From the Land of Lincoln, through the Crossroads of America, to Pure Michigan

We picked up our road trip vehicle: a black Ford Focus. It doesn't exactly scream 'epic road trip' but it does have excellent gas mileage and all the bells and whistles (USB charging, phone-synch capabilities). We very nearly went with a VW Beetle but there was some reluctance around road noise, safety, and gas guzzle factors. We went with sensible over cute. I guess for a 28-day road trip it made sense to choose comfort over eye-catching. We'll see how soon the regret wears off...

Today I had my first Chicago dog. No ketchup. That is a very important rule apparently. Mustard, relish, tomatoes and a massive pickle. I had them hold the onions and peppers, but that could have gone on, too. It is basically a salad on a bun with a sausage, but don't tell a Chicagoan that. And it was pretty good.

Following lunch and some excellent time with L's Chicago family, we headed up to Michigan. The 4.5-hour drive took us through some heavy Chicago traffic and into Indiana briefly. 

I have no idea why Indiana is the Crossroads of America--I wasn't there long enough to find out. We paused our tour of the Eastern US in Pinckney, Michigan, where we will stay for a few days with ex-neighbours from our Eugene, Oregon days.

The evening was filled with Moscato and Miller Lite, chicken casserole and chatter, sherbet and sharing, fire pit and fun. It was lovely to see old friends and catch up--we haven't seen them in about five years but it was as if we still lived next door.