July 19, 2025
Waking up early and looking at the weather app we decided to head out hiking without breakfast. Heavy rain with lightning is predicted for 11:00 AM.
Illinois Canyon
Saint Louis Canyon
Saint Louis Canyon has a dark history, the Starved Rock murders. In 1960 three women, nurses, were brutally murdered while out for an afternoon hike. The bodies were found in a cave days later. A suspect was arrested and found guilty.
While finishing up in the canyon we heard thunder so off we hurried back to the car about two miles away. Large rain drops hit the parking lot pavement as we open the doors and jump into the car.
Back at the campsite we sit in our ten by ten foot pop up tent. With rain flooding the ground, we went into the camper.
An hour later the rain let up so we packed the tent and chair and got ready to drive to Ottawa to meet Alan and his friend Mimi for dinner at Bash Burger and Sushi. After a great meal and visit we go back to camp to relax for the night. Tomorrow we will leave for our next campground.
July 20, 2025
This morning we ate before cleaning up and loading my bike and gear into the camper. We hitch up in the damp muggy air and drive off to the next campground on Lake Michigan. This will be a four hour drive.
We arrive happy to be done driving and out of the car. Setting up was quick and easy. Here on the lake we enjoy the cool dry air with a nice steady breeze. Our site is on the lakeside and has a path to the beach a hundred feet walk away. We hear the waves while eating dinner.
We take Moe for a walk on the beach, he does not like water but enjoys running on the sand. The sun is beginning to set as we walk the pedestrian/bicycle path between the lake and campsites.
When we got to camp I strung a line to dry the sheets and damp clothes. For the past month the high heat with ninety plus percent humidity kept everything damp, us included.
Our windows opened wide as we fell asleep comfortably for the first night in a month.