1/15/2010 A Walk Around Notre Dame

This morning we opted to walk early, before we headed out for our what was to be a 9 hour drive. Since we were staying withing 5 minutes of the Notre Dame Campus, we killed two birds with one stone: sightseeing the campus and getting a  walk in.  It was a great walk, probably about 37 degrees, snow on the ground (but not on the sidewalks or roads), and overcast, but it was so peaceful on campus. We walked from the bookstore down the Quad, and  then went on down to the Grotto, back up to the church and on to the car. It was a great, refreshing walk, and I am amazed at how just in 15 days, this walking is becoming a part of my day and how much I am enjoying it.

We also went past the stadium, but it was all closed up, no access for the public.  Then we were on the road again.  One of the things they have in the East and Midwest that we don't have on the West Coast  are Travel Plazas on the Interstates. These plazas have gas, a souvenier shop and then a choice of at least 2 restaurants, sometimes as many as 4, and a coffee shop of some sort. Many of them have Starbucks. It is very convenient--one stop can take care of everything.  We drove through Chicago today, into Wisconsin where we had to stop for cheese curds and sausage, and then across the Mississippi River and into South Dakota. All in all, quite the day.  My walking route is here:  http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/600781