The godfather in New Joisey.

[drron]

At check in at the HGI Mankato my Diners card was rejected-had just used it at the westin that morning.So hand over my visa-also rejected.Strange.Told to try again in the morning.Put on the 9th floor.The floor plan shows 4 suites,2 much larger rooms and 5 standard rooms.We are in a standard room and it appears only 2 other standard rooms occupied.The place is empty,only 10 cars in the car park.Next morning I see the guest list-3 diamonds on the list-I guess thats the 3 rooms on the top floor.
After checkin we are off to have a frozen custard then a little retail therapy at Herzbergers-the Sunday paper had coupons for an extra 20% off-and a lot of stuff was already 70% off.Then to Walmart before having dinner at Red Lobster.We share a 3lb lobster-comes with salads and baked potatoes as well as their cheese biscuits.With wine a total bill of $60.
Monday starts off with a hot breakfast-always complimentary to golds and diamonds at HGI.Free internet is for everyone so they are a good choice in regional USA.Checkout and both cards rejected again.I explain that since last night my Diners was accepted at Red lobster.GM is called and comps the stay.I cant complain but just a little sad as i would loose the HH and AA points plus a 5000 point bonus for my 5th Hilton stay.I am absolutely gobsmacked 10 days later when it shows up as a stay with all the points I would have earned posted.Thanks GM a truly great outcome.
At 0900 we set out west on the Minnesota Valley scenic byway.You have to watch out as the signs are small and usually after an intersection.We manage not to lose our way.Bypas New Ulm.Stop at the Hawking general store and museum.Now the sign says open Monday-Friday from 1000 and it is now 1015.It is closed.So we drive on.
We decide to stop at Fort ridgely State park.As we drive up the Ranger puts out the open sign.That will be next.

 

[drron]

Now in Minnesota $5 will get a car load into any State Park for the day-we will see 3 today.The Museum at Fort ridgely is only open on weekends but the site is well sign posted with history boards explaining the action.This was an inglorious episode in US history.The Dakotah(Sioux) indians rebelled in the early 1860s here.Yes they killed some local farmers but their treatment could certainly be called inhumane.This fort was attacked twice in 1862 and only just held out.The local chief was approaching the Fort unarmed and carrying a white flag when he was shot-dying later of the wounds.The indian men were then rounded up and at the end of 1862 38 were hanged at Mankato-the largest mass execution in US history.Many of the Indians fled west and were amongst those later at the Little Bighorn-as ye sew so shall ye reap.
Now there are only foundations and a monument with lots of 13 stripers(small ground sqirrels).Overhead hawks lazily soared.Just down the road later we were accompanied by a bald eagle-truly magnificent.Some pics-

To get these little fellows I would lay down in the grass-a hundred little fellows would stand on their hind legs.As I raised the camera down they would all go down again.
After we left Fort ridgely the road became dirt.Yes it was scenic but it was small glimpses of the river with fields of corn and soybeans-

so if you are ever doing this then west of Fort ridgely go back across the river and take the better roads.We stop at the Lower and Upper Sioux Falls.Both State Parks and find out more of the history.We drive through Granite Falls and Montevideo.None of the local restaurants look great so we have a snack at Maccas.I see their new Angus burger is described as an Experienca Culinaria-how could I resist?It tasted a lot like salt-hint Maccas,lowering the salt content might be good for a few peoples health.
Now there is a saying that you should never trust a skinny chef-now let me tell you the workers at this maccas were very trustworthy-looked like they took their wages in burgers.
We now leave the Minnesota valley-that is next.

 

[drron]

Leaving the Minnesota Valley we drive north on Highway 29 through a few pretty little towns.Benson has some excellent old buildings.Go through Starbuck on Lake Minnewaska-even though it is only 20C and the wind is fairly ripping through people are out swimming.Early afternoon and we arrive at Alexandria where we are staying at the Hampton inn and suites.Put on top floor(3rd).Now there are 9 suites,9 larger rooms and 16 standard rooms-we are in a standard.definitely not going to miss much dropping to Gold next year.
The attraction here is the Rune stone which a farmer called Olaf ploughed up some time ago.The inscription of it suggests the vikings were here in 1392.You are asked whether it is fact or fiction-sorry olaf.We then do a little more retail therapy-if you are of larger size these regional centres have a lot more of the correct sizes.
We then go and have dinner at The Whiskey Creek Woodfire Grill.Another place with pails of peanuts but also reasonable food.I start with a Wisconscin beer cheese soup-more like a cheese sauce-

For mains mrsdrron has the overnight brisket plate-

I have a half rack of ribs and pulled pork-

You get a loaf of bread as well-

With a bottle of pinot grigio it comes to $65.The meats were excellent,tender and full of flavour.Going back to the Hampton we decide we couldnt fit in a frozen custard.
Next-we find out why Bemidji is called bemidji.

