We left Chicago this morning and have spent the day driving through Illinois farmlands with almost ripe corn and sunflowers by the road. Passed through numerous small villages and towns, spotted the Californian Zephyr at a rail crossing on its return trip to Chicago (we rode on it to SF three years ago) and lots of Route 66 memorabilia. The Illinois licence plate says ‘Land of Lincoln’ and his history is all around here, especially in Springfield. We will have a look around tomorrow before heading off to St Louis. We watched the film before we left. Now ensconced in a retro-themed hotel! Will take some photos tomorrow