CHICAGO

It was finally time to visit the "windy city" of Chicago and take in the sights. There was so much to see, I will have to return.

It was as breathtaking as I had imagined, but the part I could never have imagined was that a city as large as Chicago could be and would be so orderly, clean, and well maintained. There wasn't a single piece of trash in the streets. The buildings appeared to have been built only several years ago, and the people were NOT what I had expected at all; all were very courteous, polite, and considerate.

Now I have started taking into account the "homeless" and "needy" and noticed that they were as courteous, polite, and considerate as Chicago's more fortunate citizens. They were also clean and non-intrusive / obtrusive. I actually felt bad not giving hand-outs.

I still need to work on making and taking the time to visit with these people, but with a smile, a nod of the head, or a wave, a simple acknowledgement of their existence seems to make a slight difference in their lives. They at least return your acknowledgement with a similar gesture or comment. I do believe I was approached by every single "needy" person on the street in Chicago this day. Either I look like a nice guy, a tourist, or a sucker. I am not certain which. I prefer the nice guy reference. Maybe I will ask next time.

Please take time to look over the pictures on my Facebook account. They will say much more than my words can.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=112673&id=672758511&saved#/album.php?aid=112673&id=672758511

I am speechless, stunned, and amazed after visiting Chicago. It does appear to be "my kind of town."

I thoroughly enjoyed the Hancock building visit where, on the 96th floor, I enjoyed cheesecake, a cocktail, and a beautiful sunset.
http://www.johnhancockcenterchicago.com/

Before returning to MI, Diana and I stopped at Pizza Uno, home of the first "Chicago Style" pizza. Absolutely amazing.
http://www.unos.com/

Note: The Chicago Bears did beat the Pittsburgh Steelers on this NFL Sunday while I was in town; this makes a perfect winning record for the team's whose towns I have been visiting. This includes the Twins, Packers, Fightin' Irish, and the Bears.

*Keep in mind, the Lions did not win while I was in MI, but they actually were first to put points on the scoreboard while I watched the game and ate pizza at the Silver Beach Pizza Co. in St. Joseph, Michigan. http://silverbeachpizza.com/

NOTRE DAME

Pictures here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=112673&id=672758511&saved#/album.php?aid=112237&id=672758511

and here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=112673&id=672758511&saved#/album.php?aid=112241&id=672758511

The drive to Diana's house in St. Joseph, MI was full of catching up on the past 10 years that have gone by since we were in the Marine Corps together. It was good to find out she is doing well and has moved on from the Marines to Portland, OR for her undergrad, all the traveling she has done and the experiences she has had, to now living in MI and attending Notre Dame for her MBA. Congratulations on a job well done!

As we talk about her school, our lives and future, it is decided we need to go to the Notre Dame vs. Michigan State game. We did.

What an incredible game and what an incredible campus. I can't imagine what it must be like for an 18 year old kid to have Notre Dame as their first experience after high school; maybe something like going to Marine Corps bootcamp for your first experience? Hmmm.

The game was fantastic. Notre Dame wins by a score of 33 - 30. It appears that I tend to bring a lot of luck to the teams in the hometowns that I visit. The Twins won their game while I was in Minneapolis, remember?

Note: The Twins won the World Series in 1991 after I went to one of their home games after the Gulf War...interesting, huh?

DOWNTOWN ROCKFORD

Pictures here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=112673&id=672758511&saved#/album.php?page=1&aid=111926&id=672758511

Before I departed the Sweden Motel, I called Diana, an old Marine friend of mine that I had contacted several days earlier and whom I planned to visit, and asked if she would be willing to pick me up in Rockford since she lives in the Chicago area. She confirmed that she would and would be glad to show me around Chicago but she wouldn't arrive until around 6:00pm. So, with this information, I decided I would hike the 5 miles into downtown Rockford to see what their city might reflect.

As I walked thru the eastern part of town from the highway and the Applebee's / Walmarts, the town slowly changed from gas stations to beautiful Victorian's. Most of these homes were very well maintained and continued to improve the closer I got to town.

