Thursday 8th May

Took taxi to see Lincoln's Tomb as it was pouring with rain and too wet to get kitted up. Taxi there was ok with guided tour by the very helpful Erica, Springfield IL has some lovely buildings, especially the State Capitol. We couldn't get in contact with a taxi company for the trip back to the motel so started walking (we've done miles on foot so far this trip), spotted a taxi waiting in a service station, Mick risked life and limb to catch their attention by running across the road, and guess what? It WAS Erica - again! Bit of luck that as we had another guided tour on the return journey. Still raining when we left, plus windy to boot. First stop was for coffee at Lichfield, had a chat with some other bikers who were sheltering there too. As weather was so bad we opted to find the Chain of Rocks bridge if nothing else and forget St Louis and the Arch. Eventually found the bridge, not easy, walked across/over the Mississippi, had photos taken in Illinois and Missouri simultaneously as the state line goes through the bridge. Took 270 beltway around city, only had brief glimpse in the distance of the Arch. Found our way to overnight stop at St Clair. Cold, wet and tired, no time for relaxing as the only cafe shut at 8pm and no liquor license - not again! Mind you, great grub, so worth it. Early to bed as worn out, again!