Road Trip part 2

After we found the turn we needed in Kickapoo, we headed to Hanna City.  It actually was a short distance away.  Our next stop was Wild Life Prairie State Park.  It was in the 60;s, and sunny.  It was a perfect day for taking a walk in the woods.  This park has a lot of facilities to further education and they even have lodging.  We were greeted by these two male elk.  The females were in a different part of the pasture.

We stopped at Hazel's Hill. When you go up to the overlook you are surrounded by a beautiful, peaceful area.  There are signs all around that are Indian proverbs, or sayings.  The brochure said that Hazel's Hill has a lot of wild flowers at other times of the year.  I think the whole area would be beautiful in the Spring.

Ron was fascinated by these "cottages".  These old silo's have been turned into lodging.  We were told they do have all modern conveniences.  There were also 4 train cars that have been converted to lodging.  Some of the rooms have kitchens facilities and some of the rooms are just like a  regular motel.

Here is Ron in the visitors area.

Next stop was East Peoria to see the floats from the Festival of Lights.  On the 17th of November they have the parade of lights.  There are at least 30 floats formed entirely of lights. This is sort of the beginning of the Christmas season.  After the parade all of the floats are moved to a local golf course.  They are set up then for the public to drive through the golf course and view them.  You are allowed to have your parking lights on, but no head lights. 

I think this dinosaur has 35,000 light bulbs on it.

This 57 Chevy is lite with 14,000 bulbs.

The Dussenberg only has 13,000 light bulbs.

How about this of the Clydesdales, there are a mere 90,000 light bulbs. The float, by the way, is life size and 70 feet long.

Star Ship Enterprise has 48,000.  This float has been in the parade for a long time.  We remembered seeing it the first time we came to see the floats about 10 years ago.

I think Rudolph is a newer addition.

They have added the American Flag as a float and a display honoring all the services.  This brought a few tears to my eyes.  Daddy would have loved all of this.

As you cross the Illinois River from Peoria to East Peoria you see this on the side of a hill.  The floats are sponsored by local businesses and organizations.  There is a year round crew that work on these floats.  This is the second time we have been to see the display.  Both times it has been spectacular.
We did stay in Peoria for the night. We headed to Arthur, IL in the morning.

One more post about our overnight.
Mary