Our raccoon friend

After Jeff finished work, we loaded our bikes with a tent, sleeping bag, food, and overnight bags, then went on a two-hour ride to Starved Rock. The last 45-mile stretch was very scenic. We rode on the wide open road through the country into the sunset. After it became dark, we hit the last ten miles - a road full of twists and turns up and down the hills. There were no streetlights, so we rode in the pitch dark. I couldn't see a thing in front of me, except for the lights on Jeff's bike.

When we finally arrived, we opted to get a room at the Starved Rock lodge since the campsite seemed closed and it was too late to pitch the tent. We spent the rest of the night hanging out at an unique bar situated right next to one of the hiking trails, watching The Family Man, and just talking, talking, and talking.