Just like last year, we began our journey under the cover of night, aiming to reach our first destination right when it opened. We said goodbye to our Christmas tree and packed our Model Y as well as we could. It may have looked like a mess, but we brought a lot of stuff. Snow started to fall during one of our supercharger stops. Our excitement grew as we approached our first stop, the iconic Superdawg in Chicago.
This time, we ventured to a different Superdawg location. While we enjoyed the nostalgic charm of the original spot in Chicago, we found the Wheeling location to be more to our liking. The parking situation was much more convenient, allowing us to easily find a spot without the usual hassle. Additionally, the indoor area was significantly more spacious, providing a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere where we could savor our meal. To our pleasant surprise, we discovered that there was a Mitsuwa nearby, an exciting find for us. Mitsuwa, with its array of Japanese groceries, dining options, and unique products, was a perfect addition to our day’s itinerary. We couldn’t resist stopping by to explore, and it turned out to be a delightful detour that added an extra layer of enjoyment to our adventure.
After our enjoyable visit to Mitsuwa, we continued our drive toward Iowa 80 for our first car camping night. The road ahead stretched out before us, with anticipation in the air as we ventured further into our journey. As is our tradition, we made sure to stop by Machine Shed for a hearty dinner before settling in for the night. The familiar comfort of the restaurant, with its warm ambiance and delicious food, provided the perfect respite from the long drive. With satisfied appetites and full hearts, we drove on, eventually finding a quiet spot to set up our car for the night. The peaceful surroundings and the gentle hum of the highway created a sense of serenity as we drifted off to sleep, ready for the adventures that awaited us the next day.
