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Published: September 30th 2007
Chicago skyline
Very patriotic, Even though we are not American's. For some unknown reason to us all, we woke up at 6am, So got up, got ready and was out at just gone 8. We headed down to Navy Pier for some breakfast and a cruise on Lake Michigan and nearly came back without Nige, in his wisdom (although having plastered signs all over the boat 'to remain seated AT ALL TIMES') he decided there was a 'great' photo opportunity so got up to go to the other side of the boat only to lose his footing, fall almost into 3 unsuspecting japanese tourists, to then find his footing, but slip and hit the side rails, obviously like you do, Myself and Katie were doubled up with laughter as were the japanese tourists.
We then headed back to the hotel to check out and collect the car, Yet again with some pushing, shoving and emptying out cases we actually managed to get everything into the smallest of boots. We then had the task of finding the start point, which actually turned out to be 3 blocks away so was fairly easy. The next hour and a half was one of the scariest we've been in a while. Basically as we
Chicago Lighthouse
Nige's apparent good photo opportunity, Baffles me and Katie! headed out of Chicago on Route 66 it takes you through some very unsavoury areas. We couldn't do more then 25-30mph as the road wasn't exactly drivable. We felt like we were in a Snoop Dog video. Anyway our concerns were justified when Katie's knight in shining armour (an off duty police officier) pulled up next to us at the lights and asked if we were ok, He obviously knew we were tourists in an area where we perhaps shouldn't of been (although it was route 66) He then said make sure you don't turn off down any of these side roads, you may end up somewhere you don't want to be. At that point the lights turned green and we were off on our own again. With myself and Katie feeling a tad anxious to say the least, Nige put his foot down and luckily we hit more civilised areas within a few miles, Where we saw other Route 66 travellers including 14 Swedish bikers on Harleys, We sat behind, relaxed and followed our fellow travellers until........... they took a right turn (to which we followed) into a residential area and someone's house!! We quickly turned back and picked
Navy Pier
Chicago's version of Brighton pier but 100 times better up where we left off, learning not to get complacement with who we think is also doing Route 66.
We soon stopped at Wilmington to refuel and yet again Katie attracted an admirer, giving a few whistles her way - Its gotta be my turn soon! 2 hours and a couple of u-turns later we entered Springfield. No, not the home of the Simpsons but the resting place of Abraham Lincoln. We, by pure chance passed the cemetery where his memorial and visitor attraction is. So pulled in and (in Katie's words) paid our respects, and toured Lincolns tomb.
Then it was off to find somewhere to stay for the night (60 miles behind schedule, but in need of food and sleep) We drove around Springfield for about 20 minutes before stumbling on the 'Route 66 Hotel and conference center' £12 each for the night - Bargain. It has loads of memorabilia and people travelling the Route. Anyway have to go now as Katie has broken the wardrobe......
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Millie
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Your blog
Sounds a little scary on the route 66, be careful !! I've got the arsenal kit it looks great!Im sure someone will give u a wolf whistle soon! Missing you all x Millie x