Route 66 Part Two: Day Two

We are now in Chicago staying at the residence of a friend of Buffy's from high school for the evening. We had a charming evening having drinks on the back deck and enjoying some fine cuisine of BBQ chicken and brats. But what led us here???

We began our day leaving the Holiday Inn Express in Pontiac, IL at 9:21am for a Walgreen's (briefly) and then McDonald's for breakfast. Roughly an hour later, we were on our way heading north on 66. We made a stop in O'dell(sp) to check out a refurbished gas station, originally built circa 1932. Continuing on 66, we also stopped in Wilmington, where the "Gemini Giant" resides at the Launching Pad diner. This was another giant figure of a man, only this has somewhat of a science fiction flare as he wears a helmet and hold a rocket in his hands. After a few photos, we stayed for a milkshake.

Back on the road, we headed on into Chicago. There really wasn't much to stop at between Wilmington and Chicago. We saw a few sites, but nothing that warranted us stopping.

Our voyage into Chicago was much faster than the 4 hours of stop and go getting into Santa Monica last year. But one thing that was confirmed for me today was that Los Angeles drivers are far more courteous than Chicago drivers. If you recall from last year, we accidentally got on the LA freeway for a brief while. To my surprise, I found them to be courteous, allowing me to get off the freeway. No chance of that in Chicago. At one point, I only wanted to go straight through a green light; but the oncoming traffic wanting to turn left just went on, regardless that I had the right of way. Assholes!

Anyway, once our journey on 66 was now over, we parked the car and walked over to Navy Pier for some drinks at the Billy Goat tavern (you know, the "Cheezborger, cheezborger" place). Not knowing what we were going to do now, we started coming up with ideas.

"I wonder what Betsy is doing?" Buffy asked. "Call her up. We can party with them if they are up for it," I responded in so many words. The call was made, Betsy and her "man-friend" were not doing anything and they invited us to their place for dinner and for the night. We had another drink and then headed north to Betsy's and here we are.

What are we doing tomorrow? Check back to find out because I have no idea right now.

Stats:
Travel Time: 5 hours
Miles Travelled: 105
Avg Speed: 21 mph
Total Miles: 296