(NOTE: This post is for the trip from Madison, WI to Aurora, IL that took place on Monday between 1pm and 6:30pm. With little time to blog, and getting tired later in the day, I may wait to post the afternoon and evening adventures during the next morning charging stops. This is being typed up while charging in Maumee, OH. More on that later… FT)

After driving for almost an hour from Madison, WI, I entered Illinois at 1:52pm. The sign said, “Land of Lincoln”. Here in Beloit I encounterd my first toll on the trip! I paid the $1.90 fee and in my true frugal way, I exited onto another road without tolls which was going South toward my Aurora target. The road was 39/51 South. With slower speed limits at 55mph, I knew that I would also have plenty of range for the side adventure. I connected onto 30 East and saw a cool water slide park with people in giant rafts being propelled uphill by gushing water along a HUGE rollercoaster-like flume ride! Next, I saw more windmill type electricity generators amidst the ubiquitous corn fields.

I enjoyed this meandering drive along 30 East. The speed limit would slow as I approached the towns along the way, but that gave me the chance to look around some more. In Waterman, IL, there was a huge turf plant. Need I say that this town had the nicest grass I have seen for its soccer fields and lawns! Continuing on, at least two trains went by with more of those black, cylindrical oil tanker cars than I have ever seen… I estimate about 50 per train! I am glad to see the many American flags that line the streets of these patriotic towns.

I arrived in Aurora at 4pm and had a difficult time finding the Supercharger. This is because it is located in the parking lot that is hidden behind the Comfort Suites hotel. Also, it is adjacent to a bus area which I managed to enter by mistake twice! So, non-locals beware… I also ended up in the train station parking lot trying to find the charger. In retrospect, the easiest way to find this is to enter on the left  off of Spring Street and go behind the Comfort Suites where you will see the huge 2 Brothers Brewing Company building and chargers on the front left side of the entrance.

I fully charged for about an hour, done by 5:10pm. During the charging I posted the Madison blog entry and did some email. At the end of the charge time I met an Aurora local named Brian and had a very long conversation with him. Next I reviewed Mapquest to find a toll free route to Mishawaka, Indiana… my next stop for the day. My odometer was at 17,848 and range full at 206. I departed at 6:30pm to find the University Park Mall in Mishawaka, IN.  Three states in a day… Frugal Tesla