Peru IL - Day 13

It took a long time to get out of the urban/suburban surroundings of the greater Chicago area. We returned to farms vs residential landscape on the west side of Morris. Route 6 runs parallel I-80 for a while. Looking over at all that traffic speeding along I realize how much more pleasant it is to drive two lane roads versus the interstate. As we head to Seneca, Route 6 (also called Bluff Road) starts to have some hills again since we are near the Illinois River. Not close to the hills in Pennsylvania though. I have noticed the trees nearly all have leaves. When we started, most trees were bare. Some had blossoms. 

In Seneca we stopped to look at the Landing Tank Ship Memorial. I appreciated the chance to stretch my legs and get in on the shot.

Karen and Bob looked up a place for lunch called Harper's Hideaway. They followed the Yelp map but there was nothing there. Fortunately there was a sign for the restaurant with an address so they plugged it into Google maps. The restaurant wasn't at that location either but it was close enough that as we drove past we saw another sign. What a treasure hunt. Guess the name is appropriate as it is "hidden away".  The selection was limited. They had a big crowd for Mother Day and it seems they didn't expect many to come today. The food was very tasty and the portions generous. They have a pretty view since they are right on the Illinois River.

Fueled up we got back onto Route 6 and headed west. Bob stopped so Karen could take a picture of the welcome sign for this small town. Then Bob started singing. It went something like "I sat there on the coast of Marseilles. I spent all the money I saved. And still I did not get over you." I don't remember meeting anyone named Jimmy Buffet. Karen and Bob were talking about him like an old friend. 

The next stop was in Ottawa to see the murals painted on the buildings downtown and the statues of Lincoln and Douglas commemorating their first debate. 

Driving between Ottawa and LaSalle Bob pointed out a barn quilt. We have only seen a couple since we left Pennsylvania. Our hotel is outside of Peru near I-80. No pet friendly hotels in town. We stayed in again tonight. It is raining and cold so no one is motivated to leave the hotel. Karen had half her steak sandwich and fries left from lunch. Bob was full from his big lunch so he just wanted popcorn. At last I get something besides kibble. Bob always shares his popcorn with me. I get 6 pieces - woohoo.