Less than 80 days til we get on the bus!!
That's right, we are headed out to Castaway in less than 80 days and we don't want YOU to miss out!
With of camp being lowered thanks to some amazing donors and opportunities for fund raising and scholarships, there are no excuses to not go to camp!!
If you are in high school, know someone who is, or have a kid who is anywhere from going to be a freshman next year to going to graduate this year SIGN UP NOW!!
Camp is coming up on us QUICK!!
Dates: July 2nd - July 10th
Where: Castaway Club, Detroit Lakes, MN
How Much: $475
Get Your $100 Deposit in and Registered to Reserve Your Spot Today!!
HEALTH CONSENT AND RELEASE FORM
Please complete the health, consent, and release form and return it to us along with your final payment by Monday June 27th, 2011. Please note that record of your last physical, immunizations, and health insurance is mandatory as well as a physician's signature. You CANNOT go to camp without these forms signed! If you do not have insurance you will be covered under Young Life accident/injury/property insurance (up to $4,000) when you are on camp property but this does not include illness such as strep throat.
WHERE WILL WE BE?
We are going to Castaway Club in Detroit Lakes, MN. All camp numbers and the mailing address will be provided directly to parents at the bus at the time of sendoff, but is also available sooner via the camp website above.
WHAT TO BRING?
Beach towel, swim suit, spending money, rain coat, tennis shoes, one extra pair of OLD closed toed shoes, 2 sets of grubby clothes, jeans, shorts, sweatshirt, t-shirts, underwear, sunglasses, sun screen, camera, personal toiletries, one nice outfit for the final banquet and anything else you might think you need. All bedding and bathing towels are provided (however you WILL want a blanket/travel pillow for the bus ride!)
WHAT NOT TO BRING?
Funny you should ask! CD players, IPods, cell phones, and any other electronic devices will be allowed on the bus there and back only, not at camp (Camp Policy). These items will be put in the camp safe for the duration of camp and then returned upon camp departure.
WHEN DO WE LEAVE AND WHEN DO WE RETURN HOME?
We need you at the bus at the Young Life Building (3rd & Granite in Frisco) on July 2nd (Time TBD) to check in and have a snack before sendoff. We will not stop for dinner so pack accordingly if an early dinner won't tie you over. We will return to the Young Life Building on Sunday July 10th around noon. Parents, please be available to pick up your children at this time (We will ask your child to call you when we are close).
For Registration, Health Forms, and Camp/ Payment Information
Visit www.summitcounty. younglife.org
Or Call Aaron Witler 719.221.0566
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Aaron Witler
Summit County Young Life
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Thought from April MRT Trip
April 12, 2011
We have been back in Dillon since Saturday and I have been recovering from the 400 miles of tandem biking with Bill and Grace. Exercise is good. I left home with a nagging sinus infection and came home feeling much better. Exercise works better than antibiotics. I have a lot of browner skin. Especially on my face, arms and lower legs. And, a nagging skin irritation on my neck where I believe a shirt was rubbing. My legs are tired but, I was able to do a weight workout and a 40 minute ride on the stationary bike today.
The trip from St. Louis to Memphis was great. The weather was, should I say, challenging. Rain one day. And lots of wind. We rode 56 miles the rainy day. One of the windy day we only did 20 miles. On the first day we hit a culvert pretty hard and broke the casing of our rear tire. Then we had four or five more flats the next two days until we were able to get a new tire. I learned from Don Hansen last night that we could have used a dollar bill folded in the tire as a better fix. Bill did try to patch the tire lining. But, that only worked for a short distance.
The ride across the I-55 bridge from Tennessee to Arkansas was terrifying at best. There was a pedestrian walkway on the outside of the North bound lanes. It was narrow and the high speed continuos traffic was right next to us. At the Arkansas end we encountered a "Huge" snake that Bill almost stepped on. Then we had to ride the shoulder of the interstate another three miles for an exit. From there we headed home.
