Signs in Chicago!!!

***Miles travelled today: Once again, we ventured into the city on the train... and did loads of walking!!!

***Total Miles:

***States travelled through: Still in Chicago!!!

Given the number of pics we took yesterday of Every building in Chicago, we set out today looking for the quirky and alternative and decided to focus on signs (although didn't get many as it was raining this afternoon and we'd spent the morning in shops)..... We found the historic marker for the 'starting point' of Route 66 (a trip we'd considered doing but decided against) and an unusual one that 'advertised' the best Chicago Hotdog which Linz had to try (on behalf of me). The vendors and sign-age warned against 'polluting' the 'dawg' with 'ketchup' as a real 'Chicago-dawg' has (in this order): mustard, relish, onions, hot peppers, two tomato wedges on either side of the hotdog to hold it in place, covered in celery salt on a poppy seed bun. Linz reckons, "bring on the ketchup!"

Another sign was taken through the window of 'Garrett's Popcorn Boutique'-where they've perfected the art of popcorn making and sell a combo of cheese-and-caramelised-popcorn (sounds gross but was delicious). It was really strange watching people in this store as they actually queued and waited for about 15min just to be served. Apparently they 'Fedex' out popcorn to anyone who wants....(their almond/cashew caramelised popcorn is the best) and who is desperate enough for it. The final sign for today was the 'Redhead Piano Bar' which we're unfortunately missing.

Right, we know this is a bit of a crazy blog today and we blame the weather for it. We'd hoped to get out on one of the tall ships as they did a trip out but were flummoxed by the rain and cold this afternoon. Although we've only done a few big cities, it's really fascinating to see how they each have their own personality-Boston was 'go-go-go' and very business-like; Washington was steeped in patriotism and Chicago is defined by it's palette of architecture and of course, Al Capone.

.....We're leaving Chicago [oops-did we say that the Padawadi Indians who first inhabited these shores called Chicago by its native name of 'Chicagoo'-meaning 'the land of the smelly onions' because of the wild onions that grew along the banks of the Chicago River? No, we didn't? Well, now you know :) ] first thing in the morning and making our way to a Mall about an hour/so from here. This Mall has the reputation of being one of the largest in the States :) so I'll just have to make sure we have loads of coffee breaks to keep our energies up !!!

We've added another 'handy' website on 'all things' to do with Chicago and will catch up again, after some shopping has been done !

(For some reason, earlier this week there was a problem with publishing to blogger - today there appears to be a problem with uploading photographs... so we will upload today's photos - hopefully - tomorrow!!!)

Chicago Skylines!!!

***Miles travelled today: Car remained in garage - but quite a few miles on foot!!!

***Total Miles:

***States travelled through: Still in Chicago!!!

Where to start? What didn't we see in Chicago today?

On waking up this morning, the sun had come out....and just having gone through the photos of today's trip-we see there are over 300 so how do we choose just 5 for the blog? Clearly this city is an architect's dream. We started by viewing the skyline from the ground upwards and then later, from the John Hancock Observatory-looking down. The buildings are just amazing-there are so many styles and designs that Chicago is truly unlike any other city we've seen, and at the end of the day as the sun is setting, it looks like a silver sheath against a darkening sky.

This afternoon, we ventured to Millennium Park where they have the famous 'Silver Kidney Bean Sculpture' and the Crown Fountains of which we have included a photo of each. Aside from the innovative architecture, there was a buzz of excitement amongst Chicagoans as their ice-hockey team was in the Stanley Cup Final tonight (having won 49yrs ago) and so everything was decked out in the team colours. As we sit in our room blogging at nearly midnight, the fireworks are going off outside and we can hear the celebrations from the pubs in the street below as the Black Hawks bought the trophy home, beating Philly 4-3.

We ended our day by going to the Navy pier where we had a fantastic meal at 'Bubba Gumps' of Forrest Gump fame.

Blues and Jazz...

***Miles travelled today: Our car stayed in the garage - but we travelled on the 'L' (tube) and trolley bus... and foot!!!

***Total Miles:

***States travelled through: Stayed in Chicago...

So despite all our planning yesterday - on waking this morning - we were hit by the 'blues'... as it was pouring with rain!!! The plans to go up onto the skydeck, the observatory, the various walks in the park and the boat trips... all had to be put on hold... and we are keeping fingers crossed that the 'sun will come out tomorrow'!!! But, as we are here - we needed to make the best of it - so we caught the tube into the city, found our way to the visitors centre, and across the road to eight stories of 'Macy's' shopping!!! Believe it or not, we didn't buy anything... but I took a photo that made me smile... 'the Queen of stuff'...this holiday for both of us, is about the experiences and the memories we are creating... we haven't really bought anything... the material 'stuff', not really being of significance right now...

