Stargazer's Garage

Brainerd. Really. Brai nerd , Minnesota.

Click here for MAP of Day 5: Detroit Lakes to Thunder Bay, Ontario Click here to see all the pictures from Day 5 . We completed the first leg of our road trip on Wednesday, 11 July 2007. Day's Summary: Detroit Lakes to Thunder Bay Total distance traveled: 632.6 km Estimated travel time (GPS): 8 hours, 8 min. Total elapsed driving time: 7 hours, 2 min. Average fuel consumption: 9.5 L/100 km Average speed: 91 km/h Highest observed outside temp: 17° C Number of confirmed V1 bogies: 0 (Note: Radar detectors are illegal in Ontario.) We had the best fuel economy during this leg because we were well into the flats of the prairies for most of the trip and once we reached Minnesota, we were on a smaller highway with a lower speed limit. It was extra nice once we got to Duluth because I had driven this section two years ago. I really love seeing the beautiful, classic homes that line Lake Superior. And being a West Coaster, it's especially nice seeing a large body of water again.

Click here for MAP of Day 4: Dickinson to Detroit Lakes . Click here to see all of today's photos . Today's Summary: Dickinson to Detroit Lakes Total distance traveled: 568.5 km Estimated travel time (GPS): 5 hours, 14 min. Total elapsed driving time: 5 hours, 42 min. Average fuel consumption: 10.3 L/100 km Average speed: n/a Highest observed outside temp: 26° C Number of confirmed V1 bogies: 1 Today's drive was relatively short because last night we decided to change our plans and instead of staying in Duluth, MN we stopped at Detroit Lakes. The severe thunderstorms had moved on ahead of us, although the winds were still very strong. It was really interesting watching the wind blow over the grass fields like waves on the ocean. It was a pretty quiet morning until I saw in the distance what looked like a huge cow standing on a hill-top. That's when we discovered Salem Sue. This is Salem Sue: She is the World's Largest Holstein Cow. Little did we know that No...