On Our Way

 1 July to 10 July 2023 - Fishlake, IL to Shelby OH

We started our summer trip at Fishlake Campground, just across the highway from where we store our trailer.  We used the days we were there to get the trailer loaded and to make a final trip to the house. This is the same campground where we stayed for three months when we first arrived in Illinois and were house hunting.  The place feels like a second home nowadays.

Got through the Chicago area without encountering a lot of construction (we go WAY west of O'Hare.) Because we left on the 4th, traffic was light, and we arrived in Michigan City early.

Stayed two nights in Shipshewana.  Love this town, 800 residents in the town and lots of Amish living on beautiful farms in the surrounding countryside.  We have been here several times, so I have my favorite places to visit - Yoder's general store, Lolly's Quilt Shop, JoJo's Pretzels (the best fresh pretzels we have ever had,).  This time, we stopped at a few other new shops and enjoyed dinner at Blue Gate Restaurant. It wasn't too crowded so wandering through the area was very fun. We took a drive through the countryside and enjoyed seeing Amish families going about their lives.

Stayed at a KOA near Fort Wayne, IN so that we could do a day of genealogy research at the Allan Public Library.  KOAs are more variable in quality on the east side of the country.  On the west, they are usually top notch.  This one was adequate, but tired.  On the other hand, the library is a dream! It is an adjunct to the National Archives and has access to many of the same documents you would have to go to the National Archive in Washington, D.C. to access. Russ had fun looking for land maps and records of Illinois ancestors, while I looked for a missing link between New York and New Hampshire ancestors.

We try to stay away from interstates on our trips.  We followed US 30 for a while and took some of the Lincoln Highway.  We see lots of countryside and small towns this way - way more interesting than being caught up in truck convoys! We saw an Amish community enjoying their Sunday afternoon after meeting at a house for worship.  Lots of buggies in the farmyard!  It was nice to seeing all the children playing in the yard and adults visiting.

Even managed to get on a dirt road while we were finding our way to an Amish restaurant! Honestly, we weren't lost, the GPS told us to take this road.

Russ is a real trooper on these summer trips.  He is the sole driver and is responsible for making sure that the trailer and truck are ready for our drives.  He helps with getting meals ready and cleaning up. And he is a willing participant in my genealogy research and quilt shop forays.  As I write this, he is over at the laundromat doing a few loads. A good companion for a great summer trip!

On our way to the Allan public library, we got caught up in the tail end of a parade.  Lots of trucks with interesting creatures in the back and floats promoting local businesses.

Russ was offered some candy, but he wasn't quick enough to catch it.

Political influencers were apparently included in the parade.

This is an example of the small towns we pass through on our trip through Indiana and Ohio.  This one is a county seat and is in better shape than others.  

An Indiana sunset overlooking bean and corn fields.

This town is using painted bison to promote their businesses.  On previous trips, we have seen other towns use moose, salmon, ice cream cones and cats for promotion.