 

[drron]

Tuesday and another days drive following some of Minnesota's scenic byways.When we are looking at a driving tour in the USA we always go to the State Tourism site of those states we will be driving through and order their brochures-they post them to Australia.You will always get a map and with MN we got a booklet on the scenic byways as well.We continue on 29N and start seeing a few patches of Fall colour.
We then go 235W,59N and 210W to Battle Lake-very picturesque.Some great views as we then head up 78N to Perham-another pretty town.We then go on 10W through Frazee-home of the world's largest turkey-Minnesotans are really into big things,nearly as much as Australia.Detroit Lakes is a large town on a large lake-there are at least 10000 lakes in MN.
We then head east on 34E to Park rapids before turning onto 71N to Bemidji.You stop at Itasca State Park which is the Headwaters of the Mississippi River.Tonight is another Hampton Inn with a fantastic setting on the lakes edge.Here we are upgraded to a suite!

And the view from the room-

The HI is not far from where the Mississippi enters the lake-

When we arrived we had a quick snack at Taco bell.Young Katie was a great ad for the town-friendly,asking about Australia-she picked the accent-then told us what was around.what is around is the legend of Paul bunyan a giant logger-

For dinner we were going to go to the Peppercorn restaurant-supposedly Bemidji's best-it failed our test-only 2 cars in the parking lot at 1930 so we went over the road to Applebees and had steaks-not the greatest but cheap.
Now why was Bemidji called Bemidji.Well i dont know the official story but when we walked on the sand by the lake there were all these tiny black biting things and I know if I had got there first the name would have been thought appropriate.
next mrsdrron's birthday and Gran rapids.

 

[JerseyVics]

Great trip report!

I live 15 minutes drive down rt17 from Sheraton Crossroads, Mahwah

Too bad you didn't go down to The Satin Dolls... for the real taste of the godfather life at Bada Bing!

 

[drron]

Great trip report!

I live 15 minutes drive down rt17 from Sheraton Crossroads, Mahwah

Too bad you didn't go down to The Satin Dolls... for the real taste of the godfather life at Bada Bing!

Well if I knew then what i know now!How often do we say that.
will be back in the area one day just dont know when.We will try to drive a little further down 17.

 

[drron]

Wednesday-the sun is shining.As we look out the window an Osprey is circling then dives emerging with a fair sized fish then flies off.A few loons are paddling round the lakes edge-birds that is,of the feathered variety.After enjoying the Hampton breakfast,which everyone gets,and getting a few photos we set off on a circuitous route to Grand Rapids.The most scenic part was Route 38 north of Grand rapids.
The first wildlife on the road was a whitetail deer fawn.Later on we spotted an adult female trotting across the road.Just north of Grand
Rapids we spot a very large stag-hope he survives the hunting season.
The County Fair is on but it is now pouring rain so we decide not to go.Instead visit the Old School shops-interesting crafts and we have a light lunch at Aunty Ems-ordinary wraps with Cappucinos that were flat whites.Next drove down to Judy Garlands home-yes she was born here.Dont go to the childrens museum.
Tonight we are staying at the Timberlake Lodge-supposedly the best place in town.Being mrsdrrons birthday we have booked a suite-really strange setup with a windowless box in the middle which was the bathroom.Neither the bedroom or the sitting room either side of this were that large.The shower though was large so that 2 could shower together or you could have water spray at you from both sides-

And Judy garlands house-

We decide to have dinner at the hotel restaurant-the 17th street grille.We shared crab stuffed shrimp-a bit overdone.Rojaan had a pork chop-again overdone and tough.I had the grilled walleye-at least not overdone but not much flavour.
At least we got a comfortable nights sleep.
Next-off to Duluth.

