Hey John, et al.
Monday was a great day to take a break in Springfield. Saturday I had worked very hard,
and even tho Sunday was only a short 35 mile day I found myself rolling into Springfield
as the sun went down. I needed a break to get my legs back together.
Sunday night Jeff and I ordered and ate in a pizza before he started his 8 PM to 9 AM
shift. I slept in my tent in their back yard and met Jeff in the morning, then set off on
a walking tour of Springfield. After visiting the Illinois State Museum I went to the
library for a Illinois bicyclist map and a long overdue Telnet e-mail session. A tour of
Lincoln's home was a magical experience. That night I did laundry and bought provisions
(batteries, raisins,honey, oatmeal, broccolli) and fixins for a huge carbo- and vegi-load
dinner. Even did a cheddar cheese white sauce, for the first time sucessfully.
So Tuesday morning I was ready to make tracks, but just as Jeff and I prepared to leave
a beautiful squall line moved overhead, followed shortly by a good shot of rain. We left
at 9 after watching the Weather Channel for 45 minutes.
Jeff accompanied me for the ride out of town. The rain had left things wet but cool. I
passes Toby Twist walking across Illinois on stilts and madegood time almost all the way
to Beardstown (Home of the famed Beardstown Ladies investment club!)
The troublesome back tire started making a rubbing sound while descending a hill past
the Illinois river. Sure enough, the brake had worn the tire badly, and the tire was
starting to buldge. My dream of reaching Argyle State Park was gone, but after the repair
Schuy-Rush park presented itself, and was a good place to stay. (Only $4!)
Wednesday my goal was Nauvoo State Park, but heavy westerly winds and a thunderstorm
made me decide on hamilton instead. I couldnMt find a place to stay there, so I crossed
the Mississippi into Keokuk and got a hotel for the night. I'm in Iowa!