We then purchased tickets for a hop-on-hop-off trolley, valid for three days, as although it was raining we still wanted to get a sense of the city... the architecture is just amazing...

We had decided to go to a 'Jazz' club this evening... one of the clubs that has been around for years... it was interesting to hear the commentary on the trolley about the early development of the jazz and blues in Chicago...

Jay described it as feeling like 'you could just slide into the music'... It was really lovely... the band on tonight was a Brazilian Jazz Quartet... called Zona Sul. There are also a few Jazz clubs around our hotel, so no doubt we will be catching more Jazz and Blues before we leave...

Here's to hoping for sunshine tomorrow!!!

Suzi... We hope you found CHICAGO on the map... we will be here until friday!!!

Into Chicago...

***Miles travelled today: We forgot to write the mileage down...

***Total Miles:

***States travelled through: Indiana into Illinois...

(So this is a brief entry for yesterday Monday - 07.06:)

We left Chesterton, after a leisurely morning... and our packing routine is now down to a fine art... it was a relatively short journey into Chicago... we are staying at a hotel 10 miles north of the city as for some reason you need to pay an arm and a leg to stay at a hotel in the city centre!!! We drove through the city to our destination and the first impressions of the city were WOW!!! There are some serious skyscrapers, and the architecture looks amazing... everything looks so clean... and once again the lake gives the impression of being at the sea!!! We have included a few photos for today which were taken from our car as we were on the move - the first is of the Chicago Skyline bridge, as you enter into Illinois... and the second is of the skyline from the car as Jay was doing some brilliant driving... with the help of Tam Tam!!!

On getting to our destination we went to a little sports bar where we had lunch and looked at a million leaflets in terms of things to do... Chicago won't be a quiet visit!!!

We opted to get all our laundry and ironing done this afternoon - as these things still need to be done!!! Hence there are not many photos... and taking photos of sorting the washing and doing the ironing would be 'drab'!!!

Sorry for not blogging last night - but we had lots of planning to do in terms of filling three whole days!!!

Dunes and Diners

***Miles travelled today: 59

***Total Miles: 3299

***States travelled through: Still in Indiana but not for long...

..... In my defence of yesterday and 'only two martinis'- I have to say that they were 'of-the-strongest-kind-anyone-could-ever-imagaine' and - I don't snore :)

Anyway, of the two of us-it was Linz who woke up 'grumpy' this morning as she thought that as we were heading out to the Dunes today, that I'd be wanting to spend all day lying on the 'beach' or 'lake-side' soaking up the sun. However, I didn't want to spend all day doing that as ......I'm now nearly 40 ! And so, Linz cheered up very quickly.

So after breakfast, armed with camera; we headed for the Lakeshore Sand Dunes where we climbed to the summit of Mt. Baldy which in height, is approximately twelve stories high. So, to get to the top of it, was like climbing twelve flights of stairs but in the sand. And then, getting to the top; one JUST HAD TO run down the other side, not once-but twice before carrying on with the walk. What was disappointing however, was that on looking to the right of these moving dunes, there was a huge power station built right on the shore line-we couldn't even take a photo it was that ugly, it was just upsetting as it ruined the natural beauty of the place and people reaching the summit, all felt the same, no-one understanding why it had been allowed to be.

There is something unusual about the sand in these dunes as it has to be very fine in order to create them (says my encyclopaedia to the right who has red hair and blue eyes and has been reading a great deal lately).....there is also something completely different about the feel of the sand against your skin-it's like running through silk or satin.

We did a long beach walk and came across marshlands and wetlands... or bogs, as I think they're called over here.....then made our way back to the hotel for some resting 'poolside'...

Linz tells me that of the two 'Roadtrip' books that we're using, we're between the Northern Route and the Oregon Trail..... [I think we're using them more than Linz is letting on but I won't 'let on' that I know :D ]

Anyway, in one of the books-it recommended a diner called 'Al's diner' in a 'stuck-in-the-1950s-style-décor-town' called Valperaisio, but unfortunately it had closed down last year; so we ended up at another recommended by a hotel guest-one that had opened in the 1940s and who's patrons looked like they had sat on the same seats since.....we clearly brought the mean-age down-dramatically, but the food was great.

