Our driving time / stopping time on this trip has been greatly altered by having a puppy on board and how far we go each day is determined by the following factors; Staying off the interstates mean slower but less stressful travel + stops to keep Cedar happy + stops for fuel & food + slowing down or stopping early due to rain or wind = much less distance travelled than we used to do. The plus side is we are seeing more of the country and driving through small towns with interesting features, little community parks, hikes, walks, campgrounds, and hidden gems. Loving this……….
It also means, that sometimes, we have to just stop and find a place because it’s the right time or distance on our route which was the case at Peoria Illinois. We stayed at Fondulac Park Carl Spindler which was conveniently just off the highway 24 which we were travelling on. Good reviews and the host was very friendly, but really just for an overnight – bathrooms were OK and they have a dump station, so it did the trick. They did seem to have quite a few seasonal which Chris thought was due to the amaizng cheap monthly rate, but other than the on-site marina it had not much going for it. We did find a trail from the marina that went through marsh and forest to a small town park and from the waterfront there was a nice view of the city. Peoria lake and all the lakes nearby (when I looked on maps) seem to be just wide sections of the Illinois River which flows from or into Lake Michigan – they all seem to be linked.