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Norte Dame Main Building
First photo across the plaza Friday,
Rain, rain go away.
We have been blessed since departing on Sunday with fantastic weather...warm and dry. But all good things come to an end. We spent the night in South Bend, Indiana. I woke to the sound of steady rain. We were prepared that this day would come. We have rain jackets and two small umbrellas. Today, we were glad we had both. While we anticipated the rain we were not really prepared for the cold. It was in the low 40s when we got up and stayed there all day. Plus, a steady 10-15 mph wind.
But, we have had another great travel day. Exhausting, but fun. We decided that we had to explore the Notre Dame University campus. Jackie plugged in her GPS the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and off we went. Her GPS said turn left and then turn right. We did the left turn but the road was closed when we needed to turn right. So, we circled around a while and found ourself on the campus surrounded by dorms and then we found the medical center. I parked there and off we set to find the Basilica. After about 15
University of Notre Dame
This is a lake adjacent to the campus near the Brasilia minutes, we decided that her GPS took us the opposite side of the campus. It was interesting but not where we planned to visit. So, back to the car and we circled the campus and found the gold dome Main Building. A campus guard told us to drive closer and take a photo then return and he would direct us to the Basilica. He did and next we were in the Lake Lot, parked and ready to walk to the buildings.
Now, we have seen lots of cathedrals, but this one is a must see! The photos are good but cannot do this place justice. Put this on your bucket list. We met a guide inside who gave us a full description of the history. He explained how a cathedral can be designated as a basilica. After this we visited the nearby grotto then the student center. Although, I'm not known as a big Notre Dame fan, this visit has changed my opinion. This school is fabulous and I'd love for one of my grandkids to attend.
We were lucky that we never had rain during our campus visit. But soon after it started. Plus, the temps stayed
low. Anyway, we decided to hit the road for our next stop, Holland, Michigan.
On the way, we noticed some vineyards along the highway. So, Jackie Googled "vineyards" on her phone and we found one that seemed interesting and basically on our route. It is called Vineyard 2121, in Benton Harbor, MI. We stopped and did samplings and ordered a panini sandwich. The wine was not our taste so we passed on buying a bottle and then headed on over to Holland, in the rain.
We arrived and checked in not certain if we had the energy to go back out. This week is the annual Tulip Festival in Holland. It is renown. But we were tired. Somehow, we got our second wind and drove over to Veldheer Tulip Gardens. We were pleased that we did. There were so many rows and rows of tulips of all colors. All groups of the tulips had an identifying number which allowed you to know the name and buy some if that is your thing. We enjoyed but decided to pass on buying any.
So, we once again returned to the hotel. It was now getting late and I checked
the local restaurants for a nice dinner. I found a good one on Lake Macatawa, named Boatwerks. It was great. We got there in time for happy hour drinks and then had a good meal. But now, yes, we were tired. So, back to the room and start planning for tomorrow and writing this blog. It is not yet 9:00 but Jackie is asleep.
Tomorrow we head to Arcadia to meet our Atlanta next door neighbors at their Summer home. We promised Sharon and Charlie Trense that we would visit one day and tomorrow we will.
Good night.
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