Yes, how did we miss Springfield?? You’ll have to keep reading 🙂
The day started out as a typical day when we travel. We got ourselves together and went to breakfast at a local diner (Tony’s Dinner in Bloomington, if you’re interested – good eggs!). And then we go to Walmart (yes, we did) because someone forgot the cord to charge her laptop that she’s writing a travel blog from…….
And then again we were off!! Our first stop was Sprague’s Super Service Station. A preserved station along Route 66. The gift shop was closed the last time we came through, so it was nice to be able to chat a bit this time.
Just like last time, the black walnut’s were plentiful and I used them to make some natural dye. Unfortunately, this time – I’m flying, but I do have a local supplier for my natural dyeing needs, so its all good.
We finished our trek through Normal and headed on our way through Funk’s Grove and into Atlana where we were able to see Paul Bunyan holding a giant hot dog and more Muffler men at the American Giants Museum.
The viking giant is especially near and dear to our hearts, as he used to stand in a field in Chincoteague. Atlanta was a great stop, but it was starting to get quite toasty. Next we saw a few things in Lincoln. There were a number of things that I wanted to see in Springfield, but first we consulted the list ChatGPT created. Next up was Soulsby’s Gas Station in Mt. Olive. It was only 30 miles according to the list from Chat, but the GPS was saying more like 80….hmmm. So on our way we go, (and full disclosure, we did take the highway, but the GPS made me) and start seeing signs for Lincoln’s Presidential Library. And then I started getting suspicious….I found an exit that put us back on Rt 66. That was good, as I saw a small sign for Sugar Creek Covered Bridge
After a very very short photo shoot of the bridge because by that time it was 100-freaking-degrees with probably 1000% humidity, I sat in the nicely cooled car and said to my sister – I think we missed Springfield. How? Why? What?
We looked at our carefully and AI prepared list and realized some of the entries were out of order. Mt Olive comes after Litchfield. No wonder it was like 80 miles away. Ok, now we have the order straight, but where are we and where is Springfield? By that time we were south of Springfield and there were no entries for Springfield on Chat’s list at all. We were close to Litchfield, so after a bit of debate, we scrapped Springfield and continued south.
Even with the AC, the sun was beating down on us through the window and being the special snowflakes that we are, we called it quits after Litchfield. Mt. Olive will have to wait until Day 3. Since St. Louis was our stop for the night, after dinner, we stopped at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard. Mary Ann has been dreaming about this for 2 years! Let’s see what Day 3 has for us!