After Chicago we headed north, staying in Deerfield and then Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, at the lakehouse of former rider Brad Topol. We had some rolling hills through Wisconsin. Not very challenging, but very pretty. Most of the places we stayed in Wisconsin were small towns; Fitchburg, Reedsburg, and La Crosse. On our way into La Crosse we took a bike trail for about the last 7 or 8 miles. The whole day had been pretty unscenic so far, but when we entered the bike trail we immediately crossed into these pristine swamplands. The trees cleared and there was nothing but placid water on either sides of us. Off in the distance was the forested bluffs that we have begun to see more and more. But after going through the Midwest for so long, they looked like mountains. Coupled with the fog rolling through their trees from the gloomy, overcast day, I felt like I was in Central America. But instead of riding into Aztec pyramids, the trail dead ended right at the UW-La Crosse campus. Being there for the night was nice, as it felt strangely familiar. It was probably just the idea of being surrounded again by people our age that gave us a positive vibe that evening. With the thought of hitting less and less civilization the further west we head, it was nice being back in a college town for the night.