Lake Geneva Blog #2

Sorry for the delay, but I got a bit too much sun yesterday and went to bed exhausted and a touch sick. Here's why.

Tuesday started off with breakfast at a nearby diner called Claw's (which instantly made me think of the Motorhead song, RIP Wurzel!). I don't normally do joints like this for breakfast, just lunch and dinner. And later in the day I remembered why. Anyway, it was unremarkable except that they didn't serve on plates, everyone got styrofoam to go containers, even if you were seated. Ans they had really good french toast sticks.

Next up was Big Foot State Park. The charge to come in was 10.00, but it allowed for all day access, and supports nature so that's good. The park itself though wasn't quite worth the fee. They had hiking trails, but most of them were under a mile. the longest one being 1.9. The trail we were on was bug infested to the point where spray had little effect and looked like it had been made by guys driving their jeeps through the woods. It led to a lagoon which was nice enough, and very clear. There were also camping sites and bathrooms that are better left unmentioned. We did one loop and left. I suppose if one lives nearby the all season pass might be worthwhile, but overall I was unimpressed.

Next we decided to try and drive around the perimeter of the lake and see what all was there. Well, lots of houses and eateries mostly. A few schools. Golf course. That's about it, nothing much to make us curious. The shops out here are kinda weird. they are either trinkety t-shirt shops or high end retailers catering to bored rich people. Underwhelming. Nice views of the lake though.

So then it was back to the condo to change and head back out to our side of the lake. First was lunch at a sandwich shop called Potbelly's. Best name ever. Apparently a chain, but not one by us St. Louisans. Sandwiches were very good, not too big or too small. They have live music, a la coffee shops, but none playing while we ate. Yummy food, good choice.

Next up was the beach. Yep, a beach on the lake. Sand and everything, basically a minute version if the ocean. Swimming in the lake proved a little bit difficult as the current was quite strong. My arms and legs actually hurt We did some swimming and some sunning. I don't think I could make a day of it like some people do, but it was fun.

Showered, changed and back out to dinner at the Red Geranium restaurant. We weren't quite sure what we were in for upon seeing the decor. Think of an elderly female relative and her floral wallpapered house. That's it, you've got it, except geraniums. So we ordered and hoped for the best. And what we got was the best. After a salad and delicious spinach and artichoke dip, I was served the best salmon I have ever had. A slight sear on the outside and extremely tender inside. Served with butter and lemon that enhanced the natural flavor but neither the fish or lemon was overpowering. Absolute perfection. The mixed squash and asparagus were also excellent. This was followed by a desert of Boston Creme Cake that was wonderfully decadent. The Red Geranium serves first class food at a middle class price. Worth more than we paid. An interior decorator's nightmare, but a favorite of local foodies.

As far as night life here, there is none to speak of. One must travel for that, we couldn't even find a convenient local movie theater. So we decided to try and find a mini golf course open. We landed at Paradise mini golf. The interesting thing about this course is that the owners run it from their home. The guy's back yard is huge, so instead of whining that he couldn't get lake front property he opens this course. Genius. The course itself is 18 holes. Some holes are quite challenging, some are fun ones where you hit your ball into a tube and it comes out on the other end either very near or very far from the hole. No windmills or gimmicky crap, but a nice big waterfall feature running through the center of the course. Quite enjoyable. Valerie beat me by two strokes. Rematch?...

So that was yesterday. We brought spray on sunblock which works well, but is difficult to put on your face. My head is kinda pink and I don't feel all that well today. It will probably be a slow day today, doing laundry and packing. maybe one excursion, but just taking it easy for the last full vacation day. Once again, pics coming soon, though we didn't seem to have the camera with us at the appropriate points yesterday. We'll fix that this afternoon.

See you soon.