Biking Across America: 06/01/16

Day 18 Pictures

Narrow Bridge To Missouri

The Mississippi River

Welcome Missouri

The Jail Hostel

I decided to skip the hills and dogs today. I went off course to a highway with a wide shoulder and traveled well over a hundred miles. Sometimes the maps take the scenic route but it can wear on the legs with up and down hills. I crossed the Ohio River into Illinois.

For some reason I have rashes on the front of my legs. I think it may be from the heat or my shorts rubbing.

I continued on to Murphysboro Lake Illinois to a campground. It was my last option of the day. Off my route. No water. I camped by the water. I have never heard so many creatures at night and so loud. There must have been 50 different sounds. It made me laugh.

I tied my food up in a tree, however the animals out smarted me. I was awakened to sounds outside my tent. I was a little chicken to open the zipper on my tent. When I did, I spotted with my flashlight an animal chewing on my bag of food dangling from the tree. I retrieved the bag and it had holes from the chew bites. I had to make a clothesline and hang the food from the middle of it.

In summary, the landscape was beautiful. Sprouting corn and wheat fields.

Day 18 Summary

Yesterday was long and the night was long so I woke up tired. I had plans to make it to Farmington Missouri. I made a couple of mistakes so the day was longer and farther than expected. Over 90 miles. Missouri is getting hilly and the weather in the afternoon was heavy thunderstorms. I don't even wear a rain jacket any more. I just get wet.

I arrived in Farmington and came across a Hostel sponsored by the city Parks and Recreation called Al's Place. I was skeptical when I looked in the window and spotted two bikes in a cell like room. I went inside and it was fabulous. The second floor was like a bachelor's pad. I met two people inside.

A younger man from Perth, Australia and a man from Manhattan, New York. We went to eat at a Italian restaurant. I was very hungry. Both the Australian and I each had extra large pizza's. I ate all of mine except two pieces. I wasn't full, I just thought I can't eat all of this. The Australian had his wallet stolen out of his bike handlebar bag while away from his bike for a short time. It has been a real hassle for him. He said the kindness from Americans is very appreciated. He was given a 100, 20, and 10 dollars. I took that lesson to be very careful.

I noticed many wine vineyards in Missouri. I was told that the coal, and brick factories have gone away and people are seeking other ways of making a living.

I will enjoy a bed and a shower.

Day 18 The Great Debate

The great debate "Which is worse, the Ozarks or the Appalachians?" I have to say the Appalachian Mountains were pretty tough. The route I am following goes on country roads. I heard from people traveling West to East, that the Ozarks are very tough, but they haven't hit the Appalachians. Some bypass the Ozarks because of the perceived difficulty and choose to go North and follow The Katy Trail through Missouri. It is the longest Railroad to Trail conversion therefore it has no steep hills. I will probably hit the Ozarks straight on.