the trip home

Nothing is as easy as pie for me

     As you remember from yesterday, I was camping at Lake Le Aqua Na, located west of Freeport, close to Lena.
     Lena is a pretty little town.  I really like it, especially in the fall.
     My check tire pressure light came on in my Honda, and of course I don't have a tire gauge
     So after breakfast at a cute little cafe in Lena, I went to a gas station on the way out of town.
     (Digression:  We had eaten at this cafe several times....always good food.  But it closed and has reopened under new ownership and a new name.....Cream and Sugary Beanery, if I remember.  I had a panini like breakfast sandwich and it was really good.  I especially liked the rotisserie potatoes that came with it.  And the best price?  It was around $5.  If you are ever in Lena, check them out for coffee, tea, or a sandwich)
     I borrowed John's gauge and headed for the gas station.

The tin man....$115 and it would look great in a garden!

     I have never been at a gas station that does not have a air pump.  Never.  But there I was, in an air pumpless station.  Damn.
So I drove back through Lena to a gas station I remembered passing after turning off the road to the park.
     3 minutes of air.....$1.50.   Lucky I carry a lot of quarters when I travel.  I checked the pressure first and found them all down, so I put in my money and aired up my tires.
     All the time I was wishing there was a Casey's nearby, because I believe they have free air.  At least they do in Rochelle.
     As I left town on the main road, instead of the side streets I had used, I saw a Casey's!  Go figure.
     Then on the way home I stopped at a place I had always wondered about.  It's near Eleroy and it is Huron Farm Market.  He has a lot of stuff!
     I stopped and had a nice visit with the owner.  Kind of a fruit stand/flea market, with lots of interesting items.
     My get away for a day is now going to the Huron market, Rafters for lunch, and Lena for an afternoon coffee.
     Anyway, here are some pictures.

Doors rule at Sugar aand Creamery Beanery

Lots of pumpkins

Lots of fall goods!

There is a local guy who makes stuff out of "junk" and sells it at the Huron Market.

The horseshoes are from Amish horses....hand forged.  Just thought it was a clever way to make a wine rack!

You are forewarned