A bonus upon getting back was that we were able to book ourselves onto a Dude/Cowboy ranch (yup with men/women in Wranglers/Stetsons and chaps ;0 - oh, and horses too)-it's later than we'd hoped which puts Linz's 'planner' out somewhat but she has assured me that 'We' ;) can work 'around it'.

So, tomorrow we are off to the delights and jazzy-tunes of Chicago-we can't wait!

Roll on all-that-jazz !!!!!!

(07.06.10: Apols for the delay in getting this posted, Blogger wasn't playing yesterday but managed to save it all to draft......)

Rest and Relaxation...

***Miles travelled today: 21

***Total Miles: 3240

***States travelled through: Stayed in Indiana

This weekend we have decided to simply relax...

After breakfast we caught up on our postcard writing... believe it or not we still had post cards from as far back as Niagara falls - which was already two weeks ago... (And a 'Thank You' card for John and Lucy... for their hospitality two weeks ago!!! So a card is making it's way to you - although a bit late... but better late than never!!!)

Jay went off to the spa - and I caught up... finally with the photos and journalling... we have thousands of photos already... we are trying to get them all sorted out as we go... instead of waiting until we get back home... as they then get put aside and 'forgotten'... we still have our holiday to South Africa in December to sort through!!! So we have photo's that are good enough to blog... (although I accept that sometimes, when we haven't done much - they may be a bit 'bland'!!!), photos that we consider scrapping... (no - not getting rid of, but putting in scrapbooks!!!) and those that we will simply put on a disc!!!

This afternoon we went off to explore the Indiana Dunes... we are at the southern most tip of lake Michigan, and there are serious dunes at the lake shore... It still feels really odd to be on a lake shore and feel like you are next to the ocean... I am sure that our nephew Cec, in Japan, could explain why as he has studied geology... Cec, we are missing our 'tour guide commentary on tap'!!!

Although we have numerous leaflets and booklets to read that will no doubt explain it!!! We may not have read many books this holiday but we are certainly digesting lots of information about the various areas that we are travelling through!!!

We then went out to a lovely little restaurant in Chesterton, recommended by the beautician that Jay saw this morning!!! As you know, one drink and Jay is drunk!!! Well - she had two... serious Martinis!!! She is now fast asleep... and snoring!!!

(I have also added another website above, detailing where we are!!!)

...HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes to both Liz and Gabi for tomorrow... hope you both have brilliant birthdays!!! We'll be thinking of you!!!

"Do you wanna share a beer an' a pizza?"

***Miles travelled today: 246

***Total Miles: 3219

***States travelled through: Ohio into Indiana

(Hopefully you will be reading this with your morning coffee... HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARINA... hope you have a great day!!!)

So... this morning we beat a hasty retreat from the Canadian Soldiers... photo as evidence of just how bad the infestation was - and it's not even at it's worst... Although, we did have a discussion about their purpose... and apparently they clean the lake... somehow... so the more there are the cleaner the lake is!!! Yeah right - the lake might be clean - but there are millions of dead bugs, that smell... everywhere!!!

We had a long drive ahead of us - to Lake Milwakee!!! (For those of you who are wondering which great lake this is... it isn't!!!) Jay decided that if we were heading off towards another lake for the next few days she needed to be assured that there would be no big-assed-flies!!! and so, she went off to reception to enquire... when she came back - she informed me that there were 'no bugs at Lake Milwakee!!!' I queried if there were any at lake Michigan??? which is actually our destination!!! (and, of course, what she meant...) The receptionist is probably wandering where the hell Lake Milwakee is!!!

So we had a long journey ahead of us... and although we were planning to get to Chicago this weekend, we felt that we would take a break as two weekends running in big cities would be tiring...

On route we stopped at the 'last stop' in Ohio (to stock up on some drinks), before passing into Indiana... on heading back towards the Jeep... Jay was stopped by a 'gentleman' in his 'pick-up-truck', who queried if she was from Tenessee... (as our rental car number plate is registered as Tenessee)... she simply said that we were from the UK... and that the car was a rental... at this point, he invited her into his truck... to join him for a beer and a pizza!!! Jay thanked him, but declined... upon which he persevered by saying, "My Gawd - you shure are B-U-tiful..." A second hasty retreat took place, and this time, no Canadian Soldiers were involved...

The landscape that we passed through today was mostly farming... but you can also see how the state of the economy is having an impact on people as so many properties that you pass have things out in the front that are for sale... there are also many shops and businesses that have closed down and are boarded up...

We passed through a town called Ligionier, which had numerous murals painted on the walls... and we also found Amish buggies in the car park!!!

