Bus-legs established, one flat tire conquered and many truck stop lessons learned, we left the East Coast and headed to Hallie and Katie’s beloved homeland—the Great Lakes.  As we crossed over the Michigan border, our true American summer kicked into full gear.  Royal blue waters, clear skies, crisp lake breezes through pine needles and screen windows, the smell of brats and the taste of New Glarus Spotted Cow beer, the twinkle of boat lights on late night cruises and the echo of voices traveling across water; these were the local sounds, smells and sights of the Great Lakes. Whether we were trying out some late night headbanging, enjoying family company and folk rock favorites at local taprooms, rocking out to a Bruce Springsteen cover, beer in hand, arm in arm with new beirgarten best friends or swaying to the mesmerizing rhythm of original guitar and mandolin-fueled bluegrass, the Great Lakes offered up an eclectic soundtrack for the good life--summer on the lake.

Life On The Bus