The Soulsby Service Station sits apart in Mt. Olive, and I’m glad I stopped.

A few plans went sideways to, in and on my way out of Litchfield for different reasons.

No one at the Ariston Cafe was non-white or under 55, so skipped it. Funks Grove was closed for the season, so could not buy pure maple syrup. And friends in St. Louis didn’t return messages by phone or email to meet up, so I canceled my overnight stay.

Tried to get to the Chain Rock Bridge, even driving back and forth on the highway three times but seems to be closed or there’s no obvious route. Here’s a photo, which was super hard to take while driving solo. There’s no shoulder and no stopping.

And with that, it’s time to leave the Land of Lincoln.

Springfield to Litchfield: 45 miles
Stay: Baymont with pool $89. Friendly reception.
Memorable Meal: None. Leftover fritters and fried chicken from earlier in the day
Song of the Day: Breakup Song by Greg Kihn Band