2013 Lap around the USA

[Lifemagician]

As the saying goes, you'll find a bad apple in every case. Just a pity you had to strike it on your first border crossing. I have had the most wonderful discussions with border control staff... though I have had the occasional grumpy one. Easily forgotten!

... before eventually stopping for the night at another Pilot Travel Centre near Toledo.

This trip I find that I have spent more nights at Pilot/FJ than any other place, though not in Toledo. Been there in the past. I like all their facilities and consistency of services.

Lifey

[john.waters]

As the saying goes, you'll find a bad apple in every case. Just a pity you had to strike it on your first border crossing. I have had the most wonderful discussions with border control staff... though I have had the occasional grumpy one. Easily forgotten!



This trip I find that I have spent more nights at Pilot/FJ than any other place, though not in Toledo. Been there in the past. I like all their facilities and consistency of services.

Lifey

Hi Lifey, under the circumstances he might have found it difficult to believe we were only in Canada for an hour and didnt get out of the car.

Our plan was to stay the night and travel thriough Canada to Detroit and Chicago. Because the rain was so heavy and set in we went back into the USA.

Its something I will keep in mind next time.This crossing was very busy and a lot of people waiting so we didnt hang around for a chat after they let us go.

We found Pilot and Flying J great for a night camp and normaly planned out stop bt loooking on the GPS. We also stayed at a few rest areas where permitted. Some had television rooms and vending machines as well.

Im not sure what we will do on trip three to the USA, maybe car and Motel it as we wont be doing the big miles or long days.Unless we decide to go to Canada and Alska next.
But we are not planning anything for a while.I have to finish this report and finish editing my photos.
Plus save some more money up. I want a new camera but that wont hapen until my website is finished and I sell a few photos. (I hope). Besides I have been living this trip daily since planning in January this year. Just cant get away from it.

John

[john.waters]

A minor issue with my field report. I have been writing up the reports at work and planning on posting ad adding photos. Now I cant find the thumb drive with my files on them.
Still looking and if I cant find soon I will start again from where I left off.
John

[john.waters]

Day 29 – Friday 7th June 2013 – Toledo, Ohio – Chicago – Route 66 Pontiac Illinois. 372 Miles

After good nights sleep at a Pilot Travel Centre we were on the road by 7.30 am. We were really starting to like the free camps and also hitting the road early.
We had also taken a liking to Denny’s Diners for breakfast. A big breakfast and just nibble on snacks and fruit for the day.
We drove through some beautiful rural country and managed a few more photos of some old barns. We came a cross a few more Amish Communities before heading into Chicago.



I must have been getting used to the traffic by now, as we managed to make it downtown Chicago without any panic or getting lost.
Finding a parking spot was a challenge and finally went into the Millennium car park thinking it was a pay by the hour Car Park and ended up costing $30 to get out. “Ouch.”
We spent a few hours in Millennium Park admiring al the gardens, and of course the giant chrome bean which attracted everyone around. Just an amazing piece of Art.





A stroll down the streets took us to the Chicago Tribune Building with all the pieces from buildings all over the world.
I could have quite easily spent a day or two looking around Chicago. But our main reason was to pick up the start of Route 66 and follow through to Albuquerque, where we had turned off earlier in the trip.







Leaving Chicago was a lot harder then getting in. It was now peak hour, my navigator was asleep and starting to rain.
To make things worse I had sat on my driving glasses and broken them. Not that I have to wear them but being in a different Country it helps to see all the signs etc.

It seemed like hours before I cleared the heavy traffic and had really no idea where I was going. Only saved by the signs -Historic Route 66- that assured me I was going the right way.

We stopped at a Gas station for a rest. I then purchased a roll of electrical tape and a strap for my glasses. A few minutes of work and my glasses were taped back together and the strap holding them firmly on my head.

They somehow managed to last the rest of the trip and I still wear them around home the same.
We kept driving until just before dark and found a motel for the night in Pontiac.

[keithg]

No wonder we didnt catch up in Vegas John. You were either looking out the window or sleeping hahaha. Im probably in that picture looking at the fountain wondering where you were.

[john.waters]

No wonder we didnt catch up in Vegas John. You were either looking out the window or sleeping hahaha. Im probably in that picture looking at the fountain wondering where you were.

Next time we probably should exchange phone numbers. Once it was dark we stayed in the room looking out.
I willhave to make a weekend trip north to catch up.

[keithg]

Yes, we will have to make a plan sometime. Get Tony and Ann as well.

[keithg]

Love your report John. Better than the Lonely Planet :) I must get my A into G and do my report. I have got through all my pics now. So no excuse i guess. Looking forward to your next instalment.

[john.waters]

Love your report John. Better than the Lonely Planet :) I must get my A into G and do my report. I have got through all my pics now. So no excuse i guess. Looking forward to your next instalment.

Thanks Keith, Iam enjoying putting it together. A bit slow as Im still editing and sorting photos as I go.

As for Lonely Planet. We purchaes and downloaded it in PDF Format and had it on our Laptops for reference as we were driving. Much easier and lighter than the book and for $20 I thought was pretty good.

Once I finish this report I hope to get my website up to date and get a few photo books printed of our two trips. One day maybe start selling a few prints.

Hopefully one day we will be able to meet up for a weekend in your neck of the woods. Its only a few hours drive.

John

[john.waters]

Day 30 – Saturday 8th June 2013 – Route 66 Pontiac Illinois – Pilot Travel Centre – St Louis, Missouri – 292 Miles.


Bit of a slow start today. Always hard to get moving after a night in a motel. I think that’s the main reason we like a campervan. To get an early start and a few miles under our belt early.
It was 9.30 am before we hit the road and looking for the remains of Route 66. Once picked up we followed it all the way to St Louis.






With the Van due for a service we found a quicklube and back on the road within 45 minutes.
It would have been much quicker except the manager had a bout a thousand questions about Australia and wanted to confirm a few things he has heard. Like Drop Bears and Killer Kangaroos. We confirmed everything he heard was 100% true.

Getting late in the afternoon it was off to downtown St Louis and the Gateway Arch.
I tried to avoid going near it as I don’t like heights.
I was eventually convinced to go up in the Arch. The ride up in a very small seated elevator added to my fears.



Once we reached the top at 600feet we were greeted with some spectacular sunset views of the city.I managed some nice shots even though Im sure I was shaking.



It wasn’t long before we joined the line of eager people waiting for the elevator train back down.

Leaving St Louis I took a wrong turn and ended up on the opposite side of the river. What a fantastic view. I would love to have stopped and taken a few photos but being in a big city and a dark area kept us moving. A wise move I think.

As we did not want to miss too much of Route 66 we only drove a short distance before pulling up at a Pilot Travel Centre for the night.