16 June 2023 – Friday
Final Day
0912 55,862 59° Leave Rantoul, IL (after Beth fell leaving the campground office)
Delayed by a huge wind turbine blade on the way to I-74
1133-1217 55,980 69° LaSalle, IL Stopped in Rotary Park to make lunch
1230 55,983 77° LaSalle, IL
Illinois and Michigan Canal Park
Not in our plans, but we noticed the canal boat when crossing a bridge, so pulled in to investigate.
The silhouette statues commemorate when Abraham Lincoln and his family rode on this canal.
We arrived just as a canal boat pulled alongside the dock.
Another random education day where we learned that in 1848 this canal connected Lake Michigan to the Illinois River. With the Illinois running into the Mississippi, trade was made much easier between Chicago and New Orleans.
The canal boat’s one horsepower propulsion system refueling before the next voyage.
Here’s a view of canal lock number 14.
Information on the park and canal boat tours are available at I&M Canal.
1500 56,158 88° Verona, Wisconsin Driveway camping in our son & daughter-in-law’s first house. We are looking forward to visiting and helping them make a few improvements.
Bonus video of the turbine blade turning the corner in front of us.
Today’s Route
(Click on any image to enlarge)