Near the Swedish Hospital (actual name) I came upon a bus stop and as I passed, a gentleman asked if I had a light. I instantly responded with a no and an apology, but as I took several more steps, I remembered I had a lighter for my campstove in the top flap of my pack. So, I turned around, walked back to the man and offered him a light if he would be so kind as to dig into the top flap and find it. I mentioned it would be located in a gray bag. Well, he found something gray and he immediately apologized after realizing it was my wallet. I directed him to the opposite side of the pocket and he found the bag, pulled it out, and found the lighter. I helped him light his cigarette, he replaced the contents back into my pack, thanked me kindly, and I was back on my way. I did not get his name.

After this encounter, I awaited the changing of a street light and from the adjacent street corner, an elderly man came across the crosswalk in his wheelchair. He was missing both legs and was working frantically on the wheels to move himself forward and across the street before it changed back to "do not walk." I curse myself for not thinking or moving fast enough to assist him. As he passed in front of me, he must have noticed my slight movement toward him because with a huge toothless smile spread across his face, he said, "Thank you, good luck to you, and godbless." It made me pause.

After this brief encounter, I shortly ended up at the outskirts of town and started taking pictures of the breathtaking architecture. I continued down East State St until I came upon an old broke down movie theater. Three men were outside and quietly observed me taking pictures. After I took a couple of shots, one of them asked how I was doing and if I were going to use the pictures for a book. I couldn't believe he already knew my plans, so I took a few moments to visit with them.

I didn't inquire into their situation or why they were just hanging around outside an old theater; it was apparent that they lived in the grand apartment building across the street (the Faust) and they also commented that if I liked the theater, I should definitely take pictures of their building. I thanked them for their interest, we wished each other luck, they allowed me to take their picture, and I was again on my way thru town. Again, I failed to acquire any names.

Note: I may have to take some time to get to know some of these people better and ask a few more questions. They obviously live in these downtowns I am exploring and they may have some interesting insight. If nothing else, I have found most people do have a story to tell; I am not so naïve as to think my story is the only interesting one.

The rest of town transitioned from remodeled and maintained structures to well worn and neglected buildings. It wasn't based on location or businesses occupying the area. The city, I noticed, does have a project to improve the district and are in the process of creating a city walk.

I walked all the way thru town, took many pictures, admired the buildings, especially the old theaters, and then made my way back out of town.

As I made a particular turn up one of the side streets, I noticed some younger men hanging out on a fire escape and were watching me intently. No comments were made, only simple eye contact was exchanged. Just ahead were two men sitting on a stoop and I approached a little apprehensively. As I drew near, one of the men stood up and came toward me to extend his hand in greeting and said, "we meet again Mr. Backpacker." It was the gentleman only 2 hours earlier I had helped with a light at the bus stop. I greeted him warmly and we said our farewells for the second time that day. He must have caught his bus.

I probably don't need to mention neither the conditions some of these men I have encountered appear to be in nor the neighborhoods in which I was walking. By this time, you can let your imagination clarify these specifics.

The rest of the afternoon went without incident and as I headed back up State Street, I found an English Pub (of course) and stopped in for a beer. It was the Red Lion Pub and most of my friends in Hawaii will remember our version of the Red Lion on Lewers St in Waikiki. Suffice to say, this pub did not have a window looking into a swimming pool behind the bar.

I visited with the bartender, Sherry, and she spoke with me about Rockford's downtown, the improvements they have been working on for the past 4 years, and the direction it is all going....very slowly. She also mentioned how the highway seems to destroy a lot of the commerce that could be coming into town. Along with that I added how there were NOT any hotels located in downtown. She knew this, but never really gave much thought as to how that could or would affect business. She found it interesting. So, if there are any investors reading this blog, here is a prime opportunity to take some capital and put it into an old building in downtown Rockford, take a risk, and help to improve this fine city. I will be the first to check into one of your rooms. The St. James Hotel in Red Wing, MN is a perfect example of how to do it right.

After the pub, I moved on to the Carlyle Brewing Co. to sample some of their beer brewed on premises. Magnificent. Not only do they brew fine beer, it is all they serve (besides wine) within their establishment. How refreshing is that!

While I am enjoying my beverages, I receive several text messages and a phone call from Diana and she says she will arrive in Rockford in about an hour. I have more time to enjoy my beer, visit with the staff, and compliment them on their establishment. I did not get an opportunity to meet with the brewmeister, maybe on another visit.

