Thursday, July 21, 2011 Watseka, IL 62/86

The heat wave continues across Illinois. Before the crops are planted in the spring, this state must be a dustbowl - except that the ground probably is wet from snow.  We see very few farm houses, mostly off in the distance and usually surrounded by trees. BUT, there are no trees along the road - just corn and beans. Actually, there are a few farm houses near the road,  and a very nice lady gave us ice cold water from her well.  Also today, we traveled through another wind farm. I can’t even guess how many wind turbines we saw scattered throughout the fields. I was able to get a close up picture today. They are very graceful and perhaps a little eerie, like something out of a science fiction movie. I understand that the farmers are paid (by the utility company?) for the use of their land.

Michelle served scrambled eggs and oats this morning at 5:30 so we could start early. I left the hotel at 5:50. That means that my tires were pumped and luggage loaded before I ate. . . . Our route continues to zig-zag around farms and townships and covers real back roads. Most are paved but some are hard packed limestone. Today’s temp got the best of me after 62 miles and 5 hours of cycling. The van was filled to capacity when we pulled into town. There were 8-10 hardy souls that road every mile.

Super 8 has graciously allowed us to use a large room for dinner tonight.  Michelle and Barb deserve hazardous pay for having to cook in this heat.  Menu:  Pot Roast w/potatoes, onions, carrots and beets, Slaw, Blackbean Salsa, Rolls, Watermelon, Cherry and Apple Pies