Part 6 of our RV road trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway and other destinations.
Thursday, Oct. 24 Illinois Sightseeing
We drove from Millwood, KY into southern Illinois, stopping for a hike at Garden of the Gods Recreation Area. We had no idea “flat” Illinois had this kind of scenic beauty within its borders. A heavily traveled 1/4-mile hiking loop takes you through, around and on top of amazing sandstone formations 60 to 100 feet high. Even though signs warn people of the danger, several people have died in just the past few years because they fell from overlooks along the well-marked trail. One person died just two weeks before our visit there. We were cautious and still managed to record some good photos.
Our next stop was nearby Millstone Bluff Historic Site, site of an Indian dwelling village dating back 1500 years. Unlike our hike at Garden of the Gods, we had this place almost to ourselves this October weekday morning. That quiet solitude added to the solemnity of the experience as we viewed remnants of ancient life.
From Millstone Bluff we headed north to Springfield, IL and the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. Coincidentally I was in the middle of reading a fascinating Lincoln biography, “A. Linclon” by Ronald C. White, so I was especially interested to tour the Lincolns’ Illinois home of 17 years, which is authentically preserved by the National Park Service. Tours are free and available on a first-come first-served basis so as soon as we arrived mid-day we signed up for the next available tour. We had to wait less than an hour, which gave us time for lunch in the RV. The 30-minute, ranger-led tour is a wonderful experience. You walk through rooms and see belongings of this great man who rose from such humble beginnings. By proclaiming self-evident truths and fighting for justice, he saved our Union and our young democracy. Compare that to our present situation in the White House where lies and childish self-aggrandisement rule. I look forward to the day when our leaders once again put country over party and we return to decency and respect for all people everywhere.
As an Illinoisan who has visited Lincoln’s Home, Millstone Bluff and Garden of he Gods (the latter many times, most recently Labor Day weekend), I really enjoyed your “travelogue.”
Thanks, Lenore!