Congress should be required to take this trip. The state of our country is vividly portrayed by the condition of the towns and cities situated along the river. Whatever they are doing in Washington is not working. We are losing our economic position. Many towns and cities are in a deplorable condition. Some look like cities in third world countries. We are growing into a nation of poverty. The people don't even know what has hit them. People are out of work. There are no signs of new buildings. There are many closed factories. The main streets of some towns look like war zones. Some road work is evident. Probably supported by Obama Debt Stimulus. But, lots of roads and bridges are in a poor state of repair. The I-55 bridge is a prime example of the worn state of our nation infrastructure. Most of these bridges are over fifty years old. It is not a pretty sight.
We have been back in Dillon since Saturday and I have been recovering from the 400 miles of tandem biking with Bill and Grace. Exercise is good. I left home with a nagging sinus infection and came home feeling much better. Exercise works better than antibiotics. I have a lot of browner skin. Especially on my face, arms and lower legs. And, a nagging skin irritation on my neck where I believe a shirt was rubbing. My legs are tired but, I was able to do a weight workout and a 40 minute ride on the stationary bike today.
The trip from St. Louis to Memphis was great. The weather was, should I say, challenging. Rain one day. And lots of wind. We rode 56 miles the rainy day. One of the windy day we only did 20 miles. On the first day we hit a culvert pretty hard and broke the casing of our rear tire. Then we had four or five more flats the next two days until we were able to get a new tire. I learned from Don Hansen last night that we could have used a dollar bill folded in the tire as a better fix. Bill did try to patch the tire lining. But, that only worked for a short distance.
The ride across the I-55 bridge from Tennessee to Arkansas was terrifying at best. There was a pedestrian walkway on the outside of the North bound lanes. It was narrow and the high speed continuos traffic was right next to us. At the Arkansas end we encountered a "Huge" snake that Bill almost stepped on. Then we had to ride the shoulder of the interstate another three miles for an exit. From there we headed home.
Congress should be required to take this trip. The state of our country is vividly portrayed by the condition of the towns and cities situated along the river. Whatever they are doing in Washington is not working. We are losing our economic position. Many towns and cities are in a deplorable condition. Some look like cities in third world countries. We are growing into a nation of poverty. The people don't even know what has hit them. People are out of work. There are no signs of new buildings. There are many closed factories. The main streets of some towns look like war zones. Some road work is evident. Probably supported by Obama Debt Stimulus. But, lots of roads and bridges are in a poor state of repair. The I-55 bridge is a prime example of the worn state of our nation infrastructure. Most of these bridges are over fifty years old. It is not a pretty sight.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Final leg of the fourth trip
April 9, 2011
Today we are waking up in Dumas, TX on the way home. Dropping off Bill in BV and then heading for Dillon. Yesterday we drove from Fort Smith, AR. Last night Bill and I finished our business tax return. Its getting down to the deadline.
We completed this section of the bike ride just across the I-55 Mississippi River Bridge from Memphis. Riding across the bridge was a harrowing experience. The traffic is fast and continuous. Probably as many as twenty 18 wheelers on the North bound lane at a time. The bridge shakes and shutters with the weight and speed of the traffic. We rode a narrow walkway hanging over the outside edge of the bridge. We were right next to the traffic separated by a concrete barrier and the bridge steel work. The walkway was full of trash to dodge.
On the other side the river walk next to downtown Memphis was beautiful in it own way. There were many parks and lots of walkers. There were a few joggers and fewer bikers. We rode a total of about 400 miles on this trip mostly against the wind. The final day was expected to be about 40 miles but was much closer to 56. Lots of winding around.
I have many reflections from the trip. I will try to share them with you later.
Today we are waking up in Dumas, TX on the way home. Dropping off Bill in BV and then heading for Dillon. Yesterday we drove from Fort Smith, AR. Last night Bill and I finished our business tax return. Its getting down to the deadline.
