Day 27 Sept 23


 

Weather was great no need for a jacket all day.


The route from Granite City to Springfield was like old times as we followed the Route 66 trail.  It was busy though, I guess that should not be a surprise as it is the first day of fall and it was a nice day.  This meant that a lot of people were out for a drive and route 66 i the perfect spot to be.  This meant that I had limited time to count.  As not only do I have to look out on the road ahead but I also have to watch behind to make sure the traffic is not building up too much.  When ever I see cars behind I look for a good place to “let” then pass.  As soon as I find one I pull as far to the right as possible and slow to 20 MPH or less to give them the maximum time to get pass.  Some times I even have to wave them pass.  Let is quotes as some don’t wait they just go regardless.


When we arrived in Springfield it was just 1:00 so we skipped the hotel and went directly to Lincoln’s Home National Historic site.  I have been here before but it always amazes me just how good a job they have done here.,  They make you realize that Lincoln was just a man doing his best if difficult times.  Also it kind of cool to see all the stuff in his home that are original and he used.  In fact it is almost a certainty that when walking up stairs and using the hand rail I had both my feet and hands in the same place that Lincoln did.  


Other Notes:

  • Navigation today was difficult in Springfield due to a classic car show and construction.  This resulted forcing us to drive by the IL capital building and circle around the historic site.
  • Mary Todd and Lincoln were engaged twice because he or she got cold feet during the first engagement.
  • Rooms were not build with closets in the 1800 as homes were taxed by the number of doors so people use big tall wardrobes
  • One idiot pass on a double line and with an oncoming car in View.  He barely made it!
  • Another truck followed behind for about 1 mile (2 minutes) then Honked at me as he passed.  I therefore felt justified in beeping back at him.
  • Tried to count the number of cars that passed me but lost count around 50.  
  • Motorcycle groups seem to run on Route 66 we had 5 groups  pass us and they are loud especially when there are more than say 10.  
  • We have had a lot of Mexican on this trip.  So rather than doing it again Dianne agreed to ride to an Olive Garden about 2 miles off.













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