Wander Done. Magic Found.

Every wander has a highlight. Something your mind automatically goes back to when you think of the trip. Oftentimes at the end of the wander I would ask Ernie his favorite spot of the day or favorite picture. Well, I didn’t even bother asking Carrie as we drove home, missing the hills and beauty of the Driftless Area even as we admired the quieter beauty of Central Illinois. I knew what her answer would be.

Council Hill Station.

I always do some research and planning before a wander. I’d been looking up information and locations on stone buildings and came across a picture of one which in turn led me to Council Hill Station. We meandered through beautiful country to get there. Carrie was the best at sorting out how to get me and Blue into places so she popped in and asked. The proprietor jumped up, moving things out of the way and padded out to the car in his bare feet, helping me and Blue up the ramp and into the main room, chatting all the way. He got us some ice cold sangria and sang a few songs. His partner Gladdy sang a beautiful version of a Jason Isbell song. Another couple wandered in. It was pretty much heaven.

Eventually we decided to get going as it was getting late in the day. Carrie happened to mention it was my birthday and our proprietor Jamie jumped up and told us to wait. He raced out, coming back a few minutes later with a present for me and then told us to wait again before coming back with a birthday powdered doughnut. No, it wasn’t Ernie’s Boston Cream Pie, but it was pretty damn close. ❤️ And let me tell you I made a very good wish when I blew out that candle.

He told us we could drive down the hill to see what was down there. What a heavenly spot it was. Just magic. If you’re in the area make sure you stop, it’s just a ten minute or so drive from Galena.

Oh, and there were nasturtiums everywhere. It was obviously all meant to be.

I almost asked them if Greg Garing every played there as I believe he’s in Galena these days. I wimped out though. Why do I do that?

Anyway, there’s lots of video out there of this place. I could not recommend it more. It’s really special and those really special places are few and far between.

They’ve got a big event coming up in a few weeks. Tell them Cynthia and Carrie sent you.

My birthday necklace. Thanks, Jamie.

Onward.

Love,
Cynthia