Day Eight took me from Madison, Wisconsin to Maumee, Ohio. The route took me through South Chicago, into Indiana and across into Ohio. Most of the drive was pretty urban and on toll roads. In Illinois, the toll roads have “Oasis” and not “Rest Stops.” An Oasis (the concept continues pretty much throughout the northeast) is sort of a State-owned truck stop. There is fuel, restrooms and a variety of commercial stores. The stores are mostly fast food.
The first thing I noticed when I stop for a break in Illinois was the humidity. It wasn’t very hot (around 80), but there was no breeze and it was that kind of humidity where the air feels wet. The stop was off the toll road, at the Oasis in South Chicago. It smelled like the Los Angeles-Vernon border; urban, industrial and old. Maybe I got jaded by six days in the countryside. While the drive was unremarkable, I did attend our Rotary Club meeting via Zoom. It was cool on two levels. First, the technology that allows us to participate and stay connected is amazing. Secondly, our guest speaker was speaking from his office in Madison, Wisconsin. I had just left there!
Maumee, Ohio is slightly south of Toledo. I chose this hotel because it is in a safe area, good price and is part of my “rewards program.” And, most importantly, right off my route. I spent a lot of time in Ohio and Indiana when I worked for a university, so not really interested in site seeing. After check-in, I had dinner at the Cracker Barrell (going to get a Waffle House under my belt ((literally)) on this trip). Corn Bread encrusted cat fish with corn dodgers (you westerners call them Hush Puppies) and cole slaw.
So, far, 2729 miles in eight days. Tomorrow’s hotel is in Lamar Pennsylvania. Just over a five hour drive and I am looking forward to exploring and site seeing on the road as I amble up to Augusta, Maine.
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