Chris, that is excellent advice. I have been on the Badger heading into Wisconsin and it is a great experience.  Yes, driving through the Chicagoland area in a bus is no fun. US 31 down the west coast of Michigan to Camp Blodgett, however, is a most pleasant experience - perfect for bus travel. 

Thanks for your thoughtful comments!  

Pete O 

Sent from my iPhone

On Sep 26, 2012, at 20:56, chris and/or ruth <populuxe59@YAHOO.COM> wrote:

> If you head straight East from Minneapolis to Manitowoc, Wisconsin, you can take the SS Badger car ferry to Michigan. It doesn't save much time but you can skip Milwaukee, Chicago and Gary Indiana. You will save yourself about 200+ miles, one-way. And, Illinois tolls are expensive and tedious to stop for.
>  
> Best part is you can sit on deck or hang out below, play trivia, name that tune. Win prizes!  Eat and have a drink. Think of it as a 4 hour rest stop but your still traveling.
>  
> It is the only coal fired ship in operation in the United States. Even if you have no interest in taking the ferry, Sign the Badger's petition ( the EPA is trying to torpedo it because of the coal) on it's website.
>  
> If your Vanagon is a Westy, I  wouldn't mention that there is a range-top or fridge on board or they may charge you the RV rate. Of course, shut off your propane before it's parked on board.
>  
> Chris 3
>  
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>  
> 
> Oh that would be soooo bad to get.  ;)
> 
> We'll see how it works out,  I just hope for an uneventful drive, and an
> eventful trip.
> 
> tom
> 
> On 25 Sep 2012 at 21:19, Pete O wrote:
> 
>> 
>> That will earn you a high quality cigar and some Famous Grouse scotch if you
>> are so inclined! Pete Owsianowski