We are staying at a lovely little town called Chesterton, which is just two miles away from Lake 'Milwakee'!!! (and there are no bugs!!!) We are intending to relax, and take it easy, as we have booked in here until Monday, when we will make for Chicago...

(Also we crossed over a time line somewhere today - we are now 6 hours behind the UK and 7 hours behind South Africa!!!)

Canadian Soldiers!!! (Big Ass Flies!!!)

***Miles travelled today: 195

***Total Miles: 2973

***States travelled through: Still in Ohio... (But not for long!!!)

Our car is definitely becoming like home... we even purchased a little ornament today... Okeedokes, having left New Philadelphia this morning to be on route to Port Clinton on Lake Eerie, we decided that we'd head out on the Interstate and get there on the most direct and fastest route possible. On arriving there and checking into the hotel (we were planning to stay for three days as I was hoping for a bit of a break and a swimming pool), we were told we could only stay for one night as they were fully booked (what is happening in this ‘little-off-the-beaten-track-place’ that makes it so busy?) The reason they were fully booked was because it was the beginning of the holiday season and Americans clearly take their ‘vay-cashun’ really seriously. Well, to be honest-we weren’t upset that we got only one night as one look at the B U G S on the walls surrounding the hotel (and on others) told us we weren’t stayin’ too long! Apparently they are called 'Mayflies' or 'Canadian Soldiers' but we called them ‘big-assed flies’ as they are not only everywhere and multiplying–the receptionist said, “it’s what they dooo mam-they come outa the Lay-ke and may-te and then die afta a day; but they keep on comin. We are the only town that uses Govermenn’ money to sweep them up because it gets so bad but don’t you worry-head out to the Lighthouse whilst we clean your room mam-Eastwoods-it sure is perdy”.

Well we did exactly that and headed out to the lighthouse in Marblehead which was on a little peninsula of Lake Erie. When we got there, we went up the Lighthouse (continues to be used) and looked at the views of Cedar Point, the lake and towards Toledo (although not very clear).... Due to the ’big-assed-flies’ -our picnic was cut short despite the fact that Linz shared her long-sleeved shirt with me - as I am a bit of a 'wus' when it comes to little flying things!!! and we continued on our scenic drive, stopping off at little places along the lake until such time we could check in.

Having checked in I am not leaving the room until tomorrow morning.. when I can run to the car and leave!!! I'd hoped that I'd get a day or two by the pool... but I'm not exposing my body to those Canadian Soldiers! (Linz thinks my body covered in Canadian Soldiers would be a photographic opportunity!) Yeah right!

Hey Suzi - you need to find Lake Erie on your map and look for Port Clinton... Near Sandusky... your stickers no longer look like a circle!

Back to Buggies...

This posting is for yesterday...

Sorry to our regular readers, who catch up with our antics over morning coffee - the hotel that we stayed at last night had a really bad internet connection and we couldn't blog - but we were able to get more or less up to date with our electronic journal, from which we have simply cut and paste!!!

***Miles travelled today: 192

***Total Miles: 2778

***States travelled through: Pennsylvania, a brief part of West Virginia (on the interstate) and Ohio...

So today we got on the road relatively early again, and had already decided that we would not be travelling far as we wanted to go via Holmes County and drive through some of the Amish towns in Ohio... this is the largest Amish community in the world... Anyway, we checked into the hotel in a little town called New Philadelphia, before lunch... picked up maps and a load of leaflets, and off we went!!! We found an Amish Family style dining restaurant where we stopped for lunch, in a town called Walnut Creek!!! Within moments of sitting down, the heavens opened and there was a torrential downpour... there are some serious storms making their way across the States at the moment!!! Luckily by the time we had finished – the storms had dissipated... and the sun was trying to come out!!! We headed out in search of photographic opportunities and we weren’t disappointed. We travelled through towns called Sugar Creek, Berlin and Charm - not realising that this was also the area to the biggest Swiss community in the States. Compared to yesterday, today’s experiences have been stress-free and mild and it was just what we needed.

We’ve decided to have a few relaxing days as the constant ‘being on the move’ takes its toll and besides which, we haven’t yet written nor posted off those postcards from Niagara Falls! So, tomorrow-we're heading for Port Clinton where Linz has just told me, there are ‘lots of things to do’ – perhaps because this is a scenic town on the edge of Lake Erie-one of the American Great lakes.

This evening whilst sitting in the room, there is a major storm outside and the thunder and lightning are phenomenally stunning and scary-which makes us feel very fortunate to be able to ‘hotel-our-trip’ rather than ‘tent-it’.

