We are now in Springfield Illinois after having spent the night in Hannibal Missouri. On our way we stopped at old Munroe where we had a crappie sandwich for lunch. Crappie is pronounced croppie and is a white river fish. We also had hushpuppies - deep fried corn and onion balls - a heart attack waiting to happen.
Had a great steam boat trip down the Mississippi  and visited Mark Twain's home. Beautiful countryside.
Struck by how much damage the drought is doing to American crops as we drove to Springfield.
In Springfield we booked into gorgeous B&B called Inn at 835 and then had a pony shoe for lunch - ham on white bread topped by french fries and smothered in melted cheese. If I survive American cuisine it will be a small miracle. Springfield is also the birthplace of the Cozy dog - a sort of deep fried hot dog.

We then visited Lincoln's home. I was very struck by the love he had for his wife and children. What a tragic life poor Mary had. She had four children and only one survived to adulthood. Her husband was assassinated and later her only son had her institutionalised.
The above pic is one of the islands on the Mississippi where outcasts Huck Fin and Jim hid out before setting off on a raft down the Mississippi.