Travelodge Springfield

... distance.

Our first full day in Springfield was full of glorious sunshine so we took advantage and walked the town, visiting the only home Lincoln ever owned (still with much of the original Lincoln family belongings inside!), the old state capitol where Lincoln - and Obama - announced their Presidential candidacy, Lincoln's old law office and Union Square where Lincoln gave a farewell speech before ...

... the stories revolve around various national parks. This one takes place in Big Bend. We hoped to get there but it is not appearing that we will be able to get there this time. So we are just going to enjoy getting to do the stuff we are going to get to do. I figure we will be to our hotel by 11pm EST. Long day. So the next few days will be more entertaining than this day and then the real excitement will take place.

Well, I've been working on the video from today and it seems that I've run in to a problem with the upload of the raw footage.
SO...I will not have a video tonight. It's gonna have to be delayed, but that only means better stuff once I'm working off the home system.
Again, stay tuned!

Amy

Very cool.
Nothing like seeing a bunch of hot rods lined up in the streets of historical Springfield, IL. The "Springfield's Elvis" performed today as well as a visit by Abe Lincoln himself. Numerous bands played throughout the day as well as recieving a free shower ...

WOW!
So the drive down was easy and pretty quick. Hit some rain, but that's how it usually goes for us.
It cleared up beautifully for us here in Springfield. Very nice downtown area. After checking into
the hotel we quickly drove to the registration area. Once we got our credentials, we headed over
to downtown Springfield. Initially we planned on doing the "cruise" where you drive around for a
while in a parade like ...

We just checked out the high school home of Anne and Betty Thacker in Springfield IL. Also, checked out Lincoln's house which is a national historic site. Will and Margot got Jr Ranger badges there. Next, we checked out Lincoln's tomb.

We are now headed north to Galesburg -- where the rest of the Spencers have congregated for the wedding.

So tonight, I completed my final packing for the trip to China. I was determined not to overpack clothing like I had on my trip to Spain, but at the same time I wanted to have a good supply of items that would be harder to come by in China (ie. razor blades, basketball shoes in a 13, a good supply of books, etc.)

In the end I packed a good amount. I large suit case and a medium ...

Long day on the bike 107 miles and the weather was cooperating the wind was quatering in our face but never got heavy. The skies were overcast and it rained very little. The course was through the farm country and endless acres of corn and more corn! Jack John and I rode together and each of us took turns pulling for a mile each and it made the day pass with ease!

... we were going (the kind where they tell you to go to your cellar or the lowest most secure room in your house or business....) and reconsidered. Headed to another state park in IL across the river and east, and the dire weather alert moved on with us. (Quincy, IL - really nice big town on the river - beautiful big old homes on tree lined streets with big old trees - lovely.) So we cranked south and east on the interstate and got away from it - nipped briefly into ...

We drive into Springfield and find no parking @ first. I call up the museum and they have a spot for RV's. We park, have breakfast and head on out. We walk down to Lincoln's house. It is set up very nicely in a historic little village. We enjoy the tour of his house and head to the museum. Lincoln's museum is next door from the library ...