Wilson Price Hunt Trail (‘Astorians’) 1811 — 1812

Day 37: September 18th, 2006 Iowa City — Detroit

Yesterday I saw a Perkins on my way to the motel. This is where I will have breakfast today. The breakfast is quite okay. But as usual for Perkins they try to save on the jelly: You only get one small package. But in the meantime I always ask for a second one.

Interstate 80, IA

Then I drive over to the gas station and around a quarter to ten I am back on the road. Slowly you can tell, that you are getting closer to the east, because the traffic starts to increase. In the meantime I am really getting worried about my rear differential. Already when driving very slowly you can hear the grinding of the bearings. I just hope to make it the rest of my way to Pittsburgh…

Interstate 80, State Line IA and IL

But for now I drive in direction of Chicago. At Davenport I cross the state line to Illinois.

Interstate 80, Des Plaines River, IL

Just before Chicago and near Joliet I cross a nice steel bridge, which I definitely have to video tape!

Like every year, I circle around the toll road part of the Interstate in Chicago. Most of the time there is a traffic jam on this part. Therefore it does not make too much sense for me to pay the toll. However, my alternative route runs through an area, which does not leave the best impression on me.

Also the gas station looks not really trustworthy for me and I hope my credit card data is safe. I am really glad, when I am able to leave and being back on the Interstate. There I cross the state line to Indiana.

Interstate 94, State Line IN and MI

Now I proceed to Michigan and drive on I–94 up to Detroit.

This time the exit to Telegraph Rd is finished, where they have been heavily working last year. And also this time I turn in the wrong direction at Outer Drive to my friends Jean & Matt. And like last year I turn around miss the house once again. But on my second attempt, I eventually arrive.

It is so great to see my friends again, especially Matt who had a lung tumor. And the cancer developed into the lymph and all over the body. He managed to deal wit the chemotherapy quite well and he looks great like always.

Only Jean tells me, that he does not really felt well during therapy. They also think about selling the house, because Matt got the chance to go in an early retirement. But the money is not sufficient to already retire completely. We have a great chat until we go to bed around 11pm. Because of the bad weather we must skip our beer at the campfire. But maybe it works out next year…