready to go on Thursday, June 16th, with 40 volunteers and an unrestored tractor. In the space of three days, it was disassembled, sandblasted, the motor overhauled, new brakes and clutch, the magneto and carburetor overhauled, re-assembled and painted. By Saturday, it was showing off around the ‘Roundup. The restored tractor then was presented to Case/IH for inclusion in their Farmall Collection.

Information regarding the planning process and a picture of the original unrestored tractor is available on the 2016 Red Power Roundup site. What a remarkable effort!

Photo of Volunteers "flash" rebuilding the Farmall F-12

Volunteers “flash” rebuild the Farmall F-12

photo of a pickup truck

Scouts! Trucks!

Teardrop Trail Log: June 17. 2016

The Red Power Roundup is not all tractors. International made other products, and trucks were a major line. My grandparents had a farm in Nebraska, and I would spend time there each summer. They had two 1946 International pickup trucks — one that ran (a black one) and one that didn’t (it was red). By the time I was about 12, I had learned to drive the tractor (a Model H) and began driving the black pickup. It had a “three on the tree”, manual steering and brakes that almost worked — quite a handful for a beginning driver! I still miss driving it, so I’m especially fond of the restored trucks that show up each year at Red Power.

Later, I roomed with a fellow who had an International Scout. It was a simple thing — easy to work on, and (as I remember it) it always started — even in the dead of winter. We had many adventures in that Scout. Here is a sampling of pickups and scouts from this year:

John Glancy’s Scout (pictured above) along with Jim Allen is one of the authors of the International Scout Encyclopedia (Octane Press). I got to meet the authors at the Octane Press meet and greet the previous night, so having an assortment Scouts to examine was especially fun.

photo of tractors Lining Up for an Album Photo

Roaming Around Red Power

Teardrop Trail Log: June 17, 2016

Tractors are fun, but the best part of Red Power is reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. This year was our third at the ‘Roundup, and I set off to see who I could find. Although not as spread out as previous years, the Racine County Fair was still a lot of ground to cover, and it would be a challenge to see it all. On the way, there were surprises and things that, well, you just don’t see everyday.

In the early tractor shed, there was the expected shiny early 20th-century equipment — beautifully restored and ready to transform the life of some old-time farmer who was more accustomed to working with horses. The next bay held a surprise though: a rusted hulk of a 1936 Farmall Model F-12 with a swarm of men intent on various tasks. Reading the nearby sign, I learned that they meant to completely rebuild this “found in the woods” beauty in the three days of the ‘Roundup — including a fresh coat of McCormick-Deering painted livery. If they were successful, that would be impressive!

And right next to the rebuild crowd, was my friend Charlie Uthke, who is usually surrounded by a knot of fans for his engine stands and alternator conversions. We camped with Charlie and his wife at our first Red Power Roundup in Huron, South Dakota in 2014 and I remember the good campfire conversations.  We only see them once a year, but it’s always fun to catch up.

Photo of The Uthke's

The Uthke’s