We completed this section of the bike ride just across the I-55 Mississippi River Bridge from Memphis. Riding across the bridge was a harrowing experience. The traffic is fast and continuous. Probably as many as twenty 18 wheelers on the North bound lane at a time. The bridge shakes and shutters with the weight and speed of the traffic. We rode a narrow walkway hanging over the outside edge of the bridge. We were right next to the traffic separated by a concrete barrier and the bridge steel work. The walkway was full of trash to dodge.
On the other side the river walk next to downtown Memphis was beautiful in it own way. There were many parks and lots of walkers. There were a few joggers and fewer bikers. We rode a total of about 400 miles on this trip mostly against the wind. The final day was expected to be about 40 miles but was much closer to 56. Lots of winding around.
I have many reflections from the trip. I will try to share them with you later.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
April 6, MRT
April 6,2011
I forgot to mention the lake we rode by yesterday. It is called Reelfoot. Some of you may have heard about this lake. It was formed in 1812 by the largest, strongest quake every recorded in North America just Southwest of St. Louis. Tremors from the quake were felt in Quebec City, Canada. The quake cause the Mississippi River to flow backwards for a time. I believe the fault is called the New Madrid.
The 1811-1812 New Madrid Earthquakes (pronounced /nuː ˈmædrɨd/) were an intense intraplate earthquake series beginning with an initial pair of very large earthquakes on December 16, 1811. These earthquakes remain the most powerful earthquakes ever to hit the eastern United States.[1] These events, as well as the seismic zone of their occurrence, were named for the Mississippi River town of New Madrid, Louisiana Territory, now Missouri.
Today was another windy one. We left from highway 181 where we topped yesterday. The trip ended with Frank being pretty tired in Covington, TN, We are staying tonight in an Holiday Inn Express in Millington, TN. Tomorrow we head for Memphis and beyond. Vicksburg is probably out of the question for this trip. We will ride some on Friday and then head home. We have had a great time. We missed Bud and Bob. And, we enjoyed having Grace driving the Sag Wagon. She has done a great job!
The trip south today was very windy. And, it was great fun. We stopped near. Ripley, TN to help a couple change a flat on their car. We did not get it done, but used our phone to call for help. He bought us lunch at the Rat Cafe in Edith. See if you can find that on your map. The gentleman is 92 and his wife is 93. They have been married 72 years and have lived in the area all their lives. His son farms 7,000 acres of bottom land. Says,”The farms are bigger and the famers fewer.”
The ladies who run the Rat Cafe have been doing this for over 16 years. They sold their previous cafe to some “foreigners”. “I don’t think they are doing very well!” We had a one pound hamburger. Only thing on the menu. It was great!
We are now 320 miles below St. Louis. Should get in another 100 miles. I am having a great time. This is the way to discover America. We live in a great land. I hope Congress doesn’t ruin it! Please support the workers who make our country so strong. We need more jobs and less complaining. Somebody has to make money.
I forgot to mention the lake we rode by yesterday. It is called Reelfoot. Some of you may have heard about this lake. It was formed in 1812 by the largest, strongest quake every recorded in North America just Southwest of St. Louis. Tremors from the quake were felt in Quebec City, Canada. The quake cause the Mississippi River to flow backwards for a time. I believe the fault is called the New Madrid.
The 1811-1812 New Madrid Earthquakes (pronounced /nuː ˈmædrɨd/) were an intense intraplate earthquake series beginning with an initial pair of very large earthquakes on December 16, 1811. These earthquakes remain the most powerful earthquakes ever to hit the eastern United States.[1] These events, as well as the seismic zone of their occurrence, were named for the Mississippi River town of New Madrid, Louisiana Territory, now Missouri.
Today was another windy one. We left from highway 181 where we topped yesterday. The trip ended with Frank being pretty tired in Covington, TN, We are staying tonight in an Holiday Inn Express in Millington, TN. Tomorrow we head for Memphis and beyond. Vicksburg is probably out of the question for this trip. We will ride some on Friday and then head home. We have had a great time. We missed Bud and Bob. And, we enjoyed having Grace driving the Sag Wagon. She has done a great job!
