Most of the architecture here is victorian. \240These steps, no longer used, are all metal.

A real and moving Barber Pole.

This guy, in Port Byron, is named Will B Movin.

The bee skep brought me over, but everything on this table is a joy to the eyes.

One of the communal houses, used as a bakery today. \240There are many original homes standing in Bishop Hill, all well cared for.

Cobbler shop. \240I loved looking at the trellis, made from branches.

An old hand well pump.

Gardening tools.

The electricity was knocked out. \240The dogs didn't know what to think. \240We had our lantern going, and Jim kept his eye on the weather alerts. \240

After a few hours, it quieted down, and we had a peaceful sleep.

The canal has 32 locks over 104 miles. \240This photo is at lock 24.

The canal drifts slowly toward the Mississippi, and the locks are either open, or the water just flows over the gates. \240The banks are no longer maintained, except for the bike trail. I did see some irrigation gates leading to farm land.

We saw and heard lots of frogs, turtles jumping in the water from floating logs, a black and hairy creature, which we think was a Black Fisher, and of course, dragonflies, mosquitos and pesky flies.

Here's something you don't see often: \240a canal running over a natural spring.

We did see a few fishermen, and Jim stopped to talk to one, who had a bucket full of Blue Gill.

We cleared the bike path of a few fallen trees from last night's storm. \240Jim got tangled in one and went down. \240I almost lost it when my bike got sucked up by another ( because i was watching the water and not the path), but we made it through without injury. \240It was a fun ride.

The day was hot and the humidity soaring. \240Between the stifling heat and the biting bugs, we couldn't last long.

Later in the day, Ali and I went on a bike ride to the river.

When the girls returned with the bikes, Jim and Spencer went for a ride. \240Jim captured a field of wheat in his photo, as it was too beautiful to resist.

The small town of Pontiac has a Route 66 museum, where they have old signs, antiques from diners, gas stations, cozydog wrappers, and a 1972 volkswagen bus owned by the Route 66 Ambassador, Bob Waldmire.

Jim adding the Clark name on the "Where are you from?" Board.

Jim standing at the back of 'The Road Yacht', built by Waldmire. \240It's an impressive bus, complete with a wood stove, sauna, kitchen, and a sun deck.

The Waldmire driving seat.

Above the Route 66 Museum was the Livingston County War Museum. \240An impressive show of 100 years of military service by the County members. \240It was particularily touching because every full uniform ( and my guess is that there were about 100, from combined branches), had a photo of the individual who wore it, when and where they served.

A short hike down to the Shawnee Creek, and back toward the falls, the jutting rock is super cool.

The creek has small fry swimming around and hundreds of delicate iridescent blue dragonflies.

Of course, one has to walk under the falls!

Or- \240one can just stand under them...

Near the falls, we found the most beautiful church.

Lake Michigan from the North Lake Shore.

Jim under the NBC studio sign, a place made famous by The Oprah Show.

Spencer showing me where he is getting educated.😊

...the cuticle!

Ali, being the piece of Art-

A floor down from the classics, we found a section of armor. \240It was amazing to see full suits, with sabers and shields.

I can't even imagine riding a horse, holding a lance, a sword (or anything else) with these on.

I took a panoramic shot of the main armor room. \240It's a something I won't forget.

There are multiple bridges, which open only two times a year - except for this old bridge - a landmark, and always open.

The Willis (Sears) Tower, where Ali and I braved a few moments on their glass block, about a year ago.

At the end of the tour, and just before the Lake Michigan Locks, I got a panoramic shot of the cityscape.

My bag of carmel corn 😏.

A fancy bite in a fancy place.

Michael Jordan's place is full of photo and trophies from his basketball days.

The Buckingham Fountain is enormous and stunningly beautiful.

Lake Michigan and a group of geese.

We took off our shoes and stood on the concrete steps as the waves roll over our feet.

Sharing an ice cream cone and a bottle of water, we stood under a shady tree enjoying the view. \240You can see the steps we stood on, to the right.

It was blasted hot out there, and so we cooled off in the business school building.

On the hour, water shoots from a spout located at the base of the fountain. \240I let Jim know that I was there, because he was standing on Ali's deck ( 49th floor) of the building just behind the apex of the arch). \240Jim, in turn...

...photographed me at the base of the fountain.

And, the Clarks on Clark Street.🥰

We had a companion with us, watching the sun appear for the new day.

Spashes alongside the vessel, and the city view. \240Beautiful.

Jim riding the Orange Line on the El Train.

The sky!

Dash wonders where the city noises come from.

Dashie and Spencer. \240❤️❤️❤️

A little lighthouse on the shore of Lake Michigan. \240We saw a few fishermen, some kayakers, lake gulls, and a family picnicking.

The lake was calm and the dogs were happy to get in a few smells.

Spencer and Ali and the setting sun over Lake Michigan.

After many unsuccessful attempts to purchase washable masks, Ali and I gathered supplies from around her home and made some ourselves. \240Our supplies: \240my Mothers-made table runner, hair ties, the wire twist from a champagne bottle, and good old fashioned hand stitching. \240Mission accomplished!