That was quite a "trip."
Bet that got your attention! We're back from our short (8 day) jaunt through Indiana and Illinois. Thought I'd share some of the good, bad, and very ugly from the trip.
Day 1 - arrive @ Indiana Dunes NP early afternoon. Since the park is rather spread out and we don't tow a toad, we decided to check out the VC, historic Chelburg Farm, and Bailly Homestead before setting up camp. Although the wild flowers really were not out yet due to the recent cold weather, it was still a nice leisurely hike and good leg stretcher after the 5 hour drive. We had originally planned to bike there from the campground, but in talking to a ranger before we left home I was told the Calumet Trail that spans the length of the park is poorly maintained by the power company, in whose easement the trail is, and that it is not at all a fun bike ride.
We also took a short trip into the IN Dunes State Park that sits surrounded by the NP. We were lucky, it was the last off season weekday and the admission was still free. They'd start charging $12 starting the next day. Lucky us. It was very windy and rather cool along the water but it was interesting to see the city skyline in the distance. A very different view of the lake from where we live just minutes from Sleeping Bear Dunes NP. The lake was just as beautiful though with lots of white caps that day. There was also the old "bathouse" still functioning. Quite a large and ornate Art Deco style building. It reminded me of the dance halls of that era. Nice photo opp too. I was told their campground is quite nice and it has hookups, which the NP does not. We were getting tired and didn't actually check it out as we had already decided to use the discount of our NP Sr pass, made reservations, and were fine with dry camping. We were getting tired, so decided to head over and set up camp.
The Dunewood CG was quite nice. Lots of vegetation between sites. At this time of year it was darn near empty on a weekday. We arrived at the site we had reserved in the Douglas loop, #53 to find it not quite as described on the website. Although noted as level (and the photo made it appear so too), the level area was probably barely long enough for a small popup or van. Our 26 ft Axis would definitely need several blocks (probably 3) to level the front end. Since the CG was so empty we decide to call the reservation number and see if we could make a switch. Miracle of miracles, we actually connected with a very helpful human on the first try. Site 54 was nice, wide, and very level, but taken for part of our stay. On the other side #52, a little pull through loop that was also nice and level was available, so we opted for that one. Turned out to be quite nice. We settled in for a nice campfire dinner and an occasional train whistle from the South Bend to Chicago Amtrak that ran the tracks just across the street from the CG entrance. This CG had 2 loops, Mather & Douglas. Both very nice although we liked Douglas a bit better, slightly larger sites and a bit more spread out.
Next morning we set out to take a bike ride through the old Beverly Shores neighborhood across the street. Hardly any car traffic and a nice paved bike/walking path made for a fun ride along the marsh and out to the lake shore. We pedaled on down to the Century of Progress Homes that had been moved to the Lakeshore after the 1933 Worlds Fair. Each had an informative placard with some interesting history and presented some very neat photo opps. Wish we'd thrown a lunch in the bike basket. There is also a very nice picnic shelter overlooking the lake along this ride. Seriously recommend this bike ride.
Now the bad - Day 1 1/2 - DH is still getting used to the power of our ebikes and unfortunately got unseated when his bike popped a wheely taking off from the stoplight as we returned to camp. After some phone calls and the assist of a ranger, who helped us located an urgent care approved by our insurance, the rest of the day was spent there and getting an xray, as we suspected DH may have broken his wrist. While he sat with ice on the injury, I had to pack up solo and secure the bikes on our new rack (more on that on another thread). A word of warning to all you gals: be prepared to handle the whole kit & caboodle solo. You never know what can happen until it does. Fortunately, I still have the strength and fortitude it took, but it sure got me thinking...what if? Could have been way worse.
We decided to return to camp for night #2, but would move on in the morning since our plans for more bike riding were now out the window.
Day 3 - DH didn't want to bail and return home so we decided to continue on even thought that meant that ALL the driving would now be up to me. Gals, it's a really good idea for you to be able and willing to drive the rig. We've always shared the driving and I actually love it, so that was not a problem for us but I have some friends were the missus doesn't drive it at all.
For the remainder of Day 3 we tooddled the back roads over and down Historic Rt 66 and took some fun photos. It was a generally fun day, but boy did the wind across the open fields have me with both hands very firmly on the wheel.
Night #3 we did a Harvest Host stop in Pontiac, Illinois. Ten thumbs up to that little town. The people were super nice and the town has done a lovely job of sprucing itself up. Lots of community pride there. We had an excellent dinner at Bernardi's Italian restaurant. Coming from a foodie haven resort town, I don't say excellent lightly. You have to try this place if you are in Pontiac. Loved the Chicken Asiago, but had a very hard time choosing from lots of tempting menu choices.
