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.