Days 1 and 2- Kentucky, Indiana, and Chicago.
Since there is no way that we can ever leave at a decent time and are constantly led to procrastinate such things as packing and making sure everything is ready to go, it was four hours after our estimated departure time that we were finally on our way out of town.
It was a strange thing to pack for two seasons again.  I’m no longer used to actually having luggage when I travel instead of a simple carry-on and actually taking a big bag along with the usual stuff one needs when traveling with kids, it was more than we are used to putting in the car.  It was also strange because we were actually able to put things in the trunk as Cornell was not going to be on this trip with us.
We make our way out of Kentucky and into Indiana, the land of slow left lane drivers.  I am not usually prone to road rage, but the only thing that kept me from yelling my head off is that Enzi had finally fallen asleep and there was no way I was going to run the risk of ruining this rare thing called a nap.  I just don’t understand why there were so many people going UNDER the speed limit in the left lane. Last I checked, the left lane was meant to pass, not meander along.
As we reached Northern Indiana, we began seeing wind turbines, literally as far as the eye can see.  C said that when he and his friend passed by this same area, about three years go, on their way to a concert, there had been no turbines, now there were hundreds.  It turns out that they were part of an initiative that has created a few wind farms in the area.  It’s called the Benton County Wind Farm, since it’s well, in Benton County.

The problem I saw is that at the time we were passing, less than a third of the turbines were spinning.  There had been some debate about whether the area was even viable for wind farming and I guess the decision was reached that it was, but I am unsure about the statistics so far as to whether or not it has been very productive.  By the looks of it, and the numerous new platforms, towers, whatnot being built for new turbines, I am guessing that, at least for the time being, they are.

The plains soon gave way to industry and then we started to see the trains.  That is also when C and I began to constantly be told to see these trains by our very own train enthusiast (to put it mildly), Enzi. As we approached Chicago, the trains would appear on either side of the highway.  To the left there were commuter trains, to the right freight trains, and we saw Every. Single. One.
We drove past the now no longer named Sears Tower.  It’s amazing to think that it used to be the tallest building in the world for so long.  
Then began the search for our hotel, which brought us into downtown and directly underneath the train line.  From the backseat we couldn’t help but hear squeals of delight and “Look, train” every few seconds as a train would rumble above us.  Let me tell you, it got old fast.
Finally we were inside the hotel.  The Palmer House is one of the historical hotels in downtown Chicago.  It is said to be the most expensive wedding present ever.  It was built in the 1800s and suffered damage in the great Chicago fire.  It is beautiful!  The ceiling is a giant painted and carved mural that includes a Venus rising from the water and, I’m guessing an Adam and Eve.  It also has a few cherubs annoying a greyhound by pulling its tail and trying to climb on top of it.
The lobby is full of inviting leather chairs that look like they could fit into any distinguished library.
Our room in on the thirteenth floor.  Odd that it’s actually that since usually hotels skip that number.  But, on the thirteenth floor we are.  Room 13-206.
The room itself is small compared to many of the rooms in more recently built hotels, but it is well appointed.  There was more than enough room for the three of us, but had there been a second chair in the room, we would not have been as easily accommodated.  The bed was soft and full of pillows.  The amenities were all from Crabtree and Evelyn’s LaSource line. Very nice.
C stepped out last night and got us a late dinner (how I miss being able to get restaurant food at all times of the day and night) from Millers Pub, right next door.  He got a prime rib open faced sandwich with mashed potatoes and au jus.  It was really tasty, though I am not a big fan of prime rib because of all the visible fat on it, and I have my food issues with being able to see fat that is white and not charred to a crisp.  He also brought me a piece of lemon cake which was god too, but too lemon-ey.  I prefer lemon cake with vanilla or coconut frosting to tone down the citrus somewhat.
This morning, I got up and was going to get breakfast.  I decided I’m not really hungry, but could use some coffee so off I go to Starbucks, just at the street level.  I grab my cup and find a seat back in the lobby.  The World Cup is on a TV right by where I am sitting.  I am engulfed in a sea of orange shirts emblazoned with only one word- Holland.  The game is against Brazil.  Okay, I’ll watch a little.

Its time to get ready to go back to my room and pack up.  We leave Chicago in a few hours towards Montana.  By train, it will take us 31 hours to get to West Glacier.  I have never been on a long train trip and am excited.  I also fear that it will be 31 hours of repeatedly being told that we are on a train by my three year old.  At least we have a sleeper cabin so only we’ll have to hear the constant news updates.  Ha, ha!