Heartland

Olympia to Chicago and Madison, Wisconsin was fun. Chicago is one of the great national engineering and architecture accomplishments. Maggie and I traveled through its canyons and lakefront on a bright, sunny day craning our necks trying to take it all in. We spent several excellent days just north of Chicago, enjoying hospitality from a friend who served with me in Vietnam and rode the train into the city. Just that little sliver of Chicago's daily commotion tells me it is a significant place in the nation and the world. Lake Michigan looks like the ocean. Madison is much smaller, a lively state capitol with a stunningly grand capital building and a Big 10 university. Maggie and I spent a lot of time craning our necks looking into vaulted ceilings in the capital building and marveled at the detail and grandeur everywhere. State Street connects to the University of Wisconsin and the Lake Mendotta waterfront. The 150 miles between the two cities is pleasant rolling land punctuated by small, neat towns. Lots of corn.