from Springfield back to Chicago

I must say, it felt as though the man was ever present. On the wall of our hotel, his face was portrayed in an image so strong that even with the lights turned off, it was there, watching.

We’d gone in search of something to eat last night, finding the city deserted and rather bleak. The first (traditional Italian) restaurant we came to, four or five blocks away was one of only a handful of operational businesses in that part of town and we passed no-one at all on the way there or on the way back. I’m sure that, had we not experienced problems with our car, we’d have seen a different Springfield. As it is, I will take away a memory of our fabulous time at the Presidential Library and the Dana Thomas House in a bleak and surprisingly desolate setting.

We were among a handful of guests at the State House Inn last night and we headed for the car park keeping everything crossed that the car would start. Our plan was to drive to the AVIS facility at the airport and request a replacement car, on the advice of the AAA chap yesterday afternoon. We’d tried to call in advance but my Hero was immediately put on hold….and ten minutes later he gave up waiting. The only answer was to turn up and wait.

Thankfully, as we walked to the car and my Hero pressed the key to unlock it, the lights flashed. There was some power there at least (yesterday, we hadn’t even been able to open the boot) We both heaved a sigh of relief when the engine started as well and without further ado, we headed for the airport. No surprises with the name!

Looking for the rental car office, we came across a facility we’ve not come across before and which made us smile. Such a simple figure and yet one can picture the expression on that human face, don’t you agree? I think it’s the detail of the angle of the head?

The car rental desks were to be found in the arrivals hall, alongside the baggage claim and just one of them was operational. Thankfully that was AVIS and completing a transaction with previous clients, Chris recognised my Hero’s voice and immediately apologised for not taking the call earlier. In no time at all, he sorted out a replacement car for us, noting that the defective one had 60k miles on the clock “which is about the time when the battery fails” he said. The replacement Toyota had 14k.

Time for another set of photos, number plate, bumps and scrapes even though no-one here in the US bothers too much about those, unlike in Europe, where every little scratch is challenged.

Off we went.

We had thought of returning to the Capitol, which had been part of our original plan but really, we were ready to return to Chicago. We knew we had a long journey ahead of us, didn’t know what the Friday afternoon traffic would be like and both agreed, let’s just go.

We noted small features along the way and on more than one occasion I tried (and failed) to capture the Route 66 roadsign, for this freeway was built along part of the old road. I liked the arrangement of trees on the hillside opposite, possibly the only hillside for miles around! My word, the wind must whistle around the properties in this part of Illinois.

Excitement came a few minutes later in the form of a train. My Hero has always been fascinated by American railroads and a bit of trainspotting added to the interest of the journey.

A good thing, for there wasn’t much else to see. It’s around now on one of our road trips that Mary would get out her pack of question cards! We were missing our sister and travel buddy.

I had suggested that we make a stop somewhere along the route, for who knows how dense the traffic might be coming into the city? We looked for a likely sign on the roadside, spotted Dunkin Donuts and turned down the ramp. As we did, this huge complex came into view and we ditched the idea of Dunkin in favour of Wallys. Now, such a name just would not work at home, where a “Wally” is a fool - we’d interpret this as a place where daft peope would go - those with any sense at all would choose Dunkin!!

But in we went, discovering a huge hall rather like a British motorway services. We’ve not seen such a place here in the US before, so perhaps this is a new development in the last three years or perhaps it’s just a regional thing? Anyway, the washrooms were spotless, there was friendly service at the counters and plenty of space to stretch our legs. Whilst I bought popcorn, my Hero got hot drinks and we went to the register by the exit to pay.

“Oh Hi there! You’re the English people my boyfriend just told me about!” said the young woman behind the counter. “He just made your hot drinks and said that he had just met you”.

Looks like they don’t get many foreigners around these parts!!

I resisted the huge display of Twinkie bars and other sweet things

but had to confess a couple of old favourites found their way into my purchases whilst there!

Another train and we were well on our way.

Over the Des Plaines River bridge and it felt as though we were on familiar territory again.

As the city came into view, we felt glad to be back.

The lake did look rather cold this afternoon though and not at all as inviting as the last Friday afternoon we drove along here on some Summer’s day when we mused about living in a city with a beach in the city centre.

Though Winter doesn’t last forever, the slight flurry of snow reassured us that we’d made a good decision to drive straight back. The forecast is for lower temperatures and we really didn’t want to find ourselves dealing with the white stuff as well.

We drove up to the hotel valet parking and the chatty young woman greeted us “Welcome back Mr and Mrs Thomas! Oh - new car?”

Just one more traveller’s tale for the collection!