Diana arrives in town on time, picks me up and we head out of Rockford, destined for her residence in St Joseph, MI.

Within several days, I have traveled from WI into IL proceeding by car thru IN and into MI. What an adventure!

ILLINOIS

Pictures here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=111926&id=672758511&saved#/album.php?aid=111926&id=672758511

It was time to leave WI behind and progress into IL. I was anxious to see what the Land of Lincoln might have to offer.

It wasn't long before I was approached by a vehicle asking if I needed a ride. This was followed shortly by another vehicle inquiring into whether I needed assistance, refreshment, or directions. My fortune does really have appeared to have changed already and this was only 3 miles into the state.

I turned down all offers because the weather was a beautiful 70 degrees with sunshine and I was feeling really good about this part of the trip. My positive attitude would become essential later in the day.

I continue down IL Hwy 251, which was more like an interstate hwy, and follow it for about 10 miles before it turned east into the Rockford suburbs. Actually, the whole leg of the trek felt like I never left the suburbs; a lot of traffic, stoplights on the hwy, and plenty of gas stations to provide assistance. It was difficult simply to find a spot of shade to rest and change my socks.

My journey continues and along the route I see several campsites available, to include a state park, Rock Cut. I am committed to getting to downtown, so I pass them all by.

When I finally reach the northern section of town, I decide to stop into an Applebee's and see what information can be provided. The waitress is polite, but can't offer any information on camping or hotels near downtown. Her statement was, "I live here, so I don't know these things." Interesting. I then resort to my Blackberry and Google. No results. All the campsites I located and contacted closed at 5:00 pm. It is already 7:00 pm, so I look again for a place to stay.

I have resorted to a stay in a cheap hotel in downtown, but there aren't any. Now, maintaining my positive attitude, I continue my search and finally find the Sweden House Motel advertised on the Rockford website which did prove to be very useful. http://www.gorockford.com/default.asp I make the phonecall, they have availability, and they are VERY reasonably priced. I pick up my gear and head back down the road. It's only another 4 miles!

I arrive at the Sweden House Lodge Motel, check-in, and proceed to my room. http://www.swedenhouselodge.com/ Please let the photographs speak for themselves. *Miriam, PLEASE tell me that these are not the European accommodations I can expect when I visit Sweden.

I am surprised about the limitations of lodging available in downtown districts. All the hotels appear to be located on the interstates. Have we become such a fast paced culture that we can't take the time to enjoy "town?" Do we really need all the Wal-marts, Applebee's, and other franchise chains to make our lives easier? Where are we going and why are we trying to get there so fast? I think about this a lot on this trek.

I am still maintaining my positive attitude and all I can do is laugh at myself today and feel good about the direction this trip is going. It's a whole new state with all new experiences ahead. I am looking forward to Chicago!

BELOIT DAILY NEWS

Read the article here:

http://www.beloitdailynews.com/articles/2009/09/17/news/top_news/news1704.txt

Thank you Beloit for your interest and hospitality. Now, does this get me on Oprah when I get to Chicago?

INTO ILLINOIS

I stopped into Deb's Squeeze Inn in Edgerton for lunch and was still feeling tired from the previous few days' effort. I decided to order a cheeseburger to replenish some lost nutrients before I take on the next leg into Janesville which was only 14 miles away.

After eating and hydrating, I head down the road and onto county roads to get me to Janesville. I am a little cautious due to the non-existent shoulder. The scenery looks very familiar and not much different than it looked thru most of SD. I am imagining this is what most of IL will also look.

After walking toward Janesville for awhile and my body already starting to feel the days effort, I am fortunately picked up by a kind gentleman named Jeff. He asks my purpose, I explain, and he thanks me for my service in the military. Our conversation then progresses to his interest in football and making bets on the games to what is important in life; goals, interests, and staying happy. I enjoyed our brief conversation and after only a few minutes, we are in Janesville.

Janesville is much larger than I expected (60,000 pop) and with my experiences in other large towns, I am not looking forward to the result; spending more money. I ask Jeff to drop me off in the downtown district and he comments that that will take me way off the direct route to Beloit and Rockford, IL, so he makes a decision to simply take me into Beloit which was only 8 more miles from where we were. I reluctantly agree and was thankful. My feet were not doing so well today.

