Thursday, September 24th, 2009
“Don’t take the road – let the road take you.” Sage words from a couple who are no strangers to taking in strangers.
old gas pump at the General Store in Funk's Grove, IL
I stopped in Funk’s Grove to take some photos of the old-fashioned general store and empty train depot. A truck stopped and a friendly guy with a greying handlebar moustache got out. George Tilton, a resident of Funk’s Grove, noticed my Route 66 sticker and wanted to let me know that there is a very old church and cemetery a mile up the road (not on Route 66), and that it is a beautiful drive and I really must go, even though it is not actually on the Route. In fact, I also really must drop by his house afterward. There is nowhere to camp nearby, and he would be happy to host me.
this way to the church
(Get up off the floor Mom, it’s OK). Now, this is one of those times where the voices of reason and caution start to kick in. I am behind schedule already. I am a female traveling alone. I really shouldn’t be taking this stranger up on his offer. (Axe murderers abound, dontcha know…) However, he did make a point to tell me his wife would be home shortly. And he did tell me about this couple they hosted before – the “Turtle Expedition“, who had written an article for Trailer Life magazine about their travels on Route 66 – and how he and his wife Trish were mentioned in the article. And really, the guy just genuinely seemed like someone who wanted to help out a traveler. Frankly, this is something I would do, too, if I were him. I went down the road and he was right: the church and cemetery were gorgeous and I got into the zone – the one that reminds me why I am a photographer in the first place. I was really getting into taking pictures and time stood still for – well, I don’t know for how long. That’s the point!
evidence of autumn in the Funk's Grove cemetery
the Tilton's 4-month old Mastif, Molly
their Rottweiler, Guinness
Trish and George have gone to bed now, leaving me up alone in their home, on their computer, so I can write this post. They fed me a lovely meal, put a load of laundry in for me, allowed me to stay in their daughter’s room (she is away at school), let me take a shower (two actually – one tonight and another tomorrow, just because “it feels so good when you’re camping!” says Trish), poured me wine and beer, allowed me to charge up all of my electronics, AND Trish has gifted me with some goregous handmade soap and a bottle of the famous local maple sirup that is produced nearby. This last item is particularly impressive, since Funk’s Grove Maple Sirup is closed and all sold out of the stuff now, and I wouldn’t have been able to buy any when I go there tomorrow. And yes, “sirup”. This is how it’s spelled here. Apparently it’s “the way they used to spell it”. I was so glad that I had the where-with-all to pack boxes of prints for sale or gifting. I had them each pick out a print as a thank you gift – George picked the Motel 66 sign and Trish the “Yearning” signature Johua Tree piece. I am so very grateful for this random act of hospitality. I hope I can return them the favour one day in Canada. As an added bonus, they have two lovely dogs so I got to hang out with them and practice my dog photography skills.
I present you: the very generous George and Trish Tilton
- George hamming it up with his lice powder (an unopened can, from 1907?!)
I leave you with a funny note about yesterday that I forgot to mention last night: I texted a friend back home about the sponsorship from Campfire in a Can. He didn’t know what I meant, so he filled in the gaps himself. He thought something had happened, and that the trailer had caught fire! (Aliner trailer on fire = Campfire in a Can… totally makes sense). Well – that or, he added later, perhaps the suspect leftover goulash I ate for lunch the day before had come back with a fire and vengeance so intense that I felt it necessary to text him about it!
…now, if I could only get this $@#&*%?! backup drive to work!!!
