July 23, 2015, Thursday, Springfield, IL
Day 84

Began the day at the Caterpillar Visitors Center in Peoria. An introductory film was presented in the bed of a 797F, the giant mining dump truck that Caterpillar makes.  The theater seats vibrated when ever the 797F appeared on the screen. The truck has 4000 hp, weighs almost 1.4 million lbs. (each tire alone weighs 12,000 lbs.), top speed 40 mph and can carry a load of 400 tons (that’s 800,000 lbs.). There are several other vehicle types that you get to climb into and also several simulators to test your skills. The cabs of these “tractors” have the feel of a luxury car, including leather seats! There was also an extensive museum concerning the company’s history, design processes, engine making among other things. You can have any color machine you want as long as it is Cat yellow, a trademarked color. Next was a 70 mile drive to Springfield, IL.  Checked into the RV park at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Visited the Lincoln Home National Historic Sight and even got to meet Mr. Lincoln himself. That’s him standing in front of his Springfield home (see photo). After a Mother Road Pale Ale at Obed & Isaac’s Brew Pub, supper was at the Magic Kitchen, Asian food of course (the price for one beer!).