The trip south today was very windy. And, it was great fun. We stopped near. Ripley, TN to help a couple change a flat on their car. We did not get it done, but used our phone to call for help. He bought us lunch at the Rat Cafe in Edith. See if you can find that on your map. The gentleman is 92 and his wife is 93. They have been married 72 years and have lived in the area all their lives. His son farms 7,000 acres of bottom land. Says,”The farms are bigger and the famers fewer.”
The ladies who run the Rat Cafe have been doing this for over 16 years. They sold their previous cafe to some “foreigners”. “I don’t think they are doing very well!” We had a one pound hamburger. Only thing on the menu. It was great!
We are now 320 miles below St. Louis. Should get in another 100 miles. I am having a great time. This is the way to discover America. We live in a great land. I hope Congress doesn’t ruin it! Please support the workers who make our country so strong. We need more jobs and less complaining. Somebody has to make money.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
more on the MRT
April 5, 2011
Three nights in Cape Girardeau. The storm started with strong South winds. We had ridden to a point North or McClure IL on the first. It was about 20 miles north of Cape Girardeau. That's where the tire blew. Then the next day the winds started. Grace drove us out to the continuation point on the 2nd and it took over two hours to ride the twenty miles back to the hotel. After the ride and lunch we worked on taxes. In a way it pays for the trip.
The storm came in behind the winds. The next morning it was raining hard and still blowing. More tax work. The rain died down some and the winds shifted to the NW. About noon we had Grace drive us back across the bridge and we stated south.
We were going to ride down the MO side but, the Ferry we were to use to cross the Mississippi into Hickman is not operating. Maintenance issue. So, we headed toward Cairo IL. Cape Girardeau is a prosperous appearing place. By contrast Cairo has died. Still promotes having over 1,500 people living there but appearances makes one wonder how the survive. It is sad to see so many grand old houses and other buildings in such a sad state of repair. All along the river from Minneapolis there are signs that economical decline has left many of the towns and their citizens living in the past. The world moves on and many have tried to cling to the past.
Yesterday we rode 56 miles and stopped in Columbus KY. This is the town Jefferson wanted to make the capital of the US. It failed by one vote. And, Casey Jones got his first job with the railroads.
April 5, 2011
I dated this mornings blog incorrectly. It should have been April 5 as well. It is Tuesday our fifth day of riding. This morning we checked out of the holiday Inn Express in Cape Girarduea and drove to Columbus, KY to start riding. This could be called the dog day and the second wind day. We had been chased by one dog previous to today. At on place we had three dogs chase us for over three miles before they gave up. At another place a big boxer gave chase and then was joined by two smaller yapper biters. The boxer liked us and drove off the other dogs. Same thing happened with a big German Shepherd. All of this was along not very busy county roads with many different types of houses and mostly after we entered Tennessee. The three dogs that followed so far were in Kentucky. The economy varies along the route. But, it is mostly depressed. Some more than others. I think Cairo, IL was the poorest. Tonight we are in Dyresburg, TN. There economic condition is much, much better than some others. The waiter where we ate said that two factories had closed in the last two years. He did not know who in town would be the biggest employer today. But, if you wanted to shopping or out for a good meal in the area one would probably go to Jacksonville or Memphis. Jacksonville is 20 miles north. Memphis is an hour and a half south.
Congress members should be required to tour the US heartland before each session. Maybe they could see how badly the citizens are being treated. Just eliminate corporate taxes and watch the jobs come back into the US. The people out here are working hard and our government is taking their money and wasting it. And most of these folks don't even understand how they are being used. Where in the world is the media on this one? It makes me cry. How can we get this to be one country united and working together for a better tomorrow? Too many of us are greedy and selfish.
