We left Muscatine this morning after making a donation to the local bike shop, new gear cables and a mirror for Dave. I bought a new straighten out back wheel, a complete set of brake pads and new coat with vents so I can wear it longer on cool mornings. This means I had to decide on about my green shell. It had a good life on the AT but leaked water though out so it remained behind to warm a someone at a donation center down the road (RIP green coat). May that coat go to someone that needs it to keep warm but not dry. Dave is happy the green shell is gone, as he claims I looked shabby, and would not talk to me in public places until I took it off.
Greg at Haper cycling and fitness highly recommended we cross back to IL given his extensive knowledge of the area we took his advice. Before we left the bike shop Greg kindly showed us his fathers collection of Big Wheel bikes or antiques bikes and they were cools. Anyone in the area should stop in at the Harper's bike shop and see them, nice people that know what they do and history of the town.
On the way out of town we meet Cork who rode with us for about a mile and talked about the town history. He clearly was known as lots of people said Hey to him. Turns out the old bridge was a multi-span bridge. Twice a span fell once in 1890 with a large load of lumber and once when two tomato trucks crossed at the same time. He pointed out a poem about the old bridge and the statue showing the clamming industry in the area. Turns out this area was the source for most of the mother of pearl buttons until 1950 when they changed to plastic.
At lunch we stopped and ate the apples given to us yesterday by Mr. Nelson and here is a picture of restored prairie
The ride to Keithsburg and the Shady Pine Campground was pretty uneventful today covering 40 miles total. Lots of farm trucks hauling corn and soy beans to the local elevators. Many combines in the fields as the day was perfect for bringing in the corn and beans. It even warmed up enough that David took his coat off for a couple hours in the afternoon. I had my coat off at 11:30 and may put it back on in an a hour or two around 6PM.
This is nice campground although a little strange, as there is no one else camping here. They have maybe 60 campsites and we are alone. One other strange thing is the number of cars that just drive through the camp area we have already had 3 cars and 1 motorcycle. Maybe they are all plotting to steal my nice new blue coat.
Thankful for Today
Today the people in Muscatine were all friendly to us. Hotel clerk provided clear direction and was helpful with breakfast selection. Greg at the Haper's Cycling sold us stuff we needed and visited with us providing advise and showing us some of his collection. Cork told the history, showed us some sites we would have missed and was overall Friendly. So today I have decided to thankful for the friendlyness of people in general and in partcular the friendly people of Muscatine.
Love and Kisses to all and to all a goodnight.
Allan and David
No comments:
Post a Comment