Getting our Kicks

Chatham and Springfield Illinois were a great place to stop for a week. We were on part of Historic Route 66, saw Abraham Lincoln's tomb and his house, went to the pool and played Putt putt. Now as you are reading this, we are in Wisconsin for a week. While here, I am determined to eat as much cheese curds as I can. More on that on the next blog.

State Sign

Our site last week.

God is just creative with His clouds.

We actually drove on Route 66, it was very cool.

This is a hotel that is on Route 66.

Love this pink elephant.

Where we ate on our last night in Chatham.

Lincoln's tomb

People like to touch his nose for luck.

This vault held the remains of Abraham 

Lincoln from May 4,1865 to December 21, 1865.

This is Abraham Lincoln final resting spot. 

Replica of the monument of the 

statue in Washington D.C.

This is the cemetery where Lincoln's tomb is 

and it is a very large and nice cemetery.

Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln's home in Springfield, Illinois 

Putt putt time. We were keeping score until 

the 5th hole, we just decided it was a tie.

Get your kicks on Route 66.

In 1926, Route 66 (The Mother Road) was paved to make an all-weather passageway from Chicago to St. Louis. At the time this route was built, the top speed was 25 mph, and the road was shared with horse-drawn vehicles, tractors and cars. Mechanical problems were frequent with relatively new transportation technology. Which is why the route passes through so many small towns. Fun fact: during the prohibition years, Al Capone used Route 66 to deliver alcohol to bars and clubs statewide, since a paved road meant access to all portions of the state with relative ease, all year long. 

In the 1930's to 40's cars could now top 60-80 mph and speed limits were set by states and municipalities. Route 66 had now gained a nickname "Bloody 66" due to the unsafely of driving the route. "The Mother Road" was re-routed to bypass larger, more congested communities, such as Springfield and Joliet. By 1940, a maximum speed limit was set at 70 mph. Picnic and rest areas became recognized as a necessary part of the highway planning. In the 1940's to 70's the road saw much change. 

During WWII, President Roosevelt asked for a study on the use of the nation's highways to meet defense needs. This report identified two types of defense roads: roads required for defense operations and roads required to improve the strategic network of defense roads. Route 66 played a significant strategic role in the wartime efforts, including transportation of personnel, equipment, and munitions. In 1956 most of the route was replaced by Interstate 55 and by 1977, "The Mother Road" was deemed obsolete.  Route 66 started in Chicago, Illinois and ended in Santa Monica, California.

Route 66 ran through eight states, including Texas.

While seeing the sights in the area, we came across a cool covered bridge. Growing up where there wasn't much snow where I lived, so I wasn't sure why some bridges were covered while others were not. Well, they are covered so that the snow can just fall off into the river, creek or lake and that way the weight of the snow will not damage the bridge. That makes sense to me. 
 
Sugar Creek Covered Bridge is a covered bridge which crosses Sugar Creek southeast of Chatham, Illinois. The Burr truss bridge is 110 feet long and 30 feet wide. The bridge was constructed by Thomas Black; built in 1827 and updated in 1880. The State of Illinois acquired the bridge in 1963 and extensively renovated it two years later. The bridge closed to traffic in 1984 and is now part of a local park with a picnic area. It is one of only five historic covered bridges in Illinois and is the oldest of the remaining bridges.  

Us and the Sugar Creek Bridge.

This picture reminds me of a scene from Funny Farm 

with Chevy Chase. It is a pretty funny movie.

Inside the bridge. Guess back in the day only one car at a time.

Our campgrounds were lovely, and we enjoyed our time in Chatham. Hubby and I both agree that we would come back to the Double J in the future. One thing that was new to us were the Cottonwood trees. We would look outside, and it looked like it was snowing. The Cottonwood tree seed were flying everywhere. One of the camp host shared that if we would have come two weeks later, it would have been over. Well, that is ok, we got to experience something new. God is so creative. "How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the Lord, and in His law, he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers." Psalm 1:1-3 (NASB).

Cottonwood seed. I love how much it looks like cotton.

Another new state! Here are the state bird, tree, flower and motto status for Illinois. 

 

*Illinois: Cardinal (Bird), White Oak (Tree), Common Blue Violet (Flower), and "State Sovereignty, National Union" (Motto).

One thing I have learned is that life is too short and is meant to be enjoyed. God has created so much beauty for us to see and enjoy. Make sure you are getting your kicks even if don't go on Route 66.

If there is something special you would like me to take a picture of, please let me know!
 
Drop a comment for me and let me know your thoughts on the blog.

God, the RV & me...