The second annual Tour was a resounding success! On Friday, many tourers had an exotic dinner with flying knives at a local Japanese Hibachi restaurant in Rockford. Later that evening, the hotel’s mezzanine was enlivened with British, Australian and Midwest accents as a rollicking natter and noggin ensued. Saturday morning saw the confluence of all participants (see John’s article for specifics) at a local Shell station and the journey began! Two potty stops later we had a wonderful lunch at the Grumpy Troll in Mt. Horeb. This was a nicely restored 19th century downtown restaurant and, after a wonderful lunch, not a grumpy troll or mg owner could be found! Our next stop was Spring Green, where a number of us saw Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. Forsooth, it was a play of outstanding virtue with swords and blood and Oaths. Twas followed by a wonderful repast. A feast of chicken and roast beef and potatoes and carrots was set before us as had not been seen since Elizabethan times. Co Chair John, twas honored with the first ever “Wrong Way” award presenteth by Wilbur and Wade for his brilliant navigation upon last year’s weekend. Later that night, the annual “grassy knoll” party ensued in front of the motel where we did set our bed. Beer was quaffed, cigars smoked, fair Sally passed around candy for all to taste and many a tale was told well into the night.
In spite of a rip roaring thunder storm at 4am, and predictions of vindication by Don, many participants went topless Sunday morning and we set out through the beautiful rolling hills to the Spurgeon Vineyards and Winery. After a tour and some tastings, we took our second annual group photo and then headed for Mineral Point for a patio lunch at a local restaurant that espoused the “don’t hurry the patrons” philosophy. Thus ended the weekend event, with the group splitting up to go to the New Glarus Brewery and other destinations. John promises an even better tour next year, so watch for news of this event this Spring! Keep the shiny side up!—Bob Simon