Feelin' Stronger Every Day

8/7/15

Low-key day today. Got the oil changed - very important to a road trip.

Starting Point: Green Bay, WI
Ending Point: Madison, WI
Miles Traveled: 179.5


8/8/15

Visited Olbrich Botanical Gardens and took a walk around. They had a butterfly conservatory, too, but I didn't partake in that. Checked out Gail Ambrosius Chocolatier to check out as Alton Brown put it - "The Holy Grail of Chocolate!" Not bad; mostly dark chocolate. Before leaving Madison, also went by Next Door Brewing Co - had a good gose and beer mac (beer-infused mac n' cheese).

Cranberry Punch Hibiscus

Cranberry Punch Hibiscus

The bumblebee doing his thing

The naga - a 5-headed Thai serpent

The Thai Pavillion

Beer at Next Door Brewing Co

Starting Point: Madison, WI
Ending Point: Chicago, IL
Miles Traveled: 172.9


8/9/15

Did some touring around Chi-town. Had brunch at The Gage before heading over to Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) to go out on the Skydeck. After that, walked back to Millennium Park to make sure I saw The Bean (aka Cloud Gate). Before heading out, stopped by Gino's East for some deep dish pizza (I apparently went to the original - the one on Superior St).

Fountain/statue in Hyde Park

at Millennium Park

Looking up at Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower)

Apparently the tower is 283 Obamas tall

Looking to the south

Looking to the east

Looking to the east

Looking to the north

Looking to the north

Looking to the north from the Skydeck

Statue symbolizing industry that once stood over the main entrance of the Board of Trade Building. Thought to be lost when the building was demolished in 1929, but later found near Downers Grove, IL in 1978. The statue was returned to be placed in front of the Chicago Board of Trade in 2005.

Statue symbolizing agriculture that once stood over the main entrance of the Board of Trade Building. Thought to be lost when the building was demolished in 1929, but later found near Downers Grove, IL in 1978. The statue was returned to be placed in front of the Chicago Board of Trade in 2005.

Crown Fountain at Millennium Park - there were faces on it earlier in the day

In the Boeing Gallery at Millennium Park

Directly under The Bean in Millennium Park

The Bean in Millennium Park (aka "Cloud Gate")

Deep dish pizza at Gino's East

Starting Point: Chicago, IL
Ending Point: Springfield, IL
Miles Traveld: 218.5

Total Miles Traveled Thus Far: 4769.3 via car, ~140.5 via boat, 0.62 via aerial tram

~Elizabeth/Lizzi/ET/Country

**I've been using Airbnb some during this trip to find places to stay along the way. If you haven't tried it, check it out for your next trip (even internationally). Usually cheaper than a hotel...and if you have some extra space, rent it out and make some money! (https://www.airbnb.com/)**


all photos Copyright 2015 Elizabeth M. Turner