 

[drron]

Thursday and it is cold,overcast withintermittent showers.We have had enough of the scenic byways so the weather is an excuse to head straight for Duluth.As we drive in mrsdrron spots the Miller hill Mall so we stop off.I manage to get to Barnes and Noble and do a bit of browsing before we decide to warm up with a cappucino from the in store starbucks.Asked if i have a Barnes and Noble card-not now though I used to.It costs $25 a year and with my son now back in Australia we have no US address for delivery.Besides the borders rewards card is free.The young woman next in line immediately offered her card for swiping so we got a 10% discount-nice gesture.
After this we drove around Duluth's north shore-some lovely homes.Then we had a look at the Canal Area and the opening bridge.

And the North shore(Lake Superior)-

We got to the Sheraton about 2.30pm and were told our room was not ready and to wait and they would call us.At least 6 other groups were checked in and of to their rooms so at 3pm I went back to the desk and asked if our room was ready.Told yes and given a room on 3rd floor plus another key to get into the exec lounge.Got to the room to find we had been made to wait for the smallest room on the floor by the floorplan on the back of the door.had a good view of the building next door.Soon discovered that third Ave which we looked out on was a bus and truck route and was uphill.A slight noise problem.The bathroom also had just a shower.So went back to the desk to be told the hotel is full and we cant be moved.So why did we have to wait for this room.Because it was your assigned room.So there,I guess the same room on the second floor could have been considered worse but here plat was worth diddely squat.
I did look at moving to the Hampton Inn which is right on the Lake but unfortunately they had no availability for the first night even by diamond force.I guess i could have rung diamond desk but decided just to lump it.
The lounge was not great.As usual for the USA drinks are not complimentary.Snacks were poor and quickly scoffed by the myriad rug rats.Unfortunately breakfast was no better and the HI would probably have had a better selection.A hotel which is definitely on I never will return list.
Next more of Duluth and the wilderness.

 

[mattm199]

Thanks for an interesting TR, Ron. I must try to check out that part of the US between the Coasts some visit there!

 

[drron]

That night it began raining again so we drove to dinner.As Red Lobster in the Canal area had free parking at the door we went there.naturally lobster again.
Friday and the rain had cleared.Drove north along the shore of Lake Superior first stopping at Two harbours.This is an Iron ore port with quite old ore loaders-

We then drove up Hway 1 to Ely which skirts a large wilderness area.very picturesque,lots of birdlife but unfortunately none of the larger wildlife sometimes seen along this road such as black bear and moose.At Ely we just have a subway lunch just finishing as a Boy scouts troop invaded the place.
We then went to the International Wolf Centre.It is being renovated so a little disappointing.6 wolves that lay around in the sun-unfortunately yesterday had been feeding day.

Just down the road is the North american Bear centre.This was more interesting with 2 feedings whilst we were there-an extra put on for a tour bus that arrived unannounced.You could pay extra to go outside and be close to the bears when feeding.

there were quite a few bird species here and a family of red squirrels.we enjoyed it.It was then down 169 and 53 back to Duluth-the birth place of Bob Dylan.
Next-off to Wisconsin.

 

[drron]

When we got back to Duluth we once again checked the exec. lounge.Teeming with rug rats.No hot food,cheese gone.A plate of crisps was put out and one little fellow made off with the lot.So we went for a walk back to the Canal area.Lots of restaurants but not much took our fancy.Finally settled on the Timber Lodge steakhouse.Turned out a good choice.We shared some good stuffed mushrooms.My prime rib was great and mrsdrron enjoyed her steak tips.
Saturday we set off down 53S.We stop at the Richard I Bong information centre as we cross into Wisconsin.Named after a WW11 fighter ace from here.Downstairs is a museum with his P38-$9 entrance.Next door it is the annual dragon boat races-huge crowds.We continue on.Amnicon State park is worth a stop with a covered bridge plus a scenic detour through Solar Springs can be worth it.Then on to Eau Claire and our overnight stop at the Hampton Inn.Unfortunately turns out to be a very noisy place and little sleep.
Dinner is at the Texas Roadhouse-another chain that is quite cheap.My pulled pork dinner is $8.99-

Mrsdrron had the salmon for $9.99-

Next-the State capitol and Taliesin

 

[drron]

Sunday and we set off on I94E stopping only for a frozen custard at Mauston.The girl at Culvers thinks I am from outer space and i have to use sign language to make myself understood.The first time I have had to do this in the North.We then naturally stop at the outlets at Wisconsin dells.It is here I discover that you get an AAA discount at Gap outlets and my RACQ card works just fine.
We then detour via Spring Green-a picturesque drive but we are headed to Taliesin-Frank Lloyd Wrights home.We have a 2 hour tour but have a little time to kill so have lunch there-nice salads with some of the local drop-

The restaurant has soothing views of the Wisconsin river-

Then a bus to Taliesen itself.Magnificent grounds with other FLW buildings that can be visited on other tours.

next-the house.

