On Friday, January 17, 2025, in the mid-afternoon, the temperature in Morrison, IL, was a pleasant 52 degrees. Earlier in the day, the Editor had noticed long lines at a Sterling, IL, car wash. So, the decided to visit Super Wash, Inc., 707 W. Lincoln Way, and give her vehicle a cleaning.
Approaching the local car wash, she spotted three lines of cars lined bumper-to-bumper (in order to allow cars to get off the highway.) There are five bays, but she chose the line that also has a one-minute drying option, for a small additional charge. She noted the time of 3:35 p.m. when she pulled into position. “How long will this take?” she wondered.
Cars inched forward every few minutes, but the radio channel of 70s music helped pass the time. There was a crossword puzzle in her purse to complete. A work-related phone call/message was taken care of. She played several rounds of three games on her phone. It was interesting to watch people in three “self-wash” bays, standing by their cars and trucks and going through several wet procedures. She took a photograph of the cars that surrounded hers.
Then, her car was next to enter the bay. Attendant Steve Pell explained the dryer charge could be paid in cash while using her Super Wash token. He told her to exit the bay slowly–watching the outside minute timer count down her seconds, while overhead fans blasted water drops off the vehicle. He and Attendant Austin Adams had been very busy! Super Wash is open around the clock.
At 4:24 the Editor entered the mechanized wash station, 49 minutes after arrival at Super Wash. Fifteen minutes later–at 4:39–she departed with a shiny, dry car. All-in-all, it had been a pleasant wait. Additionally, Saturday, January 18, promises to be half as warm!