White Pines Fall Colors Tour

By John Emmering

While colder wintery weather would soon be on its way, 12 Northern Illinois Regional Group members seized the opportunity to enjoy an unseasonably warm and clear day. On Sunday, November 7, the group took part in a Fall Colors Tour to scenic points northwest of Chicago and suburbs.

One by one early that Sunday morning five Early Ford V-8s and other members’ modern cars gathered in the Culver’s parking lot in St. Charles anticipating a great day of touring ahead. When all participants were accounted for Ron Steck, who organized and headed the tour, took the lead as the caravan headed out west on IL Route 64.

Driving Ford V-8s were Ken Bounds in his 1951 Mercury Sport Coupe, John & Robin Emmering in their 1951 Ford Fordor, Dan Pudelek in his 1950 Ford Crestliner, Ron & Coleen Steck driving their 1941 Ford Station Wagon, and George and Dawn Zulas in their recently acquired 1950 Ford Custom Convertible, on its maiden NIRG tour. Also joining the convoy heading west on Route 64 in modern vehicles were John Judge, Gary & Dawn Osborne and John Slobodnik. The route passed through about 70 miles of rural Northern Illinois’ Kane, Dekalb. Winnebago and Ogle Counties. All around were acres of harvested corn fields and busy farmers using the mild weather to finish up work in their fields.

Cutting north toward Rockford the group encountered hillier wooded areas. Ron led the group to the Rock River and cut back south along its bank providing a scenic ride along the river. Entering Oregon, Illinois, the group made an impromptu stop at Lowden State Park and posed for a photo in front of the massive statue of Chief Blackhawk.

Next the group drove onto White Pines State Park where they enjoyed viewing the fall colors and stopped for an enjoyable lunch in the park’s restaurant. As the group prepared to head back home everyone agreed that it had been a wonderful way to enjoy this exceptionally nice day and a great end the 2021 touring season.