The early spring gave us some cherry tree blooms as we left our house.
We made the Millbrook Bridge part of our twisty two lane route. It is an 1897 Pratt Truss bridge that is 600 ft long. Love to stop off and walk it.
Lisa with the new bridge in the background:
Here is one of the full length:
From there, we followed the Fox River for about an hour of back twisty roads to the memorial. There are no signs on the main road. Once we crossed there was a small sign for Shabbona Park. There, we saw the memorials.
Here is a bit of history from wikipedia:
"The Indian Creek massacre occurred on May 21, 1832, when a group of United States settlers in LaSalle County, Illinois, were attacked by a party of Native Americans. The massacre was sparked by the outbreak of the Black Hawk War, but it was not directly related to Sauk leader Black Hawk's conflict with the United States. Instead, the incident stemmed from a settler's refusal to remove a dam that jeopardized a food source for a nearby Potawatomi village. After the Black Hawk War began, between 40 and 80 Potawatomis and three Sauks attacked the settlement. Fifteen settlers, including women and children, were killed. Two young women kidnapped by the raiders were ransomed and released unharmed about two weeks later."
This pic shows the original memorial which was the marker at the time along with a newer memorial erected by the state.
There is also a marker telling about the two girls that were kidnapped.
The park is clearly a respected part of this area's history. I wouldn't say any buildings or shelters are newer than the 80's, but it is clear there are structures here from pre 1900's and several decades in between. One building clearly looked turn of the century, another post WWII, several more from the 70's and 80's. Even the dual memorials span a large gap of time.
There is NO population center are near here, yet the park seems to be tended to pretty well. As we pass by this summer, I am curious to see if locals use the shelters and picnic / enjoy this area. I know we will be back for the shade and water.
From there we headed to Starved Rock State Park - about as cool and tight of twisties as you will find in this area. Gotta say, could have been smoother with the new to me concours. Very easy to lug the old cruiser around there, but I was choppy on this ride. I am thinking the revs should have been kept higher with fewer shifts. Lisa was kind about it and didn't rip on me for riding so lame.
Stopped off in Utica for a wine tasking at August Hill Winery. Very nice and relaxing. Talked her into letting me take one pic....
As we started turning for home, we discussed dinner - and Cajun Connection! Lisa and one of my three sons is vegetarian. Well, wouldn't you know it, Cajun Ron makes veggie Gumbo for lent. Gave them a call, and though the restaraunt wasn't to open for two more hours, they were there prepping and said to stop by. Knock knock knock on the kitchen door and there is Ron calling us in.
Mmmmmmm, smells so good. We got a quart of the meat and a quart of the meatless gumbos. Ahhhheeeee! This is not the first time he has sold us gumbo out the kitchen door! Ahhheeee!
Ron was just about to chop up this gator tail. The blur in the pic is from me moving - NOT the gator!
Loaded with the goods for dinner, we stopped off at our usual return from a trip place for one pop, and home for dinner with the boys. Great way to spend the day.
Lisa really took to the new bike. Surprisingly, much smoother over road imperfections than the fat cruiser. She found the seating position comfortable and relaxing enough. Of course, we had to get it to triple digits just once
Good day, great ride, nice bike!
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