Day 11 - Fish Fry with Friends

Today we explored more of the 115th Anniversary Celebration by making a trip to Miller Park where the Police and Civilian Skills Competition was happening.  It was impressive to watch the riders make their way through the cones.  They had some incredible skills and while a few took some spills they were able to bounce back up and right their ride and finish the course.  While we were there we ran into our friend Mike.  It was great to see him again.

From there we headed to lunch.  Today's lunch has been nearly a year in the making.  At Christmas time last year, our season's greetings from our friend Jack had an inquiry about a trip to Milwaukee in August for a fish fry.  Our first thought was, "Perfect - we're planning to be in Milwaukee on the bikes in August of next year- We're In." As Jack pointed out in his letter, a Fish Fry on Friday in Milwaukee is like finding a pot smoker in Boulder. They're everywhere!  The particular place he wanted to go had special significance to him and after we heard the story, we knew this would be the place for us to go too.  It's a little pub called Fritz's.  So what is the story behind this place? Click the link for the full story but the short answer is one of Jack's co-workers' mom went into to help cover a shift 20 plus years ago and she's still working there.  This pub opened on September 28, 1978 and will close it's doors forever as the owners are retiring after 40 years to the day of opening their doors.
We each ordered the fish which came with potato wedges, homemade coleslaw and homemade rye bread.  It was delicious!  We were not disappointed.  Deb said it was the best fish she's had since she left San Diego more than 30 years ago.  We were grateful that Jack extended the invite and that we made the trip. 

Following lunch we made our way to House of Harley on Layton in Greenfield, WI.  This is the second Milwaukee area HD store we've visited.  This place was hopping!  Bikes parked Sturgis style in the streets that were closed down for the celebration.  Vendors lined the streets and the area around the store.  After we strolled through their offerings we hit Culver's for a quick cool treat before we got on the road ahead of the Friday afternoon Labor Day traffic. 

Back at the hotel we opted for a parking lot party and a pool party.  Jack, Cami and I relaxed in the shade outside enjoying snacks, beverages and Jack's cigar.  At the pool area, Torrey, Rick and Deb, and Rudy opted for a soak in the hot tub.  Eventually we all moved to the patio outside the pool area where we visited.  My sister Kristi arrived from Fond du Lac with my niece and nephew ready to swim.  This gave us another opportunity to spend time with them while we were here.

Total Distance Traveled Today: 32
Time to Travel that Distance: 6.5 hours
Total Cumulative miles: 2827