Day #4 - Earlier up Rt 66 we were in a little diner/gift shop at the site of the Gemini Giant and had a nice chat with 2 friendly ladies there who told us we HAD to go to Faff's Bakery while in Pontiac. So a quick walk over for a sweet pastry treat and some giant sticky buns and cinnamon rolls. Primo recommendation. Don't miss this great place! The line out the door @ 6AM said it all.
Since rain was forecast, we decided to take an early stroll to view the couple dozen murals around town. Very nice. Got some nice shots for the scrapbook. One mural was of a bright yellow Pontiac GTO. As I was taking the shot, 2 fellows drove up and entered a side door to the building then came back and asked if we'd like to see the original photo the mural was based from. They took us upstairs (they were the owners of the pub & grill that their mom had started at the time the photo was taken). Fun time talking to them. Did I say the folks in this town were SUPER friendly.
We spent the rest of the morning walking the city square, reading the Lincoln Trail placards and enjoying the 4 small museums. The Museum of the Gilding Arts was particularly interesting; very unique. It started raining so it was time to move on south down more Rt 66 and on to New Salem State Historic Site and CG.
Before we departed Pontiac, we wanted to do the ultimate tourist thing though and take a photo of the MH in front of the Rt 66 mural that was situated for just that purpose. It's a tight squeeze into the location and we ended up popping the wasp screen off the side of the MH. DH said everything else was OK though, so onward.
When we arrived at New Salem, again found a very nice CG. FCFS with plenty of open spots. Set up. Went to extend the slide and discovered "the ugly", I'd clipped the top of the slide awning and unfortunately just cracked the cast housing. We'd have to take it off to properly extend our bedroom. Up the ladder I go to investigate while DH goes to summon help. A few friendly guys from a few sites away were quick to assist when they saw DH's brace on his wrist. Fortunately the awning was simple to remove with merely a screwdriver and a few extra hands to help. Thank goodness for generous folks willing to lend a hand. So we zip tied the awning roll tight and it rode along under our dining table for the rest of the trip.
After a good campfire dinner (DH said he couldn't stand feeling totally useless) we enjoyed making the acquaintance of a few other campers who invited us to share their evening fire. Another fun time.
Day 5 - Sunday we decide to venture into Springfield IL since the traffic would be light. Although the Lincoln Home and other related NP sites were not open for indoor viewing thanks to covid distancing, we had a very pleasant stroll around the restored Lincoln neighborhood and the capitol area. Enjoyed an interesting mural next to the old depot that depicted Lincoln's departure to Washington. Lots of informative placards to read again and more photos to take.
Sunday afternoon, returned to New Salem and strolled the Historic Village. No reenactors on this day, but interesting none the less.
Day 6 - We had tickets to tour the Lincoln Tomb and the Lincoln Museum. Both very impressive, informative must see sites. The museum is amazing allow a half day for it. Gained some interesting insights into the Civil War and all the political decisions involved. We've been to many Civil War Battlefield NPs, but this gave a unique in-depth view of other aspects than just who won or lost a given battle. A very interesting "big picture" overview. One of the most interesting to me was a video of the "war in 4 minutes" that showed the ebb and flow of which side controlled various areas over time. Brought the war to light in ways I had never really realized. Also interesting narratives about the social scene, sniping, and catty back stabbing in Washington. My how things have not changes a bit.
Since our travel plan had been somewhat up-ended early on we were a bit out of sync at this point. We still had a bit more of Rt 66 to do and wanted to see a bit more of Pontiac, so we called up to see if we could do another HH stop. "Sure, come on up." So we headed back north and the first leg home. About an hour outside of Pontiac, my hip and back started feeling tight, likely just too much sitting. But no, after we set up, things went south really fast for me. Ended up spending the night in the ER with a kidney stone. Try explaining to EMTs and ER staff that you are yea many hundred miles from home, with a MH your only mode of transportation, and DH can't even drive it safely right now... like I said, what a "trip." No you can't put me on opiod pain killers and expect me to drive safely (let alone other reasons that I'd really like to avoid opiods). I do have to give a big shout out to the Pontiac Police. They gave DH a ride to the hospital and later brought us both back to the MH. (Taxi serves in town ends at 6 PM, no Uber or Lyft here in the small town. We're used to that at home too so no surprise.)
Fortunately by morning I was recovered and we headed home, first to DH's sister with stops in Elkhart and closer to home to evaluate our parts and repair options for the awing. Looks like a possible DIY fix once we get the parts (best case a week, maybe 4 weeks otherwise) Not nearly as painful as it could have been.
Getting home sure felt good!
