The official first day is in the books and it was a great day. As far as mileage goes it was one of our shorter days. So it started like most of our trips — an hour later start than planned on the itinerary. At first I was hopeful we could make up the time; but, as the day wore on I realized that it was just not meant to be. Some things had to be cut from the itinerary.

A Late but Great Start

Our day began with all things Giant — the Gemini Giant in Wilmington, Illinois. Ben is always up for a super fun pose.

After our jolly giant stop, we quickly found our first restored gas station in Dwight, Illinois. The Ambler Texaco. Complete with a signal bell. Can you hear it? Ding ding! Someone’s here for service! We thought this was going to be a quick photo op and then back on the road. Boy were we wrong.

Within 5 minutes of our arrival someone pulls into the gas station. It’s Jack. And he’s come to open the place just for us because he saw us pull in. He offers us a tour and history of the place, gives Ben a lollipop, a fire hat and lets him sit in Dwight’s very first fire truck. He even shows him how to run the fire’s horn.

We put a push pin into a map to show where we live, said a big thank you to Jack for opening early and we’re back on the road.

A Journey to Remember

Ben has brought a “shark” journal to draw and document his favorite sights throughout the trip. Once we started stopping as the various sights, he immediately wanted to start documenting in his journal. Couldn’t wait to sum things up at the end of the day. Here are a couple of his favorites.

Green Giant

He will be adding his text “later”. When he has more time.

Eating on the Road

You’ve read the Snack Talk blog. Right? What? If you haven’t, you need to start st the beginning. Just kidding. To recap, we have every snack known to man for the ride. But here I’m talking about the places you stop at to enjoy the local flavor.

We stopped at the Cozy Dog Drive In. They have a specialty item that everyone says is a must do. Corn dogs. I was skeptical that I would like any corn dog but I like to think I’m a good sport and when in Rome…

So how was it you ask? It was awesome! Cozy Dog corn dogs were so worth it. Even Ben tried a bite and liked it; but, not enough to eat a whole one.

Soaking in the “Sites”

One of our favorite excursions of the day was the Sugar Creek Covered Bridge. This would have made a great spot for a picnic. We settled for a walk and some photo ops.

So posted a little late but that was Day one. I could inundate with so many more things giant, dirt roads, gas stations, etc. but we need to get started on telling you about days two and three!

Carving routes