Driving North to the Birds...

We heard a wonderful interview on WBEZ's Worldview program with Jerome McDonald recently.  Jerome interviewed George Archibald, one of the co-founders of the International Crane Foundation.  Only 170 miles north of us (2 hours, 40 minutes) is the foundation's home near Baraboo, Wisconsin.  What a perfect trip for a Tesla.  Check out the podcast at www.wbez.org/shows/worldview-podcast/4fe38399-fbff-4160-a304-57ae27213a8c.

The trip started on Saturday morning with Beverly taking the wheel. She usually lets me do the driving, but this was a perfect chance to feel the benefits of owning a Tesla Model S.  After a few minutes of remembering the practice of Tesla driving, she moved forward like a pro.  Traffic was light, surprisingly on a beautiful summer weekend.  We took the direct path on the multi-lane tollway (Highway 90) until our navigation system redirected us on a more country path north of Madison, Wisconsin.  This was a good thing.

Merrimac Ferry, Wisconsin

We saw the new path and recalled our earlier days living in the Madison area.  There was a ferry that we had taken a few times about 40 years ago.  The Merrimac Ferry had moved cars and people over a short stretch of Lake Wisconsin.  Certainly after this many years, a bridge would have been built.  But to our happy surprise, the ferry still ran.  We just missed the loading as we pulled up to the dock, so we waited until it moved a group of customers across and returned with another group to our side of the lake.

Load up and make the short ten minute trip!

Shortly after the offloading we drove through Baraboo, WIsconsin.  This is the home of a wonderful circus museum.  Used to be a home of the Ringling Brothers Circus many years ago.  It is still running, but we did not stop.

Next stop is the International Crane Foundation, E11376 Shady Lane Road, PO Box 447, Baraboo, WI, 53913.  (www.savingcranes.org/)


The grounds were great and the people there very cordial.  By coincidence, we actually briefly met the founder, George Archibald who was touring some friend guests.  This is one of the only places on earth where you can see all 15 varieties of cranes.  They are contained in fenced areas, with some viewing areas providing great photo opportunities.  There are very few natural crane habitats today.
Here are a few pictures taken during the walking tour of the habitat.

Grey Crowned Crane, African

Blue Crane, African

Baby Sarus Crane

Black-necked Crane

Whooping Crane

Membership in the International Crane Foundation gives you entry to the exhibit, as well as entry to many other exhibits.  It is a worthy contribution to saving the crane populations of the world.

Since we missed lunch, we began to look for a place to get some food and drink. Thanks to the internet, we discovered the Driftless Glen Distillery in Baraboo.  A welcome lunch and a tour of the distillery with samplings followed.  But not enough to encumber our driving capabilities.

We did have enough battery to make the Madison Super Charger late in the afternoon.  We found one other Tesla charging up.  Plugged in, we enjoyed about 40 minutes of recharge. Strangely, as we sat charging, our Illinois plated Tesla met Teslas from Wisconsin, Massachusettes, Minnnesota, and Michigan.

343 miles after we left our home, we returned.  Happy to make the visit to the Crane habitat, join the foundation, lunch and taste the distillery, and enjoy our Model S.  Safe and sound!  Nikola does need a bath though - a few bugs came home with us.