Some days in the United States... Tour of Illinois

Among the many trips that a camper dream is to cross the U.S. from coast to coast, the Caravan Club Italy, has organized and we are a member. It was a long time since we talked about it with friends, others, or alone with other organizations, there had been, but always in very limited locations: California, Nevada and Utah, no, we knew, had made "coast to coast . Given the program, we noticed that was very broad, but limited in time, in a nutshell: you had to run, but could be done. After two meetings in Bologna, home of the club and one in Bergamo, where we had all the details and final costs, and you decide to go. The cost, inclusive (unfortunately not the case) was set at € 12,500. Twenty days before departure there was a balance in favor or against, the value of the dollar / euro and this then has not come true, for about € 400. It 'was decided to do the same for all cost for the camper even though they were of different sizes because not everyone could have the small ones, so it was chosen by lot. The maximum of the participants had to be 20 campers with two executives, would have made two groups, unfortunately one of the two animals for health reasons had to give up, we were asked if we wanted to start with a single charge and we all agreed, however, the cost of the second person had been charged and has not been repaid to the various participants. Many have requested a refund but there was no response.
To enter multiple photos and make reading faster, I wanted to mention this trip is divided into states, each group in addition to the photos related, there will be a diary of days related to that state.

 

From Ypsilanti, Michigan to Utica, Illinois km 510

Departure 7.30 am
Ready to go, each fixed position, the motor home following the step I felt I was open, my first thought went to my trailer remained in Italy: it has the same defect, the step is always open, robotics the return does not always work and all this happened to me in America with American campers. After several attempts to do so close it's providential Renato, who with the help of Attilio apart and off the motor that should open and close the step, we lost around 45 minutes, unfortunately we could not travel in that situation would have been very dangerous.
Stop for lunch and shopping at the supermarket, among other supplies facts we bought two bags, the ones that came with campers were very low and not being used we bought another, we also found the meat fabulous, on the last report we found PL a step stool to remedying the broken, attacked him with a rope and the calavo before descending to the ground by way of step and before starting the withdrawal as a drawbridge as a result many times I forgot to pull it in and drag him, but I immediately felt and sought repayment of forgetfulness.
In the afternoon break and visit to the Indian Dunes National Lakeshore (N 41 37 16 87 12 30 W) along the southeastern shore of Lake Erie. Looking at the sparkling waters of the impression of seeing the snow. It 'a not very deep lake, whose tributary is the Detroit River el'emissario the Niagara River. The climate is mild and the atmosphere is lakeside. A few photos and then off, this goal was a bit 'disappointing, nothing special. In Sardinia there are shows similar but more beautiful.
In Chicago, we found lot of traffic and slowed the journey, we arrive at camp at 21, unfortunately due to my step and repair traffic found in Chicago made us earn this considerable delay.
Camping Lasalle Peru Koa N 41 W 23 26 89 01 09.

From Utica Stato, Illinois to Adel, Iowa km. 465

Starting at 8 am, no one had warned us that this state has to change time, you must remove one hour, so at 8 o'clock we were on time for departure, but were 7 and many others like us, we decided to leave at 7.30.
And 'bad weather, it rains heavily, after a few kilometers left of the wiper stops, I feel the No. 1 radio that the first motorway service stops the column, I stand under a canopy to protect from the rain, I immediately reach Super Renato and Attilio, who with the equipment that the group has bought half hour to disassemble and reassemble the wiper and put into function better than before.
It always starts in the rain is getting stronger, shortly after the No. 3 radio signals that its wiper is stopped, the camper is the twin of mine, we stop at a motorway the famous Iowa 80 Truckstop "the biggest supermarket equipment Truck on Sky in a documentary I had seen my dream and was able to visit in person and this came true, inside, as well as a restaurant, a dentist, where local drivers are can clean up and rest, there is a store selling everything that can transform and beautify the truck, chrome, lights and accessories of all kinds.
Meanwhile, to repair the wiper of No. 3 was just a loose nut.
After lunch it always starts in the rain, the monotony makes me a bit 'sleepy, the # 1 decides to stop for a nap, half an hour after we leave and about 17 to reach the camp, after we settled in, I move and I'm full of propane gas (5 gallons U.S. dollars to 2.49 U.S. dollars 13:19 total), these days I often used the heating at night and I was in reserve.
At 7 meeting for the program tomorrow, weather permitting propose a visit to the bridges of Madison Country and the house museum where John Wayne was born, everyone accepts.
Camping KOA Des Moines West - N 41 23 W 33 94 04 47.

The End

Many efforts and hard work for this trip that gave us emotions difficult to describe. Every day was unique, unmissable, extraordinary, thanks to the commitment and willingness of all our fellow adventurers. What we remember most? Hard to say. Every place of its kind, it was wonderful. This trip will be memorable. Our thoughts, in order, rushing to the charm of Niagara Falls, the gullies of the Badlands, the faces of presidents carved into the mountain, the magnificent Dewil Tower, Old Faithful and all the exciting dell'Yellowstone Park (although we have not seen the bear Yogis and Boo-Boo), Monument Valley, and its delicate arches and its spire, the light filtered through Antelope Canyon Lake Powell with the legendary Glen Canyon Dam, the proud, the great, the beautiful, the breathtaking Grand Canyon, lights, sounds of Las Vegas to Badwater in Death Valley hot, very big and the very old General Sherman and the unexpected snowfall in Sequoia National Park, the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge and the skyline of San Francisco saw the romantic Sausalito, and finally, the great New York, its skyscrapers, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty (Distant View). There were many other things to tell that we have not included in this text. Others that we could say but who are in all the guidebooks. Still others, like the most intimate feelings and emotions. ... That can never describe but which will remain trapped forever in us. Now it is all over. It 's time to go home, review my friends, to continue our life forever, waiting for another wonderful trip to enjoy together.