Bet that got your attention! We're back from our short (8 day) jaunt through Indiana and Illinois. Thought I'd share some of the good, bad, and very ugly from the trip.
Day 1 - arrive @ Indiana Dunes NP early afternoon. Since the park is rather spread out and we don't tow a toad, we decided to check out the VC, historic Chelburg Farm, and Bailly Homestead before setting up camp. Although the wild flowers really were not out yet due to the recent cold weather, it was still a nice leisurely hike and good leg stretcher after the 5 hour drive. We had originally planned to bike there from the campground, but in talking to a ranger before we left home I was told the Calumet Trail that spans the length of the park is poorly maintained by the power company, in whose easement the trail is, and that it is not at all a fun bike ride.
We also took a short trip into the IN Dunes State Park that sits surrounded by the NP. We were lucky, it was the last off season weekday and the admission was still free. They'd start charging $12 starting the next day. Lucky us. It was very windy and rather cool along the water but it was interesting to see the city skyline in the distance. A very different view of the lake from where we live just minutes from Sleeping Bear Dunes NP. The lake was just as beautiful though with lots of white caps that day. There was also the old "bathouse" still functioning. Quite a large and ornate Art Deco style building. It reminded me of the dance halls of that era. Nice photo opp too. I was told their campground is quite nice and it has hookups, which the NP does not. We were getting tired and didn't actually check it out as we had already decided to use the discount of our NP Sr pass, made reservations, and were fine with dry camping. We were getting tired, so decided to head over and set up camp.
The Dunewood CG was quite nice. Lots of vegetation between sites. At this time of year it was darn near empty on a weekday. We arrived at the site we had reserved in the Douglas loop, #53 to find it not quite as described on the website. Although noted as level (and the photo made it appear so too), the level area was probably barely long enough for a small popup or van. Our 26 ft Axis would definitely need several blocks (probably 3) to level the front end. Since the CG was so empty we decide to call the reservation number and see if we could make a switch. Miracle of miracles, we actually connected with a very helpful human on the first try. Site 54 was nice, wide, and very level, but taken for part of our stay. On the other side #52, a little pull through loop that was also nice and level was available, so we opted for that one. Turned out to be quite nice. We settled in for a nice campfire dinner and an occasional train whistle from the South Bend to Chicago Amtrak that ran the tracks just across the street from the CG entrance. This CG had 2 loops, Mather & Douglas. Both very nice although we liked Douglas a bit better, slightly larger sites and a bit more spread out.
Next morning we set out to take a bike ride through the old Beverly Shores neighborhood across the street. Hardly any car traffic and a nice paved bike/walking path made for a fun ride along the marsh and out to the lake shore. We pedaled on down to the Century of Progress Homes that had been moved to the Lakeshore after the 1933 Worlds Fair. Each had an informative placard with some interesting history and presented some very neat photo opps. Wish we'd thrown a lunch in the bike basket. There is also a very nice picnic shelter overlooking the lake along this ride. Seriously recommend this bike ride.
Now the bad - Day 1 1/2 - DH is still getting used to the power of our ebikes and unfortunately got unseated when his bike popped a wheely taking off from the stoplight as we returned to camp. After some phone calls and the assist of a ranger, who helped us located an urgent care approved by our insurance, the rest of the day was spent there and getting an xray, as we suspected DH may have broken his wrist. While he sat with ice on the injury, I had to pack up solo and secure the bikes on our new rack (more on that on another thread). A word of warning to all you gals: be prepared to handle the whole kit & caboodle solo. You never know what can happen until it does. Fortunately, I still have the strength and fortitude it took, but it sure got me thinking...what if? Could have been way worse.
We decided to return to camp for night #2, but would move on in the morning since our plans for more bike riding were now out the window.
Day 3 - DH didn't want to bail and return home so we decided to continue on even thought that meant that ALL the driving would now be up to me. Gals, it's a really good idea for you to be able and willing to drive the rig. We've always shared the driving and I actually love it, so that was not a problem for us but I have some friends were the missus doesn't drive it at all.
For the remainder of Day 3 we tooddled the back roads over and down Historic Rt 66 and took some fun photos. It was a generally fun day, but boy did the wind across the open fields have me with both hands very firmly on the wheel.
Night #3 we did a Harvest Host stop in Pontiac, Illinois. Ten thumbs up to that little town. The people were super nice and the town has done a lovely job of sprucing itself up. Lots of community pride there. We had an excellent dinner at Bernardi's Italian restaurant. Coming from a foodie haven resort town, I don't say excellent lightly. You have to try this place if you are in Pontiac. Loved the Chicken Asiago, but had a very hard time choosing from lots of tempting menu choices.
