Tuesday, September 22, 2026
There was a fair amount of traffic out to west of Chicago, but things really got congested once we hit Indiana. What is that about? Whenever we were on a two lane highway (most of the time) it was just filled with cars and lots of big trucks. I didn’t love it, but at least it wasn’t raining like the first hour of the trip. (It was pouring when we waved as we went past Janesville. Hi TB and E! It always rains in Janesville). I had the brilliant idea to go to XXX Family restaurant in West Lafayette for lunch. Benjamin did a juggling time there and learned that they make their own very good root beer. Closed on Tuesday! Alexander calls it the Krungthep curse. Apparently, Alexander would like to try Krungthep Thai, but they are closed on Tuesday, and he only ever thinks of it on Tuesdays. Curses.
I found a good alternative – Dog ‘n Suds. We both had a coney cheese dog and an absolutely delicious root beer in a frosty mug from the comfort of our car. I walked around back to use the restroom. I pulled the door shut and it was DARK. I couldn’t find the light switch. I was fumbling around, trying to find the light or the doorknob, wondering if these things regularly happen to other people. I ended up just using the facilities in the dark. I did not think of using the flashlight on my phone, but now that Keith just said it, I’m thinking about it now.
We went to the very lovely Bernheim Forest and Arboretum. When my friend Carla heard of our plans to visit several arboretums searching for trolls, she suggested we get an annual pass to the MN arboretum and use the free get-ins for reciprocal places. This was one of them! Good idea, Carla!
The visitor center looked amazing, but we got there at 5:15 and it closed at 4. I wanted to shop in that gift shop. I do love a gift shop.
We went to see the Forest Giants in a Giant Forest! The first troll we found was looking at his reflection in the lake. His name is Little Nis.
Next, we found Mama Loumari.
I did some daring parkour involving available logs. Ta da me!
Finally, we located Little Elina in a field next to a giant leaf shape made of big rocks. She had very decorated hair, as young people are sometimes wont to have.
Presenting the leaf rocks: me
VERY strong first day out! (Sorry about the “closed on Tuesday places” – I think you “won” anyway…)
I always think we won! I gave up regretting for new Year’s one time and have never regretted that! 🙂
I’m so confused on days since we are in S. Africa. I had to keep looking to see what day this was, going back to Mondays and finding this is Tuesday, bu no date… 😕 It’s probably just me that likes the date… Enjoy the trolls.
I like the date, too, but I forgot. Keith just edited for us. We enjoyed the trolls – more excited to hear about S Africa!