Good heavens. I'm running out of time!

Thanks a million for your advice, I certainly will take a pair of trekking shoes, and some cycling gear, and I think now that I will hire a car in Chicago and drive the scenic route to Appleton. You've changed my plans! I'm a bit worried about driving a car in the USA, but sometimes one simply has to take a step out of one's comfort zone...

I will check out the brats, the custard stand and the pizzas, and then I'll have to see what I can squeeze in the remaining days!

Thorn, when the departure is approaching, I'll get back to you on hiking trails, ok?