Away we went early on a Saturday morning. First light was
behind us but no clouds, a weak early glimmer of sunlight promising a warmer
day. An early spring day; not really warm, just warmer than what we’ve had for
so many months!
And the time behind us has been very busy: elections,
newspaper publishing, editing, writing, tracking stories, allowing room for new
stories unfolding…..and several organizations and their tasks and hopes
unfolding. Lots of work that kept us busy
for months. Without a break, no vacation. It was time.
So we just said do it! And we did. The first thoughts were
where and for how long. We had four days we could play hooky. But we assessed
all the obligations and settled on two days away. First the dog had to have an
arranged stayover at his bed bud’s; then blog essays needed writing in advance.
The paper had to get distributed on schedule. Two meetings for the chamber of
commerce, and minutes written for both sessions. Then the Friday evening youth
meeting couldn’t be missed. Church could we figured and so too a couple of
other Saturday meetings. So…all set.
Now figure out where to go. There are only a few places we
want to go, but then time requirements restrict many of those selections. So we
settled on Galena
about 140 miles from home; more west than north so we wouldn’t be going to a
cooler clime. With spring floods controlling some areas we were aware we might
have to change our itinerary on the fly. But Galena was the target.
Ever been there? An early 1800’s town settled around lead
mines – thus the galena name – Latin
for lead. The area is quite hilly and very unlike most of Illinois . The Mississippi
is nearby with the Apply River flowing westerly across portions of northern Illinois draining into the Mississippi . The town is build on the side
of a hill with seemingly impossible steep streets. I still can’t fathom what it
must be like on a snowy winter’s day!
Few streets are straight, many not on a level plain. Old
homes built on bed rock only inches below the soil line. Very old trees and
architecture. Like a walk into the past.
Antique stores and tchotcke outlets galore. A walking
shopper’s dream. Old fashioned sandwich shops and ice cream stores are
available. Also a chocolate purveyor. Lots of weekend homes and apartments dot
the community. A very old high school high atop the town has been converted to
modern condominiums. Staggering views. Quiet surroundings. Restful.
Just what we needed. And only 3.5 hours going the back route
through lush farmland and the palisades lining the east bank of the Mississippi River . Quaint small farming villages all
along the way. It makes a perfect getaway for the weekend and an intro to Galena . On the eastern
outskirts of the tourist city are high hills with valley views. Astonishing for
Illinoisans used to being flatlanders. And then a sudden drop and swoop down
into the town with its curving streets and escalator hills. Suddenly we are not
travelers or Chicagoans anymore! We are short timers of Galena .
We have been here before and are well prepared. Frequent
stops for lemonade or coffee and a light sandwich – or maybe a delectable
Italian pasta dish! Then more walking and snooping through shops. It dawns on
us that we need to arrange a room for the night and our search begins. Away
from town is our best bet. We locate a motel and
sign in for $108; just one night; paid in advance, please! A great breakfast
awaits us the next morning near the lobby.
As we contemplate the remainder of the day – now Sunday, we
move on into southwestern Wisconsin
and head for Mineral Point. We will make a quick visit there at their art
stores, shops, galleries and studios. Then a tasty light lunch before heading
home.
We return via high-speed interstates. Only 2.5 hours to make
it home. We anxiously retrieve our dog and look forward to it mightily. Then home, unpack and regroup for the new
week ahead of us.
For a short time we have taken a time out. Just what we
needed. Exactly what we needed.
April 29, 2013
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