We pass thru Beloit and Jeff takes me to the south of town and into IL. I hadn't expected that, but he drops me off at the Ramada Inn instead of downtown and explains that downtown is just adjacent to this hotel. I thank him for his assistance and he departs after we wish each other much luck in our personal endeavors.

I check in and am amazed that the cost of the hotel is half of what I have spent all the way thru WI. Is this the beginning of my fortune changing already since I have now left WI and have entered IL? It looks promising. I drop off my gear, clean up, and decide to go for a walk thru town.

I work my way back into WI and downtown which was about a mile walk and see all the old buildings. They don't look as old or as well maintained as some of the other communities I have visited and again I think my theory holds true. This downtown is NOT near any highway. Now, as I proceed, I see an Irish Pub across the street and decide it is time to get something to drink, I am parched.

I enter Suds O'Hanahan's Irish Pub, I meet the owner, Tom. He comments about how I am adapting to the device I am using to update my Facebook which leads into what my adventure is all about. He then asks if I was recently in Madison because a story was on TV about a guy who had hitchhiked across the US recently and returned. I commented that I had that guy's story beat if he hitchhiked; I am backpacking. He makes a phone call and before I know it, I am on the phone with Hillary from the Beloit Daily News who wants to run a story on me and my trek. While I am conducting this interview, Clint shows up to take my picture. Wow! After traveling thru 3 states, I am now a celebrity. My fortune definitely appears to be changing.

After all this, I hang out for awhile, order a few black and tans visiting with the bartenders, Pete, Jen, and Courtney and converse with them and a few other customers and after a pleasant evening, I get a ride back to my hotel.

Thanks to all of you in Beloit for entertaining me and allowing me to enjoy my last experience in WI. It is now time for me to move on to the next state.

STOUGHTON, WI

Pictures here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=111166&id=672758511&saved#

I headed south into downtown Stoughton and I was amazed. The town is as beautiful as Red Wing; with all the well maintained buildings from the late 1800s to early 1900s, but is comprised mostly of boutiques and art galleries. This is interesting for a small town which is so removed from a large city. Stoughton reminds me of Milan, MN in that respect.

As I walk all the way to the end of town, I find the Chamber of Commerce and feel compelled to walk in and let them know how I didn't take the time to visit their great little town because I was stuck out on the highway and there was no indication, marketing, or information provided to let me know that this amazing main street was only 3 miles away. It is almost the same experience I had in Red Wing, except local people in Red Wing openly told me all about their historic downtown district.

The folks at the Chamber were receptive to my input and we visited about my trip and their town and after a quick snack I was back on the road feeling dismayed at not taking or having enough time to visit and thoroughly enjoy their historic donwtown. I will have to attempt to revisit Stoughton sometime. Thank you, Erica, for your help in explaining the history of your town.

Today was only supposed to be 14 miles, but it felt like 140. About 8 miles from my destination, Edgerton, my body started to break down. I stopped every 45 minutes to change socks and rest. It was extremely humid and hot. The temps reached 85 degrees with NO wind or even a slight breeze and as I got closer to town, the elevation must have changed because it just became too oppressive (817 ft elev).

At dusk when I got within 2 miles of town, a man named Randy pulled over in his Jeep and mentioned he saw me walking earlier near Stoughton and inquired as to what I was doing. We spoke for several minutes while the mosquitoes had their way with me and as I said my farewells and began to trudge (literally) toward my destination, he offered a ride. I couldn't believe it; my first ride in WI from a WI'ite!

As he drove he asked about my trip and where I was going for the day. I talked with him about my change in plans thru southern WI; having to stay in hotels due to no parks readily accessible and/or near town. The only hotel he knew of was still another 4 miles out of Edgerton and near the Interstate! I was very grateful that he picked me up. I don't think I could have walked another 6 miles from where he had stopped to pick me up. Thank you Randy!

Speaking of my change in plans; normally I enter a town, ask a few questions, explain my situation, and a solution presents itself. This is not the case thru WI, so I now take the time to plan ahead. This is unusual for me and was not an initial plan for this journey. I preferred spontaneity and happenstance to planning and coordination, but I had suffered in the Marines and now I prefer a few creature comforts like a shower and food. This involves a little research on the internet followed by phonecalls to the local chamber of commerce, so we will see how this works out for Janesville, WI.