A Day in the Life: Chicago 2016 Chronicles – Day Eleven
Fueling Up and Hitting the Road
Ah, the joys of waking up at a reasonable hour – a rare feat for any traveler. Today, our motley crew, comprised of just Michele, Josh, Elle, and yours truly, embarked on a journey that promised both adventure and antiquity. But first, a pit stop to refuel the trusty old chariot. And let me tell you, folks, the fuel prices were a delightful surprise – a mere £0.62 per litre for unleaded! If that’s not a sign to consider relocating, I don’t know what is!
Destination: Galena
With the tank brimming and spirits high, we set our sights on Galena, a charming speck on the map that beckoned with promises of quaintness and nostalgia. A 314-mile round trip lay ahead, but with good company and an endless playlist, we were ready to hit the road.
The journey, however, proved to be an adventure in itself. Two and three-quarters of an hour later, we found ourselves still within the borders of Illinois! Who knew the Land of Lincoln had such vast expanses to explore? We must’ve passed through more counties than one could count on two hands back home in the UK!
Galena: Where Time Stands Still
Galena greeted us with open arms, a town frozen in the embrace of yesteryears. Its streets lined with treasures from a bygone era – antique shops, coffee houses, eateries, and more than a handful of steeples reaching for the heavens. It was as if we had stepped into a time machine, whisked away to the late 1800s or early 1900s.
After a leisurely stroll through the town’s picturesque lanes, we found ourselves drawn to the river’s edge. There, we discovered a sight both awe-inspiring and humbling – the mighty river, tamed by levees and floodgates, a testament to nature’s raw power.
A Toast to Adventures Past and Yet to Come
As the sun began its descent, we reluctantly bid adieu to Galena and embarked on the journey back home to Julie’s in Lisle. But no road trip is complete without a moment of respite and revelry. So, we gathered ’round with the kids and Julie, raising our glasses in a toast to the day’s adventures – a couple of beers for the road-weary souls and a few glasses of wine to soothe the spirit.
Tomorrow: Back to the Windy City
As the day drew to a close, we couldn’t help but look forward to what tomorrow had in store. Back to the hustle and bustle of Chicago, where the streets pulse with energy and every corner holds a new adventure. Until then, dear readers, stay tuned for the next installment of our Chicago Chronicles!
