east into illinois and wyoming

An opportunity to explore even only a little offered up a few surprises on this late fall rocket ride across the central plains towards Chicago.

Beginning the journey began on a mostly clear day, a desire to cross the central plains quickly and efficiently so as to be well rested for events the following day discouraged the usual meandering. A pause in Hannibal to reflect on prior visits and the changing landscape of the small town found our party ahead of schedule. Coupled with the blue skies and mild temperatures, the temptation to wander simply became too great.

Top:  Fosmire School / Bottom:  Victoria High School

Glancing off of Quincy shortly thereafter, then Carthage, Macomb, and finally Galesburg, nothing really stood out. Miles and miles of corn stalked us regularly, begging for its photograph. Admiring the persistence, though continuing to deny such requests, flying along IL-167, first one, and then another old schoolhouse made an appearance offering a better distraction and justifying a brief pause in the action.

In spite of continuing eastward, we somehow ended up in Wyoming. Time had not been good to the “Equality State.” Shrinking its size considerably from over 250,000 square kilometers to just over two, it hosted little more than a historic depot, alongside a few other intriguing artifacts. It offered enjoyable space to rest from the road though, the perfect place to loiter and consider the remainder of the requirements associated with the journey.

None stood out as particularly important, so dawdling as far as I-39 seemed a reasonable scheme. Rain persisted just in front of progress, seeming to have only just parted prior to our arrival. Catching up to the pestilence after leaving Henry, it dissipated as quickly as initiated, leaving the rest of the trek towards the western boundaries of Chicagoland relatively dry and uneventful.

Traffic appeared almost non-existent, until arriving in East Dundee. We were not the only folks interested in this locale. Most of Chicago had suddenly formed an interest. It was a curious turn of events, but nothing worth investigating further. Evading the situation entirely, our final resting place for the night there appeared without further incident.