Three nights in Cape Girardeau. The storm started with strong South winds. We had ridden to a point North or McClure IL on the first. It was about 20 miles north of Cape Girardeau. That's where the tire blew. Then the next day the winds started. Grace drove us out to the continuation point on the 2nd and it took over two hours to ride the twenty miles back to the hotel. After the ride and lunch we worked on taxes. In a way it pays for the trip.
The storm came in behind the winds. The next morning it was raining hard and still blowing. More tax work. The rain died down some and the winds shifted to the NW. About noon we had Grace drive us back across the bridge and we stated south.
We were going to ride down the MO side but, the Ferry we were to use to cross the Mississippi into Hickman is not operating. Maintenance issue. So, we headed toward Cairo IL. Cape Girardeau is a prosperous appearing place. By contrast Cairo has died. Still promotes having over 1,500 people living there but appearances makes one wonder how the survive. It is sad to see so many grand old houses and other buildings in such a sad state of repair. All along the river from Minneapolis there are signs that economical decline has left many of the towns and their citizens living in the past. The world moves on and many have tried to cling to the past.
Yesterday we rode 56 miles and stopped in Columbus KY. This is the town Jefferson wanted to make the capital of the US. It failed by one vote. And, Casey Jones got his first job with the railroads.
April 5, 2011
I dated this mornings blog incorrectly. It should have been April 5 as well. It is Tuesday our fifth day of riding. This morning we checked out of the holiday Inn Express in Cape Girarduea and drove to Columbus, KY to start riding. This could be called the dog day and the second wind day. We had been chased by one dog previous to today. At on place we had three dogs chase us for over three miles before they gave up. At another place a big boxer gave chase and then was joined by two smaller yapper biters. The boxer liked us and drove off the other dogs. Same thing happened with a big German Shepherd. All of this was along not very busy county roads with many different types of houses and mostly after we entered Tennessee. The three dogs that followed so far were in Kentucky. The economy varies along the route. But, it is mostly depressed. Some more than others. I think Cairo, IL was the poorest. Tonight we are in Dyresburg, TN. There economic condition is much, much better than some others. The waiter where we ate said that two factories had closed in the last two years. He did not know who in town would be the biggest employer today. But, if you wanted to shopping or out for a good meal in the area one would probably go to Jacksonville or Memphis. Jacksonville is 20 miles north. Memphis is an hour and a half south.
Congress members should be required to tour the US heartland before each session. Maybe they could see how badly the citizens are being treated. Just eliminate corporate taxes and watch the jobs come back into the US. The people out here are working hard and our government is taking their money and wasting it. And most of these folks don't even understand how they are being used. Where in the world is the media on this one? It makes me cry. How can we get this to be one country united and working together for a better tomorrow? Too many of us are greedy and selfish.
More on the River
April 3 Sunday
We are currently staying in Cape Girardeau, MO. We have ridden just past Ware, IL about 15 miles to the north. High winds are expected today. We may not ride. It might be a work on taxes day. Yesterday was another day of many flats. The rear tire is worn out and the nearest bike shop was in Cape Girardeau. We now have a new tire. Even with those problems we travelled about 85 miles yesterday. A big day for all the time spent fixing flats. At the end Bill put the only patched tube that wasn't leaking in the rear tire. It took Ir fine and pumped up to 90lbs on the travel pump gauge. The gauge may not be very accurate. It was just laying on the ground when the tube blew. Maybe God was telling us the riding day was done. I called Grace to come and get us.
There is a high school girls volleyball tournament in town. Must be 30 high school girls eating here where I'm drinking coffee and writing. Some of them are tall.
Yesterday was fun. We had wind at our backs most of the time. Great views riding along the river. Trains are frequent. And there is a fair number of barges traveling the river. Looks like commerce is picking up. Must be an improving economy.
Grace brought us lunch from McDonald's to a small park river side near Chester. So, at noon we had made it to where we spent the night. There was not much traffic on the roads. The road we were on had no shoulder and was narrow. But, the traffic was so light it was a pleasant ride. Lots of fixer up houses along the roads. We travelled by a large and old limestone mine. The bluffs along the river appear to be solid limestone. There is a big prison complex built up against the bluff outside Chester.