 

[drron]

Now when looking through Wrights buildings the design concepts are magnificent-Fallingwater 50 or so miles from Pittsburgh really is great.However in a practical sense he was hopeless.Here he supervised amateurs in the building and there are now huge problems-drainage being the worst.In several places the building is the worse for wear and there are ongoing renovations.It is still a worthwhile tour.

Yet more pics to come.

 

[drron]

A small part of the damage-

After this it is a short run into the State Capitol Madison for our stay at the Sheraton-that is next.

 

[drron]

We arrived at the Sheraton Mahwah and first impression is of a typical hotel in smaller US cities.8 stories and though near a lake a hill and tall trees mean no views-apart from parking lots and a sports stadium.However once inside the impressions changed.This was a free stay from the free weekend promotion.The staff were friendly and efficient.Despite paying nothing we are upgraded to a large suite on the 8th floor-

As you can see the furnishings were quite plain-no WoW factor here.There was also a small kitchenette with a dining area and table for 6.bathroom large and functional.
We decided to eat in as a long day.I started with a Wisconsin special,fried cheese curds-

Lets just say I am in no hurry to have my second taste.I had meatloaf for mains and mrsdrron again the pork chop.Quite reasonable home style cooking.Service was very good.

Although in room internet was not free they do have the Sheraton link in the lobby with several machines but also several points to connect your own laptop and that is free for everyone.
Next-offto Chicago.

 

[drron]

We started Monday with breakfast in the lounge.We were the only ones there-

We headed off down I90 heading for Gurnee Mills-a very large outlet mall just over the Illinois border from Wisconsin.It was very disappointing-lots of empty stores and others closing.Only a couple of extra items and our last Cinnabons for the trip.
We then headed for the HGI Forest Lake.Being a cheapskate I decided not to go down the tollway but tried Highway 41.But a few detours and the fact that roads changed their names east of the tollway meant I had no idea where I was.I decided we must be about the right distance south,turned west and came across the tollway right at the HGI.There wasnt much in the way of restaurants close by so we ate again at the hotel.
It really was pretty good.I had fish and chips,mrsdrron had salmon over fettucine,we shared a creme brulee cheesecake and with a glass of wine and a Goose island beer it came to $50.
It was then time to repack the bags after doing the laundry so everything was in readiness for our ORD-NRT flight the next day.That is next.

 

[drron]

An early(for us) breakfast on Tuesday as we had to drop off our rental car and really didnt know how long it would take in the morning traffic to get the 20 miles to ORD-as it turned out,not long.The breakfast room at the HGI was a shambles and we had to bus our own table so no tip today.On top of that the milk on my cereal didnt taste quite right and later I was to pay the price.
Dropping of our car at Hertz they tried to hit us with a $65 charge for the extra driver-free with number 1 gold and had been agreed at MSP when we picked the car up.so i asked to speak to the manager.He said the policy had just changed-Oh just like a chevvy malibu is now a full size car even though your card here shows it as standard?Yes that just changed a month ago-funny that it also happened to me more than a year ago then.They agreed to drop the $65.however I am not going to use Hertz in the US again-they are big time into gouging.
check in was a breeze.Baga were 49,40lbs.No problems.To the AC-bad luck no Flounging this trip.Before entry we saw our 777 awaiting us-

We were in 9J,H-didnt notice the BPs but I had preselected 12A,C.I feel the J cabin is functional.Quite a few empty seats-

I like the tray arrangement with one part in the seat arm and another in the seat back which can be joined-

On boarding it was the first time I heard them call F pax,then J,then EXP,then OW emerald.As soon as I was seated I had my first glass of Pommery and it was refilled without having to ask.
AA153 ORD-NRT ETD 1250.Boarding at 1210.Pullback 1310.Takeoff 1330.
next-inflight service.