...only 8 hours from Boston...

***Miles travelled today: 253

***Total Miles: 2586

***States travelled through: Maryland and Pennsylvania

This weekend we have had the opportunity to catch up with family and friends from home - and there was a common theme running through their various comments...

first off there was Suzi... Our five year old niece, who is following our journey using a big map and stickers, and she seemed to feel that we had gone round in a circle...

Secondly in speaking to my Mom, who felt that as we were a third of the way into our journey that we would be a third of the way across her big map of the States... and when she couldn't find Washington... she went back to the beginning of our journey and tracked the various places we had been... only to discover that we were - just south of Boston...

Thirdly, in speaking to friends Janice and Marina, they said that we are still in the beginning phases of our journey as we are still in the North Eastern part of the States...

and then finally, to check out JUST how far we actually are from Boston, Tam Tam has informed us that we could get back to Boston in less that eight hours!!!

But have no fear folks we are now making our way North West... and should be in Chicago by the weekend!!!

...anyway, back to today - and what a day it's been!!!

We left Washington, mid morning, Tam Tam found a direct route to Pittsburg... where we are at the moment... (Well, in a little town just south of Pittsburg...) as we felt that this was as far as we wanted to travel today... (not that we had any urgent need to visit Pitts-ville... sorry -burg!!!) So, the navigator however decided that it would be nice to detour off the interstate, and take one of the more scenic routes to our destination... which, for those who know the States, was Route 40 West!!! Coming across the Juvenile Centre should have been the sign - to turn back... which on the first instance, we did!!! Then we stopped, looked at the map, and decided that Route 40 seemed to go through 'Green Ridge State Forest' - along 15 mile Creek Road!!! Even Tam Tam recognised the route!!!

Anyway, if you ever find yourself on Route 40 West, near the Juvenile Centre, about to follow a sign directing you to 15 Mile Creek... DON'T TAKE IT!!!

...But - even after 21 years... we discovered today that we are still learning about each other!!! After 45 minutes, having travelled about eight miles, on roads that one should not travel, especially in a hire car!!!... of single dirt tracks, steep mountains, ravines... oh!!! and a gate that CLOSED 15 Mile Creek Road and redirected us onto Dug Hill Road... oh - and in case you forgot... we are in the middle of a State forest!!! At this stage, I wanted us to turn around - although how, I have no idea... and follow our tracks, and go back the way we had come!!! Using every ounce of logic, this to me - seemed the answer!!!

However, it was not the answer to the driver, who kept saying, "We have to get through this - and go on..." Which just did not make sense to me as we had no idea what 'THIS' would entail!!! I left the decision in the driver's hands... and she actually carried on!!! (Now to those of you that know us very well - you are probably thinking "I bet Linz was having a real go at Jay!" Well, I was just too anxious - and actually wasn't saying a word!!!)

After a few more miles of 'just getting through this', we rounded a corner, and there was a caravan... in the middle of nowhere... with kids playing outside... Jay decided that she would get out and ask directions... as she opened her door, I simply said, "Leave the car running and leave the door open - in case you have to run back!!!" After EVERYTHING that we had just endured, it was this statement that suddenly made Jay's knees knock together!!! She still went to ask...

I'm sitting in the car... over hearing the conversation... and I think he says, "Go another forty miles..." - and I'm thinking "No way!!! I'll go back to the Juvenile Detention centre!!!" Jay gets in the car - and I start... she says, "Calm down, he said a 'kwarta' of a mile... not forty..." - and luckily a quarter of a mile down the road, we hit a tarmac road... and a few road signs...

On talking this incident through - we have realised, again, just how different we are... and I asked Jay what made her continue on the journey, saying that for me, logically, everything was telling us to go back... Jay, who has faith, said that she had been praying to the angels for a sign, and every time there was the slightest doubt about her decision, there was always a butterfly in the path, and she felt that these were a sign to carry on... she also added that she was looking out for various 'tracker' signs, like newly broken branches and tyre tracks, as this would indicate that others had recently done the journey! How different can two people be!!! Then, just as we were contemplating the differences, we both looked into the sky, and said in unison, "What do you think that cloud looks like?" and without faltering we both said, "a dancing elephant!" This indicated that not only are there big differences - but that we also think alike too... which is probably what makes us work!!!

Having come through that harrowing journey, we still had a distance to go... so we made our way back to the safety of the Interstate... and came upon a lovely lake... where we stopped and recouped!!!

(We know it's a long blog for today - but just wanted to share the harrowing journey - and the lesson is - 'keep following butterflies'!!!)