April 4, 2011
Three nights in Cape Girardeau. The storm started with strong South winds. We had ridden to a point North or McClure IL on the first. It was about 20 miles north of Cape Girardeau. That's where the tire blew. Then the next day the winds started. Grace drove us out to the continuation point on the 2nd and it took over two hours to ride the twenty miles back to the hotel. After the ride and lunch we worked on taxes. In a way it pays for the trip.
The storm came in behind the winds. The next morning it was raining hard and still blowing. More tax work. The rain died down some and the winds shifted to the NW. About noon we had Grace drive us back across the bridge and we stated south.
We were going to ride down the MO side but, the Ferry we were to use to cross the Mississippi into Hickman is not operating. Maintenance issue. So, we headed toward Cairo IL. Cape Girardeau is a prosperous appearing place. By contrast Cairo has died. Still promotes having over 1,500 people living there but appearances makes one wonder how the survive. It is sad to see so many grand old houses and other buildings in such a sad state of repair. All along the river from Minneapolis there are signs that economical decline has left many of the towns and their citizens living in the past. The world moves on and many have tried to cling to the past.
Yesterday we rode 56 miles and stopped in Columbus KY. This is the town Jefferson wanted to make the capital of the US. It failed by one vote. And, Casey Jones got his first job with the railroads.
We are currently staying in Cape Girardeau, MO. We have ridden just past Ware, IL about 15 miles to the north. High winds are expected today. We may not ride. It might be a work on taxes day. Yesterday was another day of many flats. The rear tire is worn out and the nearest bike shop was in Cape Girardeau. We now have a new tire. Even with those problems we travelled about 85 miles yesterday. A big day for all the time spent fixing flats. At the end Bill put the only patched tube that wasn't leaking in the rear tire. It took Ir fine and pumped up to 90lbs on the travel pump gauge. The gauge may not be very accurate. It was just laying on the ground when the tube blew. Maybe God was telling us the riding day was done. I called Grace to come and get us.
There is a high school girls volleyball tournament in town. Must be 30 high school girls eating here where I'm drinking coffee and writing. Some of them are tall.
Yesterday was fun. We had wind at our backs most of the time. Great views riding along the river. Trains are frequent. And there is a fair number of barges traveling the river. Looks like commerce is picking up. Must be an improving economy.
Grace brought us lunch from McDonald's to a small park river side near Chester. So, at noon we had made it to where we spent the night. There was not much traffic on the roads. The road we were on had no shoulder and was narrow. But, the traffic was so light it was a pleasant ride. Lots of fixer up houses along the roads. We travelled by a large and old limestone mine. The bluffs along the river appear to be solid limestone. There is a big prison complex built up against the bluff outside Chester.
April 4, 2011
Three nights in Cape Girardeau. The storm started with strong South winds. We had ridden to a point North or McClure IL on the first. It was about 20 miles north of Cape Girardeau. That's where the tire blew. Then the next day the winds started. Grace drove us out to the continuation point on the 2nd and it took over two hours to ride the twenty miles back to the hotel. After the ride and lunch we worked on taxes. In a way it pays for the trip.
The storm came in behind the winds. The next morning it was raining hard and still blowing. More tax work. The rain died down some and the winds shifted to the NW. About noon we had Grace drive us back across the bridge and we stated south.
We were going to ride down the MO side but, the Ferry we were to use to cross the Mississippi into Hickman is not operating. Maintenance issue. So, we headed toward Cairo IL. Cape Girardeau is a prosperous appearing place. By contrast Cairo has died. Still promotes having over 1,500 people living there but appearances makes one wonder how the survive. It is sad to see so many grand old houses and other buildings in such a sad state of repair. All along the river from Minneapolis there are signs that economical decline has left many of the towns and their citizens living in the past. The world moves on and many have tried to cling to the past.
