Oct 6 Day 21

It has now been 3 weeks out and David is still talking to me.  Maybe all the exposure to the Roden family has driven him  crazy and just expects this is normal now.  Well thank you Donna for lending him out he is really helping me.

Last night we ate baked beans and hot dogs at the campsite and it was OK.  Today after riding 60 miles into Nauvoo IL.  We ate at a AYCE (for those not used to trail talk this is All You Can Eat Buffet) never a good idea for feeding bicyclists and making a profit. 

The night was warmer than the last couple we slept out and getting up was almost comfortable not quite but close.  The showers were empty as was the campground so I used the woman's shower and Dave the men's.  I figured as I am wearing pantihose it would be OK.  After the shower another clothe failure occurred.  I put my foot right through the seat of my compressing underwear.  I thought breifly about trying to get a couple more days out of them but that was impossible so I threw them away and wore the pair we washed yesterday.  My pack is getting lighter and lighter.

We had second breakfast in a small town and the food was great, but the bathroom was flooded.  You just never know in these small towns.  It was a warm day and except for the head wind perfect for riding.  David even took his coat off before the second lunch so you know it had to warm.
Train that crossed our trail today note how long it is.

We had set the target for the ride as Dallas City as our guide said everything we needed would be there.  However, the town has lost all the campgrounds, grocey stores and motels.  So we took off and did another 19 miles into the wind.  It was a killer time and we finished up around 6:30 just before sunset.
Mississippi just outside Dallas City

Somewhere during the last part of the ride Dave said I was low on caffeine and and that made me, "mean and sadistic", just because I my opinion on his chapped dry skin.  I felt I was showing "tough love".
Here is the picture of the scenery we had most of the day flat farm fields.  

Here are some weird stuff on the road over the last couple of days:

• Pair of vise grips
• A mop
• Another small snake
• Coyote

Really not a lot of stuff as the roads are really clean.  This results in us observing other things.  For instances the most popular beer in Keithsburg (or at least to drink while driving and throw empties out the window), is Keystone Light, later in day there was more of a mix with Miller Light barely making it to second place. 

Thankful for today
I was pretty sore by the end of the day and when we stopped in Dallas City and did not have a spot for the night.  David and I had a pop and zingers.  I felt a little better afterwards and with joking and other distractions we got up finished up.  So I am thankful for simple distractions that takes your mind off problems and lets you finish your day. 

Love and Kisses to all
Allan and David