First Stop: Leinenkugel's, Of Course!

First Stop: Leinenkugel's, Of Course!

We were only able to score two nights at the Fairgrounds in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. So what’s the first thing you do when you roll into Chippewa? Simple—you head straight to Leinenkugel’s.

Locals call it “Leinie’s,” and it’s been part of the town’s identity since 1867, when Jacob Leinenkugel started the brewery. Known for its classic lagers and famous summer shandies, Leinenkugel’s has long been a staple of Midwestern beer culture.

The Leinie Lodge is a welcoming stop just outside of town, featuring a small pilot brewery, a cozy gift shop, and the chance to sample a variety of seasonal and year-round brews. Tours are offered regularly, giving you a glimpse of the company’s rich brewing heritage.

We chose a flight, working our way from a crisp Kölsch all the way to a rich, bold stout. The range of flavors was impressive—each one with its own character, and some reminding us why this brewery has held a place in Wisconsin hearts for generations.

But here’s the sad part: Leinenkugel’s was officially sold to Molson Coors six years ago. Since then, the heart of the operation has shifted. Production in Chippewa Falls has stopped. While the name remains, it feels a bit like the soul has moved on.

Still, it’s worth the stop—if only to tip your hat to over 150 years of brewing history. Raise a glass to Jacob and the legacy he built right here on the banks of Duncan Creek.

We packed up and left on Saturday morning, as we had a very long drive, around 38 miles. 

Susan, had located a COE campground outside of Spring Valley. Highland Ridge Equestrian Campground, N2100 Dugan Rd. 

The drive was easy and uneventful, but the night, well that's another story for later.

Safe Journeys and Travels

Susan, Tilly, Dakota and me

DaGirls Rv, & Gus da Bus

Wrapping Up Fox Lake

Continuing our Journey to the FRVA Rally in Gillette Wyoming 

Our Journey yesterday (June 26), took us on US 12 to I-90 and then onto I-94, where we landed at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds. 

Our travel was easy and uneventful which is what we like. We have been ramping up our speed to 65Mph, little higher then normal. This is our house and has valuable items inside like Dakota and Tilly. One accident is all it takes. I know many of our friends think it is safe to travel at 70 or even at 75 Mph. 

Our arrival was met with warm and friendship from the Fair Grounds, and we setup with full hookups if needed.

Wrapping Up Our Stay at Fox Lake

Wednesday marked our final day together as a family at the Lake House. The morning began early as Brandon headed off to football practice before making his way to his mother’s place, catching a flight out to the East Coast.

The rest of the house was a flurry of activity. Dana and Tom tackled house cleaning and packing. Meanwhile, the younger crew—Ryan, Aubrie, and Gavin—kept themselves busy with games (though we’ll give them the benefit of the doubt that they may have done a bit of packing too).

Susan stayed inside helping where she could, and I did my part by staying out of the way. Later, she and I teamed up to handle the outdoor cleanup and get things ready for our early departure on Thursday.

We truly enjoyed our time here at the Lake House, and we’re especially grateful for the warm hospitality from Dana and Tom. Their kindness and generosity made our visit all the more special. Especially the 50amp installation. 

Sadly our case of wine did not arrive in time for us, but Dana and Tome will make good use of it. (Actually we planned it this way).

Capt. Steve a 1953 Sears and Roebuck House Kit, the first 2 photos.

Grandpa and Ryan discussing play on Swoop

Susan wrapping up the paint removal on the staircase

The only problem? Lola! Yes Lola, would take over Dakota's bed and Dakota be left without.

Safe Travels and Journeys

DaGirls Rv, AkA Gus Da Bus

Susan, Tilly, Dakota and me

What’s in a Name?

 If you’ve been following our blog lately, you might have picked up on a little game we've been playing—“What’s in a Name?”

It’s simple, really. I drop clues, highlight a few choice words, and you try to guess the names of the folks we’re talking about. It’s our lighthearted way of honoring friends we’ve met along the road, while also giving you a puzzle to chew on.