Yesterday we rode 56 miles and stopped in Columbus KY. This is the town Jefferson wanted to make the capital of the US. It failed by one vote. And, Casey Jones got his first job with the railroads.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Mississippi River St. Louis South First Day
April 2, 2011
Chester, IL
Good morning everyone! We have had an event filled start to the continuation of our Mississippi River ride. Grace and i left our home in Dillon on Wednesday packed outfitted and ready for a renewal of the MRT adventure.
Grace is joining son Bill and I on this trip because my brother Bud has decided not to drive the Sag wagon on this segment. We spent the first night in Hays with Bud and his family. That is always a joy. We ate tacos at T-Bones and talked until after ten. I think Bud is disappointed not to be going this year. It has been a blessing having him with us on the previous two segments. I am so blessed having him as a brother.
I am also grateful for the folks who have inquired about the trip and expressed a desire to receive updates on the progress. For the record and for them i am keeping this journal.
Yesterday we started from last Septembers stopping point in St. Louis below the Arch just after 2p.m. The ride went smoothly out of the city until we blew a tire on a drainage cover crossing the river on US50. Three flats and 40 miles later we ended the day on Bluff road about 13 miles from Prairie du Rocher, IL 40 miles from our start point. That was the last flat and we were without a patch kit.
Night before last we stayed with John and Peggy Kolb. They are Aunt Jacks parents. Her parents have a ranch outside Westphalia, MO. it is a glorious family retreat. We fished and rode ATV's on the numerous trails that crisscross the property. And, we ate some of the fish. Bill, Clare and the girls were on a family vacation with Jen. The family retreat is a representation of the things families are meant to be. It is a blessing to be able to enjoy a spot that has bound a family together for at least three generations. We have tried to do this with our family as all families do.
Last night we stayed at the Reid Best Western in Chester, IL. and, ate at their smorgasbord. It reminded me of George's cafeteria in Coffeyville, KS. it's Saturday and the road traffic is light. There is just a slight breeze and the temperature is in the fifties we are about an hour down the road 70 or 80 miles to go.
Chester, IL
Good morning everyone! We have had an event filled start to the continuation of our Mississippi River ride. Grace and i left our home in Dillon on Wednesday packed outfitted and ready for a renewal of the MRT adventure.
Grace is joining son Bill and I on this trip because my brother Bud has decided not to drive the Sag wagon on this segment. We spent the first night in Hays with Bud and his family. That is always a joy. We ate tacos at T-Bones and talked until after ten. I think Bud is disappointed not to be going this year. It has been a blessing having him with us on the previous two segments. I am so blessed having him as a brother.
I am also grateful for the folks who have inquired about the trip and expressed a desire to receive updates on the progress. For the record and for them i am keeping this journal.
Yesterday we started from last Septembers stopping point in St. Louis below the Arch just after 2p.m. The ride went smoothly out of the city until we blew a tire on a drainage cover crossing the river on US50. Three flats and 40 miles later we ended the day on Bluff road about 13 miles from Prairie du Rocher, IL 40 miles from our start point. That was the last flat and we were without a patch kit.
Night before last we stayed with John and Peggy Kolb. They are Aunt Jacks parents. Her parents have a ranch outside Westphalia, MO. it is a glorious family retreat. We fished and rode ATV's on the numerous trails that crisscross the property. And, we ate some of the fish. Bill, Clare and the girls were on a family vacation with Jen. The family retreat is a representation of the things families are meant to be. It is a blessing to be able to enjoy a spot that has bound a family together for at least three generations. We have tried to do this with our family as all families do.
Last night we stayed at the Reid Best Western in Chester, IL. and, ate at their smorgasbord. It reminded me of George's cafeteria in Coffeyville, KS. it's Saturday and the road traffic is light. There is just a slight breeze and the temperature is in the fifties we are about an hour down the road 70 or 80 miles to go.
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