6-OCT-2011 - Hey, maybe we’re going to get a break this year. The trees are turning slowly, about 25% around our house, and the weather outlook through the weekend is fabulous. We know from experience that the color change can accelerate and make a big jump in one day as it did last year (followed the next day by a hard rain that knocked them all down). Sooooo, after a phone call of encouragement from one of our stalwart couples we’re considering Sunday to be the Color Tour day (October 9). May take an exploratory run up north on Friday to see what’s happening there. As our friends pointed out, regardless of the color it will be a great day for a topless ride. So, be thinking about Sunday and I’ll let you know more on Friday.

Basic plan is to be at our house by 9am on Sunday. 23-53 Broadview Dr, Lanark, IL.
It’ll be a one day run, completed in time for you to get home after dinner. If you want to add an overnight on either side the suggested hotel arrangements are:
    Country Inn and Suites, Stockton, 815-947-6060
    Baymont Inn and Suites, Freeport, 815-599-8510
    Hickory Hideaway, Near Lake Carroll, 866-333-1333.   This is a special place with classy little cabins, most with in-room fireplaces and spas. It’s a little pricey, but can be classified as romantic. It’s about 3 miles from our house.

If you intend to come along please let me know by return e-mail. A car count will help a lot.
Hope to see you. - Dan

7-OCT-2011 -- Sending these photos taken today, Friday (see top of page), in SW Wisconsin. We took a scouting trip into the Potosi area and found the colors are very good. May even improve by Sunday.

Someone trying to make hotel arrangements has learned that all three hostels I listed in the previous mail are full on Saturday night. Seems like a lot of people want to peep at the leaves. And there is a double whammy because the deer hunting season is open and there are a lot of hunters in the area. So here’s a new list of alternatives you can try.
Hampton Inn, Freeport -815 232 7100. This is a classic multi story hotel in downtown Freeport. It has been totally restored and remodeled and is part of the Hampton chain. Nice place.
Super 8 Motel, Freeport - 815 232 5252. This is a newer multi story motel building that was originally a Holiday Inn Express. Now a Super 8 franchise.
Trailside Inn, Lake Carroll - 815 493 8484. This is a small strip type motel adjacent to the Lake Carroll development. It’s plain and basic and is very clean. No extra facilities like pool, etc and no free breakfast. It’s just a basic and clean/safe place to sleep. Minutes from our house.

If you are unable to find a place to stay overnight on Saturday, please consider driving out early Sunday morning. The drive time is 2 hours and up from the various Chicago suburbs. If you want to have a great MG road drive in perfect weather to see a good color display it’s worth the extra effort. If you want to make the total Sunday experience easier consider staying overnight in the area on Sunday night. Should be easier to find rooms for that night.

SPECIAL NOTE: The instruction sheet for driving to our house is also attached. Access from the northern suburbs is suggested via I-90. For this trip do not use I-90. It is under construction with lane restrictions, goofy lane setups and other delays and anxieties. Instead take US 20 all the way to Freeport and follow the other directions to our house. Or, use US 20 to IL 72 and follow 72 directly to Lake Carroll.

Launch time is 9am Sunday (getting early start to get you on your way home earlier in the afternoon). Please arrive at our house at least 15 minutes before that to use the facilities if needed and to participate in a driver’s meeting before starting out. It’s hectic and lots of folks have schedule conflicts, but the leaves give us a narrow window and won’t wait for us. This is our best opportunity in years. Hope you can find a way to join us.