The first round was easy—Dave and Willie Rypma. Willie once told me that saying their last name was as simple as “Ryp my pants.” Can’t forget that one!

Next came Linda and Jeff. Their name was a bit more subtle, needing just a little mental nudge: Vent – Able… Venable. See how it works?

Some of you have caught on quickly. Others are still scratching their heads. Either way, it’s all in good fun—and it helps us share the joy of the people who’ve made our journey richer.

Stay tuned for the next clue. Who knows? You might be the next name in the game.

Our journey on Friday, took us to the Chain O'Lakes State Park.

Friday’s Journey: Chain O’Lakes State Park

Our Friday travels brought us to Chain O’Lakes State Park—a true gem in northeast Illinois. Nestled across both McHenry and Lake counties, this park is the heart of a water lover’s paradise, boasting nearly 6,500 acres of interconnected lakes and a remarkable 488 miles of shoreline.

Chain O’Lakes became a state park in 1945 when Illinois made its first land purchase of 840 acres. Since then, it has grown into a well-loved destination for campers, boaters, and nature seekers alike.

The park offers three distinct campgrounds: one for tent and small trailer dry camping, and another section designed for larger rigs like our Class A, with 30/50 amp service and water hookups. Outside of holiday weekends, it’s surprisingly easy to snag a site—either by reservation or even a walk-in. 

Our Travels on Friday June 20th

Stay Tune for more in What's in a Name

Safe Travel and Journeys

DaGirls Rv & Gus da Bus

Susan, Tilly, Dakota and me

Back to What's in a Name (and a Little Less Venting)

 Well, here we are again, still soaking up the lakeside vibes at Dana's and Tom's Lake House – or as we affectionately call it, the Lake House, nestled on the serene Fox Lake. And speaking of names, it seems I'm stuck in a bit of a linguistic pickle, thanks to Susan.

Now, I don't want to be seen as lamenting, or heaven forbid, venting, but Susan has laid down the law. No more "venting," even if we're perfectly able to. Apparently, we now have to "lament." Which, honestly, doesn't sound quite as cathartic, but I suppose it has a certain old-world charm, doesn't it? Though, if we're being honest, I'm still quite able to vent, and sometimes, a good vent is just what the doctor ordered.

But here's the kicker: I can still vent. And why, you ask? Because I'm able to, for starters! And perhaps more importantly, very few of you seem to be playing along with my little game of "What's in a Name"! This is your golden opportunity to dust off those brain cells and join the fun. Let's get those gears turning!

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Gus's Much-Needed TLC

So, while Susan's busy rebranding our emotional outlets, what have I been up to, you might wonder? A whole lot of overdue maintenance on Gus, AKA the bus. You know how it goes – those nagging small repairs that you just keep putting off? Yeah, those.

For instance, I've been tackling the grab bars. During Gus's original construction days, someone decided self-tapping screws were a perfectly acceptable substitute for a proper drill and tap. Let's just say I now own a tap and die set, and I'm meticulously redoing all those mounting holes to ensure a truly tight fit. No more wobbly grab bars for Gus! Including the hinge plates for the entry door. 

Beyond that, I've been immersed in a flurry of rewiring projects. This isn't just about getting things to work; it's about cleaning up the messy bits and, crucially, installing chafe material and tubing to protect the wires from fraying. Because nobody wants an electrical headache down the road, especially not on the bus.

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So, there you have it. A bit of a linguistic update from the Lake House, a peek into Gus's ongoing transformation, and a gentle nudge to get those "What's in a Name" gears turning.

Are you more of a "venter" or a "lamenter"? And seriously, what names have you been pondering lately?

I did forget, one of you was Venting in your comments. 

I Quote " What No Lake Pictures" ?

Now for some of you I am expecting you to lament in your comments. Especially Venting about What' sin a name. 

So, check our our route as we head to Gillette, Wy. You can click on the map ( the "Broken Square" upped right of the map to enlarge it, and then click on the Legend Icon. 

Safe Travels and Journeys

DaGirls Rv, Gus da Bus

Susan, Tilly, Dakota and me