 

[drron]

Service on this flight was efficient and reasonably well done.The first problem was our seats.We fell victim to FEBO.Mrsdrron's selection of salmon was available but it appeared that the Japanese meals had all been spoken for.The FA said she would ask her fellow FA on the other aisle-i saw him shake his head.She came back and said could you just wait a while and I'll see what I can do.She came back saying she had found a Japanese meal-indeed she had,in F.

So I started with sahimi tuna with fruits,pickled mushroom and scallop,sashimi octopus in a cucumber cylinder and fish balls,eel,salmon roe over pickled cucumber.
Main tray was shrimp and tomato,chicken dumpling and egg omelette,chicken thigh and lotus root,trout with eggplant,octopus and salmon roe,softshell crab spring roll,miso with mushrooms and rice.
I have to say this was every bit as good and probably better than meals on JAL which surprised me.The accompanying wine was an Italian pinot grigio-Leigeder Rift delle venezie-very nice.
to finish it was the very traditional Japanese Ben & Jerry's chocolate ice cream with marshmallows.A glass of Graham's 20 yr old tawny port-good but I prefer the Tokay on QF.
Next mrsdrron's meals and arriving at NRT.

 

[drron]

Now I must admit I really do not know what mrsdrron had for her meal apart from salmon as the main course as she commented how this was very well prepared for an airline meal-neither of us like our fish overcooked.Even looking at the picture I am not sure what her appetiser was-

After lunch I had a 3 hour nap.Then read before watching Confessions of a shopaholic.2 hours out of NRT we were served a snack.I had the UNO farmers market pizza which I enjoyed-

Mrsdrron had the chicken cilantro-

There was an interesting episode soon after takeoff.A passenger from behind the curtain decided to upgrade himself.He ignored the FAs request to go back to his seat.The FA went back to WHY reappearing about 5 minutes later and said-"MrY we have checked your ticket and it appears you paid by CC.It will now be charged a full J fare.Unfortunately though there was obviously no chance to load meals for you for this flight.But do enjoy it".He then went back behind the curtain.I thought very well handled.
The seats in front of us were for crew rest.However there was always a patrolling FA fulfilling any requests.So even though not memorable for interaction with crew I thought this was a very professional crew.
ETA at NRT-1535.Touchdown-1557.deplaned at annex 1610.
Unfortunately this meant we just missed the airport limousine service so had a fair wait.Also it was slower than usual and 2 hours to get to the Westin where we stayed.Review here-
http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/hotel-experiences-and-reviews/westin-tokyo-19200.html
Tokyo will be next.

 

[drron]

We slept well but still felt a little tired the next day.A late breakfast in the restaurant.Fantastic.Mrsdrron was really happy as in season were Isabella grapes which she loves-the amount she had every morning were at least $25 in the supermarkets.I enjoyed the selection of Japanese food and the fresh squeezed juices-quite a few mixtures.The bacon was also done 2 ways-the way i like it and the stupid burn it to a crisp american way-first time i have seen this.And 3 of our 5 nights here are absolutely free.
About 1130 we venture outside to explore the local area.We enjoyed it.Across the street is a Joel Rubochon restaurant and the Sapporo brewery museum.The Yebisu Gardens complex has a great variety of restaurants and a Mitzukoshi dept. store.As usual this has a supermarket and a food hall in the basement-always worth a visit as usually a few free tastes available.
We then took the skywalk(moving footway) to Ebisu station.More restaurants and an Atse dept store.We then had to refresh our stimulant levels with a Starbucks.Next we walked over to the west side of the station to the Matsuzakaya supermarket and discovered its top floor was a 100 yen shop-oh heaven.We came away with quite a collection of gadgets we hadnt realised we needed :shock:.
On the walk back we stopped at the aptly named Sushi Go round.Better quality than that type of place back home,larger serves and half the price.We had 8 plates-salmon,tuna,salmon roe and seafood salad all for Y1040-$14.On the walk back we purchased some cakes for later.arrived back in time for Happy hour in the lounge.Spanish and USA whites and reds,several beers and limited spirits.Not a great snack selection and it didnt change for the 5 nights.
Tomorrow-a visit to a Japanese garden.