Retired and Trippin

Today we drove home, reversing our route from Day 1, excluding the side trip to the winery. It was sunny but cold this morning. When we left the motel at 9:00 it was 33 degrees. Carl and Marge, who were on their motorcycle, were bundled up and had their electric jacket liners plugged in.  It was only 40 degrees 120 miles later. After another 8 miles it reached 50 degrees and it was 61 when we arrived home at 3:30. We ate lunch at El Toro Mexican Restaurant in Chillicothe, MO. No other photos were taken today. Our total trip mileage was 690. Another great trip with Carl and Marge is in the books. THE END

Another complimentary breakfast at The State House Inn and another day of exploring Springfield. It was BRRRR-TITTIES today; 39 degrees and it might have made it up to 40. Clouds with occasional drizzle and sleet completed the wonderful weather for today. Our first stop today was at the Oak Ridge Cemetery, location of Lincoln's tomb. It was quite impressive. Next stop was the Camp Butler National Cemetery. These are always sobering places to me but today, as we entered the cemetery, they were concluding a burial. Carl, who did some research on things to see in Springfield, thought I'd like to see the Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation Museum. It was supposed to have some old police vehicles along with other memorabilia and it was supposed to be open today. When we arrived we found it closed. One old state police vehicle was parked out front near the road and it was not notable at all. We tried to visit it - and brother, Carl, had very good intentions. We th

The day started at 8:30 with an excellent breakfast provided at the State House Inn. Then we were off to explore Springfield at 9:45. It was a cloudy, windy, chilly 41 degrees. We explored the Abraham Lincoln Museum, the old Springfield Union Station, the old capitol building, and the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. It was an interesting day with much walking. We enjoyed lunch at Gallina's Pizza, where we can vouch for their pizza, spaghetti & meat balls, lasagna and humongous side salads. You won't go home hungry after eating at Gallina's. A guy at a neighboring table ordered a calzone that came out on a pizza plate it was so big. When we returned to the hotel at about 5:00 it was cloudy, windy and 41 degrees. It may have been a little warmer during the day, but it wouldn't have been much. To see all the photos taken today around Springfield click on the following link:  Day 2 Photos

This trip was planned back in July. Carl, Marge, Chris and I traveling to Springfield, IL, staying in a downtown hotel for three nights and touring the sites in Springfield. We left home shortly after 9:00. It was sunny and 58 degrees. Carl and Marge were on their Goldwing. Chris and I in our Ford Fusion. We took I-35 north out of Kansas City and at Hwy 36 we headed east. After stopping for gas and a break in Chillicothe, MO we had lunch in Macon, MO at the Apple Basket Cafe. Hwy 36 then took us east to Hannibal, where we crossed the Mississippi River into Illinois and caught I-72 eastbound. Outside New Berlin, IL we stopped at the Danenberger Family Vineyard, where Marge scored a couple bottles of vino. We arrived at the State House Inn, Springfield, IL at about 4:30 and got settled in. The hotel is only one block from the Illinois State Capital. After dark Chris and I walked around the capital and took some photos. To see all the photos taken today click on this here lin