A long journey day of 493 miles crossing 4 states and a time zone
The earlier parts east of Chicago are a little more scorched now, the fields have irrigation frames, much like central to southern France. Flat open farmland, much of it corn (maize) though the field sizes suggest still independent farms. The buildings are sparse and red and white barns.
We pass Chicago without any sight of the city and Sears tower as we are too far away. Again, getting used to the distances, though on a map we seem close, we are actually miles away. We have been lucky so far and followed wonderful weather though there are storm warnings all around and people have talked of excessive rain in recent weeks. The interstate near Chicago is still wet and we can see a grey cloud disappearing to the south.
Whoever told us the roads are empty wasn’t referring to the area around Chicago, the 5 lane wide motorway is carrying traffic approaching M25 standards, mind you, it is Friday afternoon and the city appears to be emptying.
To the West, the land goes greener again, odd as it’s the same latitude. Fields of corn and some other crop we still haven’t identified stretch in every direction. As we approach Davenport, the countryside is rolling and a pink sun is dropping toward the horizon lighting up the tops of the crops. Having passed through a time zone, darkness is now going to descend about 8:30.
Tired and still trying to adjust to the maps which change scale for each state, we end up wasting 30 minutes going all round Davenport including stuck in a major traffic jam. The good aspect was that this involved crossing the Mississippi twice and 2 separate bridges and the view was beautiful of this wide river in the evening sunlight. Almost having completed the full circle we find a group of lodges and settle into the Best Western for the night. Denney’s across the road for dinner. (Lunch had been a Southern Salad at MacDonalds on the toll road, which was actually really good)
REALITY OF TRAVEL PROGRESS
Reality dawns on just what we have taken on. Realistically, the sort of distance we managed today can only be accomplished on the toll interstate and with prompt starts, brief stops and messed up evening eating. Distances and fuel usage are difficult to imagine when planning in the UK. The idea of Rest Days is now gone and even making time to write the blog is inconvenient. This is a JOURNEY and not just in miles and it is now apparent that it is an ambitious target not to be taken lightly. We have a couple of days now which are further journey days which we want to break off onto ordinary roads. Some of these days we had estimated 350 miles and more but I now believe that 250 is probably an ambitious day. Regardless of cruise control, the speed limits are adhered to and they are slow. Indiana had a 70 mph limit on the toll but all other states so far are 65mph and you forget that usually you end up nearer 80 in the UK and 90 in Europe. Over these distances, the speed limit has a noticeable impact. As soon as you leave the Interstate you are regularly at 35 and 45 with 55 only on open roads. And Oh Boy, are we shifting some fuel :o(
The earlier parts east of Chicago are a little more scorched now, the fields have irrigation frames, much like central to southern France. Flat open farmland, much of it corn (maize) though the field sizes suggest still independent farms. The buildings are sparse and red and white barns.
We pass Chicago without any sight of the city and Sears tower as we are too far away. Again, getting used to the distances, though on a map we seem close, we are actually miles away. We have been lucky so far and followed wonderful weather though there are storm warnings all around and people have talked of excessive rain in recent weeks. The interstate near Chicago is still wet and we can see a grey cloud disappearing to the south.
Whoever told us the roads are empty wasn’t referring to the area around Chicago, the 5 lane wide motorway is carrying traffic approaching M25 standards, mind you, it is Friday afternoon and the city appears to be emptying.
To the West, the land goes greener again, odd as it’s the same latitude. Fields of corn and some other crop we still haven’t identified stretch in every direction. As we approach Davenport, the countryside is rolling and a pink sun is dropping toward the horizon lighting up the tops of the crops. Having passed through a time zone, darkness is now going to descend about 8:30.
Tired and still trying to adjust to the maps which change scale for each state, we end up wasting 30 minutes going all round Davenport including stuck in a major traffic jam. The good aspect was that this involved crossing the Mississippi twice and 2 separate bridges and the view was beautiful of this wide river in the evening sunlight. Almost having completed the full circle we find a group of lodges and settle into the Best Western for the night. Denney’s across the road for dinner. (Lunch had been a Southern Salad at MacDonalds on the toll road, which was actually really good)
REALITY OF TRAVEL PROGRESS
Reality dawns on just what we have taken on. Realistically, the sort of distance we managed today can only be accomplished on the toll interstate and with prompt starts, brief stops and messed up evening eating. Distances and fuel usage are difficult to imagine when planning in the UK. The idea of Rest Days is now gone and even making time to write the blog is inconvenient. This is a JOURNEY and not just in miles and it is now apparent that it is an ambitious target not to be taken lightly. We have a couple of days now which are further journey days which we want to break off onto ordinary roads. Some of these days we had estimated 350 miles and more but I now believe that 250 is probably an ambitious day. Regardless of cruise control, the speed limits are adhered to and they are slow. Indiana had a 70 mph limit on the toll but all other states so far are 65mph and you forget that usually you end up nearer 80 in the UK and 90 in Europe. Over these distances, the speed limit has a noticeable impact. As soon as you leave the Interstate you are regularly at 35 and 45 with 55 only on open roads. And Oh Boy, are we shifting some fuel :o(
Statistics: Miles today: 493 miles; Miles so far: 1,323; Fuel added so far: 61 gals; States: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa ; Time Zones: Eastern (UK-5), Central (UK-6)
2 comments:
Ged, really enjoying the blog. I guess it does sound easy when talking about doing something like this after a few beers so it's really interesting to see the realities of travelling such distances. The falls look fantastic. What tales you'll have to tell. Move over Bill Bryson. Keep on Truckin - Best Wishes Paul O'B
Look forward to reading your daily news.The falls look brilliant,what a super way to start your journey.The mileage does look a bit like hard work but enjoy anyway.We used to play...Identify the road kills!!!Drive safely,God Bless.Jane K.
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