Peoria, IL - Tuesday

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Today we explored a portion of west-central Illinois. We drove from our RV spot in Kamp Komfort(!) – in Carlock, IL, west to Peoria, IL. Peoria, for those of you (like me) that aren’t familiar with Illinois geography, is on the Illinois River, about 100 miles down-stream from Chicago. The town is headquarters for Caterpillar, Inc. In addition to their world headquarters, they have several manufacturing plants scattered around the area.

The first photo is Peoria’s down-town “river front” complex – similar to what Jacksonville, FL has tried to accomplish. After seeing both, I’m not sure either one has really succeeded. But Peoria’s was very pleasant on this sunny, cool day. It’s hard to believe that our temperature today (5 June) was in the low 70’s with a strong breeze. Thursday, they are forecasting highs in the low 90’s! Time to drive north!

The second photo is an old grain storage unit close to the rail line and close to our RV site.

In a way, this area is a dichotomy. You drive for miles in rolling lands, dotted with corn and other farm crops – the ubiquitous silo and barn – then, all of a sudden; there is this huge manufacturing complex. I don’t have a photo (yet) but about 7 miles from our RV spot is Mitsubishi Motors North America with oceans of new cars built; to be delivered.

Today, in trying to find large shopping center (for needed gifts), we crossed and re-crossed the Illinois River. Just south of Peoria is a small dam with shipping locks on both sides of the river. What was fascinating was the large number of barges lined up to pass through the locks. I was driving so I couldn’t count the number, but there were at least 8 or 10 waiting to go both up and down-stream.

Our RV campground is located very close to I-74 with the sound of interstate traffic in our ears 24 / 7. I was awake last night for a short time and there was no sound – eerie! Then, after a few minutes, a truck flew by.

Our routine so far on this adventure is to have a leisurely morning; go out for exploration for about 5 hours; return around 4:00 p.m. for a nap; then an adult beverage outside while the sun sets; then a fine, sumptuous dinner of Margaret’s!

Tomorrow, we will investigate Bloomington, IL, to see what adventures are in store for us there.

Thanks to all of you have responded to our blog(s). Now we know someone is actually reading and enjoying these missives.