The first day preparing for the roadtrip started out pretty hectic; Jon had packed his stuff and I had to finish up work and pack my stuff.

Finally got everything packed and I had a wicked craving for soup.   This summer, I've just craved good soups like crazy.  So I went to Bistro 501 to get soup and a small salad

Roadhouse Blues

Put on roadhouse blues by The Doors.

I'll make it easier:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNigNUD8CKo

Instead of people brawling and shivving each other over women imagine instead that they're laughing til they're red in the face, calling each other 'yousonofabitch' and grinning, lots of men and women hugging and slapping each other on the back (or sometimes somewhere else).   80% of the people are clutching rough but beautiful hand thrown clay mugs.

Welcome to Dark Horse Brewery.  Located in Marshall, MI.

Look at the ceiling. And the walls.  Maybe the floor, if word keeps spreading. Those are the mug club mugs. They are *everywhere!*

We chose our flight beers and off we went!

I have blathered in as much detail as I can about the ROD, Crooked Tree IPA, Black Bier Ale and the Raspberry ICE on Beeradvocate.

My mini summaries: ROD: good, I'd drink it again with an interesting cheese.  Crooked Tree IPA: I'm not a hophead but I liked it.  Black Bier Ale: Sharp acrid and bitter with no reason, not a fan.  Raspberry ICE: Please someone give me a swimming pool full of this.

We split a nacho and hit the road.  We'll be back here!