Day Three

I get it...we are being punked! You got us but good! I give in; I am crying UNCLE! Enough already! The weatherman says clear skies; all the weather apps say clear skies; the radar shows clear skies. Yet wind and more wind along with abundant rain are all we are getting. I do realize we are on a trip of our own choosing. A multitude of individuals have been incredibly negatively impacted by all of this nasty weather. We are alive and we are well, albeit pretty beaten up for trying to hold on with the substantial winds we are seeing. We are stopped for the night in Staunton, Illinois. We opted to go less than 100 miles today in order to spend plenty of time in this great Land of Lincoln and explore some of the historic sights.

At our hotel in Lincoln Ill., the morning started at this giant covered wagon with Abe. To give you a perspective on its size, the wheels are approximately 8+' in diameter, making the entire covered wagon about 20' tall.

Next was a stop off in Springfield, Ill at Oak Grove Cemetery to see Lincoln's Tomb. This is an impressive 117' tall structure. In front of the tomb is a large cast bronze bust of Lincoln with an incredibly shiny nose. I could find no details of the reason for why people touch the nose but steps are provided in order to accomplish this.



I appreciated the rose laid at the base of the bust.

Inside the tomb is the headstone marking the location of President Lincoln's final resting place.

Next was a visit to President Lincoln's home, the only home he and Mary Todd ever owned. This home is located on an 8 acre National Park. The neighborhood of this home has been preserved and is open only to foot traffic. The home is beautiful and carefully restored to its condition and furnishings when President and Mrs. Lincoln owned the home. This is a site well worth visiting.

Next we stopped by the State capital Building. This is a very impressive building.

We then drove by the Old State Capital Building.

After we left Springfield, we headed on down the road and stopped in at Mt. Olive to visit the Soulsby's Gas Station. A very impressive renovation of an historic Route 66 station.

I only wish the price on the pump was the actual price of gas these days. 

Then it was back to historic Route 66 to Staunton to rest for the night. A special thanks to Tom, Janet and Jeff at the Williamsville Antique Mall. They welcomed us with opened arms and prepared fresh coffee to warm our bodies and our spirits.

Also, thanks to Jim, Howard and Sarah at Lisa's II Antique Mall in Divernon, Ill. Where they too warmed our souls with great friendship and warm coffee. One thing we have observed about our limited travels along Historic Route 66 thus far, people are incredibly proud of the Main Street of America and their participation in it.Thank you to all for the incredible welcome we have experienced!