Quincy, Illinois

After that lovely experience in Galesburg’s Stoney Lake Park, I prepared myself for a potentially ho-hum day in Quincy, to the southwest of Galesburg, about an hour and a half on the train. This was the first segment of track on this trip that was new to me, and part of my effort to complete the entire Amtrak map. (I expect the whole endeavor will take me several years.) But I didn’t know whether I would actually enjoy each leg of the journey.

I was so pleasantly surprised!

Leaving my trailer and its contents at the hotel, I headed back to the train station in the morning, enjoying the sunshine, crisp autumn leaves, and several blocks of red-brick street paving.

The train ride was beautiful! Much more scenic than I had feared. I took many more photos than this, but you can get the gist from these.

As soon as I got to the station in Quincy, I looked on the map and spied what looked like an extensive bike trail less than a mile from the station. I pedaled toward it, and sure enough, a beautiful wonderland awaited me! The trail stretches for nearly three miles (nearly five kilometers) most of it paved. I marveled at the skies, leaves, and creek, and learned some things about “hobos” as well.

When I emerged from the forest onto the road south to town, I found my way to the one place in town that was listed on HappyCow as vegan-friendly enough to have vegan waffle fries. I enjoyed a double order of said fries, along with a seasonal drink special called the Drunk Ghost martini ($6!) It was a glassful of effervescent coconutty goodness.

After this repast, I crossed the street to the park on the river and enjoyed the view of the suspension bridge.

Then it was time to head back to the train station, along the same trail in a later light.

When I got back to the station, I found both it and the parking lot next door bathed in magical light.

Back aboard the train, the sky and clouds and light continued to impress me.

Sadly, I discovered too late that a high school friend lives right between Galesburg and Quincy, in Macomb—the one other stop on this Amtrak Carl Sandburg train segment. A visit will have to wait for another time, but this tidbit was a reminder of how small a world we all inhabit.

The train returned to Galesburg after dark, and my bike ride back to the hotel began with a festive nighttime downtown street scene.

I am thoroughly enjoying my travels.

Next up: Warrenville, Illinois!

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