Day #4 - Earlier up Rt 66 we were in a little diner/gift shop at the site of the Gemini Giant and had a nice chat with 2 friendly ladies there who told us we HAD to go to Faff's Bakery while in Pontiac. So a quick walk over for a sweet pastry treat and some giant sticky buns and cinnamon rolls. Primo recommendation. Don't miss this great place! The line out the door @ 6AM said it all.
Since rain was forecast, we decided to take an early stroll to view the couple dozen murals around town. Very nice. Got some nice shots for the scrapbook. One mural was of a bright yellow Pontiac GTO. As I was taking the shot, 2 fellows drove up and entered a side door to the building then came back and asked if we'd like to see the original photo the mural was based from. They took us upstairs (they were the owners of the pub & grill that their mom had started at the time the photo was taken). Fun time talking to them. Did I say the folks in this town were SUPER friendly.
We spent the rest of the morning walking the city square, reading the Lincoln Trail placards and enjoying the 4 small museums. The Museum of the Gilding Arts was particularly interesting; very unique. It started raining so it was time to move on south down more Rt 66 and on to New Salem State Historic Site and CG.
Before we departed Pontiac, we wanted to do the ultimate tourist thing though and take a photo of the MH in front of the Rt 66 mural that was situated for just that purpose. It's a tight squeeze into the location and we ended up popping the wasp screen off the side of the MH. DH said everything else was OK though, so onward.
When we arrived at New Salem, again found a very nice CG. FCFS with plenty of open spots. Set up. Went to extend the slide and discovered "the ugly", I'd clipped the top of the slide awning and unfortunately just cracked the cast housing. We'd have to take it off to properly extend our bedroom. Up the ladder I go to investigate while DH goes to summon help. A few friendly guys from a few sites away were quick to assist when they saw DH's brace on his wrist. Fortunately the awning was simple to remove with merely a screwdriver and a few extra hands to help. Thank goodness for generous folks willing to lend a hand. So we zip tied the awning roll tight and it rode along under our dining table for the rest of the trip.
After a good campfire dinner (DH said he couldn't stand feeling totally useless) we enjoyed making the acquaintance of a few other campers who invited us to share their evening fire. Another fun time.
Day 5 - Sunday we decide to venture into Springfield IL since the traffic would be light. Although the Lincoln Home and other related NP sites were not open for indoor viewing thanks to covid distancing, we had a very pleasant stroll around the restored Lincoln neighborhood and the capitol area. Enjoyed an interesting mural next to the old depot that depicted Lincoln's departure to Washington. Lots of informative placards to read again and more photos to take.
Sunday afternoon, returned to New Salem and strolled the Historic Village. No reenactors on this day, but interesting none the less.
Day 6 - We had tickets to tour the Lincoln Tomb and the Lincoln Museum. Both very impressive, informative must see sites. The museum is amazing allow a half day for it. Gained some interesting insights into the Civil War and all the political decisions involved. We've been to many Civil War Battlefield NPs, but this gave a unique in-depth view of other aspects than just who won or lost a given battle. A very interesting "big picture" overview. One of the most interesting to me was a video of the "war in 4 minutes" that showed the ebb and flow of which side controlled various areas over time. Brought the war to light in ways I had never really realized. Also interesting narratives about the social scene, sniping, and catty back stabbing in Washington. My how things have not changes a bit.
Since our travel plan had been somewhat up-ended early on we were a bit out of sync at this point. We still had a bit more of Rt 66 to do and wanted to see a bit more of Pontiac, so we called up to see if we could do another HH stop. "Sure, come on up." So we headed back north and the first leg home. About an hour outside of Pontiac, my hip and back started feeling tight, likely just too much sitting. But no, after we set up, things went south really fast for me. Ended up spending the night in the ER with a kidney stone. Try explaining to EMTs and ER staff that you are yea many hundred miles from home, with a MH your only mode of transportation, and DH can't even drive it safely right now... like I said, what a "trip." No you can't put me on opiod pain killers and expect me to drive safely (let alone other reasons that I'd really like to avoid opiods). I do have to give a big shout out to the Pontiac Police. They gave DH a ride to the hospital and later brought us both back to the MH. (Taxi serves in town ends at 6 PM, no Uber or Lyft here in the small town. We're used to that at home too so no surprise.)
Fortunately by morning I was recovered and we headed home, first to DH's sister with stops in Elkhart and closer to home to evaluate our parts and repair options for the awing. Looks like a possible DIY fix once we get the parts (best case a week, maybe 4 weeks otherwise) Not nearly as painful as it could have been.
Getting home sure felt good!
Last edited:
