Roadhammer

We are in Hampshire, Illinois, northwest of Chicago, heading for Wisconsin. Feeling like a roadhammer after a 570-mile, 13-hour epic in the smart car yesterday. Greetings to Paul Watts, our man on the Costas.
Via Detroit and Chicago, out past O'Hare airport last night. Listening to 94.7 FM Oldies as we passed the Sears Tower in Chicago - "Beatles, CCR, Four Tops." Stayed at Super 8 Motel last night - $74.93 incl tax. Watching NHRA drag racing from Norwalk, Ohio on ESPN last night - reminded me of what hooked me on the states in the first place.
Up early and rolling shortly after seven o'clock. Wrong slotted on the highway - sick of Illinois tolls - 60 or 80 cents but stuffed if you don't have change - charged to go the wrong way!
Update: Now in Cross Plains, Wisconsin in the Crossroads Coffee House with free Wi-Fi. This town has a Piggly Wiggly, great groceteria, didn't know they came this far north! Trip to Madison, Wis - State capital and college town by two lakes, very bike friendly. But prefer small towns - more friendly with Wi-Fi welcome, free coffee refill. Can't beat a road trip.
Update II: Lunch at Gables in Richland Center after trip to the Frank Lloyd Wright estate at Taliesin. Crossed the Mississippi at La Crosse after seeing some flooding in Wisconsin. Now in Albert Lea, Minnesota for second overnight stop. 371 miles on Day Two of tour. Steak supper with two complimentary glasses of Merlot, Alfredo for the Mrs, $30 incl tip.
See SCOOT for pics and map.