The Empire Builder ~~Seattle to Chicago

The old steam train that used to run across the country, this was one of the stops for all the smokers on board.
Part of the village square in Springfield.
This is Abraham Lincoln's house in Springfield Ill.
This mural is called "touchdown Jesus"
The seat at the lake where Rudy sat when he was accepted into Notre Dame.

"Rudy" is such a good movie, would recommend it to anyone, all ages.
Left later that day for a three day two night trip to Chicago. Slept very well, the train seats are so wde with plenty of leg support etc., and it is easy to curl up in them, even better if there is no one in the other seat.

Woke up again to some absolutely stunning scenery as we moved through East Glacier Park. Took lots of photos so I could show eveyone how breathtaking this place was, but somehow only three came out, and don't give any idea what a fantastic place it was.

After the mountains came the wheatfield, lying fallow at the moment of course, Even so it was awe inspiring, as you could see to the horizon in every direction, and it's not hard to imagine it with the waving wheat waiting to be harvested. Slept well again and after breakfast had my first glimpse of the Mississipi, what a beautiful river, so wide and of course lined with beautiful trees and farms. The farms are just like the pictures we have seen over the years, with their barns and silos.

(The farms in the US are just so different to ours here in Oz, those who have been here will know what I mean.)

Met lots of interesting people on the train, it is such a great way to travel, Tom from St Paul, Maggie & Peter from Ft Lauderdale, Sue from Chicago, Ann from Luisianna and so the list goes. Arrived in Chicago, but it was such a big, busy place and I didn't know anyone there, so decided to go to Springfield, Ill., where Abraham Lincoln lived before he went to Washigton. It is a lovely place and I really enjoyed myself there. All the homes on the square where Lincoln lived are still there, untouched, so it had a real sense of history.

I was very impressed by his farewell speech as he was leaving Springfield, that I included it in my original story, so here it is.

"My friends, no one not in my situation, can appreciate my feeling of sadness at this parting. To this place, and the kindness of the people, I owe everything. Here I have lived a quarter of a century and have passes from a young to an old man. Here my children have been born and one in buried. I now leave, not knowing when or whether ever, I may return, with the task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. Without the assistance of that Divine Being who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail. Trusting in Him, who can go with me, and remain with you and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will be well. To His care commending you, as I hope your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affection farewell."

Went back through Chicago and out to South Bend, where I was able to go to Notre Dame University, and see all the places from "Rudy", another great day. Back through Chicago again and this time to Galesburg where Michelle & Keith met me, it was so good to see them, and the week we spent together was so special. Keith is the head accountant for John Deere, and had spent 3 years in Oz, and their daughter Kelly was in the same class as my Shannon, also met their other children Lisa & Mark, and KeLly's delightful husband Jim. They live in Milan, one of the quad cities.

Thanksgiving was a real treat and I thank the Lord for letting me spend it with such wonderful people. There were 22 of us around the table, which was almost groaning under the weight of the beautiful food that had been prepared. Went sightseeing with Michelle, saw the arsenal, the lock system and swinging bridge, lots of Canadian geese and a Bald Eagle, it was wonderful. Sunday after church we went to the "Festival of Trees". What a beautiful display, I did enjoy it and all that artistic talent. There was even a tree decorated with Notre Dame theme, and a beautiful one just covered with soft toys, they were to be distributed to underprivelged children.

This has been an interesting evening, my son Marcus is here and he was trying to help me when he lost my post, then he got it partly back, and I was explaining what had happened, when suddenly my original post appeared, it's all too much for me so I am going to bed..