Aug-29 – Sep-8, 2022 – Illinois & Kentucky

This windmill directly on the Mississippi River was closed for construction – but the super nice volunteer gave us a private tour!
Really amazing to see this working windmill
So we bought some flour ….
… made a bread and enjoyed it super-fresh 🙂
Our next stop the very impressive Starved Rock State Park – we enjoyed it.
We had a nice campsite …
… and got the little visitors right away.
The view to the huge Army Corps lock – which fits 8 barges at the same time.
A view of the Illinois river.
Interesting but scary history – people from a the Illinois village fled and took refuge on top of this rock – surrounded by enemy tribes “starved” to death ….
View to the Starved Rock
Beautiful hikes to many canons and waterfalls.
The waterfalls with very little water this time of year – but very beautiful scenery.
White Pelicans – and we are wondering if we will see them on Sanibel Island this winter.
Beautiful wildflowers and butterflies.
.. and Cleo provide us a “Camping Meal” …LOL!
On the way to the next stop – we enjoy the convenience of Amazon lockers 🙂
Next stop – the South Sandusky Army Corps Campground
Our campsite …
And finally I get the male in front of the camera lens :-).
Another impressive dam – the Rend Lake Dam
… and the outlet – the “Big Muddy River” is loaded with birds.
In town we visit a small “Franklin County 1910’s Garage Museum” – and the volunteer lady give us a private tour and a lot of history of the little town Benton.
Ooooops – the AC is not working anymore.
Let’s see if we can investigate and fix something …..???!!! (Fingers crossed)
Next stop is Ferne Clyffe State Park – we have been here before – another nice place!
The waterfall – is nice – but not today.
Nice hiking trails and cliffs.
Ooops … don’t miss the “miniature” person in the photo.
Another great Army Corps Campground …
Location, Location, Location ….
Our campsite.
Hmmmm …. if I want the best nuts I need to work upside-down .. LOL!
Our typical campfire …
Barron River Lake is just beautiful
Enjoying a nice sunset at the campsite from a New Zealand couple that we met here on the campground.
Lake Sunset with campfire and friends – just a perfect evening.
Oooooooh and the best for last – we got the AC to work. Luckily the new thermostat (tx Amazon ) does the trick and not using all of the cables 😉 )
so we can travel slowly more south 🙂 🙂 🙂