🫎 ROADTRIP #2 - KENTUCKY & ILLINOIS 🌉
The roadtrip started with a car issue: a bubble in my tire. I had to get it changed before going too far. Stuff happens — you just need to think fast and lose as little time as possible. Half a day gone already, I reorganized everything on the spot. Luckily, I always prepare my trips like a database, so I can pick and adapt depending on issues, weather, or mood. I knew I would still do everything I planned — just in a different order.
DAY 1 - Kentucky, Land Between the Lakes
It was a beautiful day, and I didn’t want to take the interstate. The time difference to reach my destination was small, so I drove through Tennessee’s countryside until the Kentucky border. That’s where I entered the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area — a 300‑mile stretch of forests, lakes, and prairies where you can hike, bike, camp, or simply wander.
I chose the 3.5‑mile loop drive through the Elk & Bison Prairie, a paved road right in the middle of their natural habitat. I saw several elks peacefully walking around, eating, and minding their own world.
Then I continued toward the first bridge of the trip: Eggner’s Ferry Bridge. Architectural, elegant, stretching above the water — and the first bridge I ever crossed with my Camaro over a lake. Not too much wind, but enough to make it exciting. Once on the other side, outside the National Park, I could finally fly my drone while respecting US restrictions.
I drove back into LBL toward Illinois. At the end of the Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway, I crossed another bridge near Paducah, close to the Kentucky border. That’s when I realized what “Land Between the Lakes” really meant — a long forested peninsula between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. They didn’t think too hard about the name, but it fits perfectly. I watched the sun set over the water before heading to a nearby motel to rest and plan the next day.
DAY 2 - Illinois, Shawnee National Park - Garden of Gods
The day started with another bridge, crossing the Ohio River between the two states. Then came Highway 145 — a long, straight road where I couldn’t even see the end. I wanted to push the car, but I was enjoying the moment too much to rush. Just like John Legend song says: “We can go slow, we don’t need to run.”
My first stop was Bell Smith Springs Scenic Area. Tight rock passages, long stone stairs, natural caves, rivers — it felt adventurous, even though I’ve hiked a lot in my life. This was different: solo, surrounded by nature, a mix of fear and excitement. Families were around too, which was reassuring. I wanted to visit Jackson Falls, but the road was under construction and I didn’t want to risk it with a sports car, so I moved on.
Then came the highlight: Garden of the Gods. Much more touristy, but spectacular. A short cliff‑edge loop with massive rock formations that make you feel tiny. Narrow passages to squeeze through, giant rocks to climb, and endless views. I found a spot to sit, disconnect, and just breathe. No phone, no rush — just me and the landscape. I got lost in my thoughts… until I noticed all the bugs on my stuff and ran away fast.
This time, I hadn’t booked two nights in advance — a lesson learned from my first roadtrip. It gave me the freedom to adapt to my feelings and opportunities. Best decision ever. I was too far from the first motel, and I would have missed the sunset in the mountains. That would have been a shame. Instead, I captured it with my drone — a moment that will live rent‑free in my memory. I wasn’t worried about anything. I was in the moment, loving my car, loving my life, grateful for being brave enough to go solo and trust my instincts. Otherwise, I would never have lived that moment.
DAY 3 - Illinois, Giant City & Horseshoe Lake
Last day — time to head home already. But I wanted to make the most of it, so I rearranged my drive with a few interesting stops. I started by passing along Crab Orchard Lake. Beautiful to drive by, but I didn’t stop and continued toward Giant City State Park via US‑51. A short hike, stone blocks, forest, and once again those impeccable landscapes. Since it felt similar to the day before, I didn’t linger and kept going. I stopped for lunch at an authentic local restaurant, full of character, and enjoyed a good piece of local meat.
Then I reached US‑127 toward Horseshoe Lake – Alexander. A road loops all around the water, lined with Bald Cypress trees standing half‑submerged like ancient guardians. Some of these trees can live over 600 years, and you can feel that timeless presence when you pass between them. The scene looked unreal — a floating forest, a fairytale world rising from the lake. For a moment, I felt like the main character of the story. It was magical.
After a few drone shots at different spots, I started the journey back: country roads again, music, rooftop down, and the sunset behind me. This roadtrip reassured my soul. It showed me I was in the right place, at the right time — like destiny. For once in my life, I was fully present. I once read that in dreams you can’t scream, so just to be sure… I screamed, as loud as I could. Twice. This is my life now.
Roadtrip Statistics
- Length: 3 days
- Miles: 686 miles
- Total Budget: $290 (Gas: $50, Accomodation: $160, Activities : $5)