Flat Emma in Wisconsin

Hi everyone, I’m Flat Emma. This weekend I am visiting my Aunt Maggie, Uncle Dave and Cousin Sarah in Racine,Wisconsin, USA.  

On October 10, 1699, a fleet of eight canoes bearing a party of French explorers entered the mouth of Root River. These were the first Europeans known to visit what is now Racine County.They established a trading post in the area that eventually became a small settlement on Lake Michigan near where theRoot River empties into Lake Michigan. Racine is French for "root". I had to look this up because I wasn’t sure when Racine was first established – now we all know.

Last night we went to the motorcycles dirt track races, but Aunt Maggie forgot her camera.  Today, we have to work off some of the ice cream we ate last night at the dirt track races. So this morning Uncle Dave is driving us to the local gym they belong to.

They made me work this machine. It was very hard to do because I’m flat.

They live near lots of small family farms. So we stopped here to take a picture of the milk cows. The cows were pretty friendly.  I am here with my Aunt Maggie. She had to hold my hand because it was a wee bit breezy. Wisconsin has some terrific storms but today is warm and pretty.

After working out, we went to visit my cousin Sarah. Here is a picture of Uncle Dave, me and Sarah. She lives in Greenfield, Wisconsin

This is Jesse and Sarah in their apartment with me. I do not get to see Sarah very often because it is many miles from where I live in San Carlos, Ca. They told me they love me and miss me much, and were so happy to have me stop by for a visit.

Heading Home to Uncle Dave and Aunt Maggie's

My Uncle Dave and Aunt Maggie are driving me back home. We are on the freeway on our way to Racine, Wisconsin. I do not like driving on the freeway, it can be boring. We are on our way home to eat lunch and then a surprise – Yeah, can’t wait!!

We’re now home with Uncle Dave and Aunt Maggie – phew~ long drive. I’m hungry now after working out this morning.  

Uncle Dave likes to cook, so he cooked up some Elk Italian sausage. It was excellent. My Uncle Kip hunted and prepared the sausage and gave it to Aunt Maggie, so she is sharing it with me. She knows I love Uncle Kip’s Elk sausages.

Surprise Motorcycle Ride

Now for the surprise!  Uncle Dave and Aunt Maggie wanted to take me for a motorcycle ride to Lake Michigan. I tried to ride on the backseat of Aunt Maggie’s Harley-Davidson motorcycle but I kept flying off. Here are some pictures of us backing out of the garage.

I had to ride in the saddlebag, along with the camera. But that was okay because I am flat – I fit fine.  Here is a picture of me riding in the saddlebag. I was only a little crunched up.

We rode about four miles and here we are at the Racine, Wisconsin lakefront. That is a lot of fresh water.





Here are some quick facts about Lake Michigan  (Source>swmidirectory.org/History_of_Lake_Michigan)

“Lake Michigan is one of the group of five lakes that comprise the Great Lakes. It is the third largest of the Great Lakes and is the only one of the lakes which is contained entirely inside U.S. borders -- making Lake Michigan the largest body of fresh water in the United States and is the sixth largest lake in the world.

Lake Michigan is approximately 300 miles long and averages 75 miles across, covering 22,300 square miles -- which is equal to the combined areas of the states of Maryland, Massachusetts and Delaware! It is 335 feet above Lake Ontario and 577 feet above sea level. The deepest point in the lake is 925 feet.

Lake Michigan boasts excellent salmon and trout fishing. Species include Chinook, Coho, and Atlantic Salmon and Rainbow, Brown, and Lake Trout.”

Auntie Maggie told me the water temperature is very cold which makes swimming in it very uncomfortable mostly.

And another picture of me and Aunt Maggie - It was windy at the lakefront, I almost blew away.

A nice man offered to take our picture, so here are a few more pictures of the Racine harbor and us.

While we were riding around the lakefront, we stumbled upon a yearly festival which takes place here in Racine Wi., Salmon-O-Rama. It is a fishing contest. Those that catch the biggest fish get prizes, such as boats, trailers, motors, and fishing gear. Fishermen come from other States to take part in this contest.  It was fun to see the huge salmon – It is not real… see the pictures below.

The picture below shows you how big this lake is - It looks like it goes on forever.  

Below is a picture of boats that are in the harbor, with me and Uncle Dave.

I hope you enjoyed this trip as much as I did. Aunt Maggie and Uncle Dave said they will visit me next summer. My visit to South Eastern Wisconsin is over and I am on my way to Los Angeles.