On the Road-- Dec. 30, 2008: No Riviera

The main objective the first day out was the Riviera in Gardner, Illinois, and the final days of operation.

We got a late start after a stop at Walgreen's here in Spring Grove for some of their 75% off Christmas stuff. I have to remember not to go into places selling decorations at half or that price.

As usual, took Il-47 to avoid the Chicago hassle, but got off on US-30 and went to NTN sites in Plainfield (BW3 and Sports Den), the BW3 (Buffalo Wild Wings) in Shorewood, and Heroes West in Joliet. We were giving the new Tom-Tom GPS a workout, and, at the same time, figuring out how to operate it. It worked very well until we tried to find one other place in Plainfield and were taken to an empty field, but perhaps NTN was wrong with their address.

The Riviera was too crowded to stay so left. See the Dec. 31st entry.

Drove I-55 to Dwight and stopped at the BP station for restrooms. Then, on to Pontiac, Illinois, in the dark. Drove by the Old Log Cabin, but it was closed. Drove over the old Il-4 bridge (Route 66 replaced Il-4). They've done a great job restoring the bridge to look like the old one. I'd sure like to see the state adopt the old state road signs with numbers inside the outline of the state.

Took a ride around the square with that magnificent courthouse standing tall and proud and lit up. There were lots of white lights on the trees. Unfortunately, the old Downtowner Motel was still closed. This is where we would have stayed otherwise (walking distance to about seven bars).

Got a room at the Super 8 out by the interstate, and ate at the Baby Bull, a great little family restaurant on the old US-66 bypass (with those bull statues out by the road). There were two high school basketball teams eating there as well as the 70-year-old Pontiac b-ball tournament was underway. I had a very forgettable horseshoe sandwich, but Liz got a huge and delicious pork tenderloin (two pieces actually), salad, potato and dessert. I should have had that.

Stopped by the Wal Mart to look at what else, but Christmas decorations (when will I learn, but it's such a great deal!!).

Then,back to the motel and TV. Enough for one day.

Gas the whole day was between $1.60 and $1.70, with the highest at the BP station in Elburn which was at $1.90.

Day Two Coming Up. --RoadDog