In 2016, Grandma died.
In 2017, Grandpa took off with me to visit all the state parks in Illinois. We left on our first trip two days after Christmas in the winter of that year. The temperature was -2 F. When we reached Starved Rock State Park, he pulled out his CAT orange stocking hat and immediately transformed into Gnomepa. We only made it on two trips. In the fall of 2018, Gnomepa succumbed to illness. His last words to me: “I wish we were at the Ice.”
The mission continues…
August 2020, during this journey my cousin and I visit parks #21-24 out of 72. Fox Ridge, Eagle Creek, Wolf Creek, and Ramsey Lake State Park. Plus we added on State Historic Sites: Lincoln Cabin, Monroe House, and Vandalia First State Capitol.
GnomePa in the Ice
Careful Communion in the Time of Covid
On the Lincoln Trail in Charleston Illinois
Illinois treats Lincoln Well
Like Living in the 1850’s
GnomePa would have said “This is Cool!”
Eastern Illinois Pioneers
A working farm
White Oaks of Some Sort
Grandpa loved the woods
And trails to the river
And Sandbars
August was kind to us
living creatures of all kinds
The Monarch still rules
Ramsey Lake
Freshly "Pic'ed" 