Go West Old Man: Louisville, KY to Springfield, IL

The first time on the trip that I decidedly turned westward: 

I-64 W from Louisville (to avoid big rain on I-65 W through Indianapolis) to US 45 in Illinois.  Did go through heavy rain through Hoosier National Forest - absolutely beautiful).
North on US 45 W that would zigzag west and north through small towns to Effingham, IL (interesting name).
US 16 and US 29 to Springfield, IL  Lots of flooded fields lining farm roads.
The perpetual overcast made riding cool and nonthreatening.

The big development is that I will not be driving on any Interstates as of US 45 W.  There are no more Interstates on my path to Vancouver, BC and then down (via ferry) to Seattle.  There is a line in the movie Doc Hollywood, "Get off the Interstate Ben Stone".  Will watch for farm animals on the road.

I was impressed driving into Springfield.  Easy to get around, clean, and well planned with the Statehouse Dome clearly visible.  All things Abraham Lincoln.  I had two hours to be a tourist and made the most of it.  Went to Abe Lincoln's only home he ever owned.  Not crowded and the National Park Service personnel were friendly.  Small town feel.  Springfield must have been an amazing place back in the day (absent disease of course).  As of 1860, the residents would throw their food garbage onto the dirt streets so that wondering pigs would clean it up.  "Pigs in Streets!" - my cause for 2018.

I then went to the Statehouse steps to see where Obama announced his run for President in 2008.

Dinner was great (farm to fork) at Augie's Front Burner.  Rustic Midwest (it is a thing) with very good sophisticated food.  Overheard conversation among Springfield natives about their travels to the west coast of Florida.  I smiled over my asparagus and did not say a thing.  Maybe some anecdotal proof that the people in the Midwest like the west coast of Florida. 

Off to see my daughter, Katie, in Iowa City, IA.


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