August 1, 2025
Day 53: Geneseo to Buffalo Rock State Park
This morning was the usual breakfast and break camp routine. We rode the Hennepin canal path anll morning from Geneseo to Buteau. Built in 1890 to 1907, it promised a quicker route from the Mississippi to Illinois Rivers, but was nearly obsolete ( due to trains) upon its completion. The trail surfaces varied all day but were often rough, making a slower go. The first of our 4 canal trails, it was filled with water and lots of wildlife. and transitioned to road near the end. Animals seen on the canal today: Kingfishers, lots of Blue Heren, Osprey, Green and Night Heron, ducks, turtles, and many squirrels and rabbits. We stopped at the Visitor Center and ate sandwiches bought at Subway. In the afternoon, we picked up the Illinois & Michigan Canal path after a hilly 15 mile road connection. We also stopped at a market to pick up additional breakfast and lunch supplies for the upcoming days. Our campsite was a primitive site (no water or toilets) in Buffalo Rock State Park along the canal. When we arrived, there was a shelter with tables and a young man named Bob. He lived in LaSalle and had biked to the campsite to chill for a few hours. We chatted with him and then he departed at dusk. Dinner was the standard noodles and canned meat, and the evening was a serenade of loud coyotes.
Today's ride: 73 miles (117 km)
Total: 2,865 miles (4,611 km)
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