July 19, 2025
Day 13 - still at Chester, IL
I didn't do too bad sleeping in on this day off. Made it to 7:00am. As soon as I was dressed, I went for the motel breakfast. No one was there at the time, but it got busy shortly after, and people had to wait for a resupply of waffle mix and scrambled eggs.
Back home during planning, I was having trouble finding a place to camp a day's ride north of Chester. I happened upon the Hipcamp website, where individuals - mostly farmers - provide camping spots on their property. Connecting together and making payment is done by Hipcamp. I did find a Hipcamp location near Merrimac. This place needs 24-hour notice before arrival, so this morning I made my reservation for tomorrow night.
After that, today was all about getting caught up on journal postings. I got started on that next. What saved me, since I was 5 days behind, was copies of the evening reports that I had emailed each night. Pictures still needed to be selected, but having a basic outline for the text was a big time-saver. I had Day 8 posted by 10:28am, Day 9 at 11:30am, and Day 10 at 1:40pm. I stopped at this point to take my "morning pills" (at 1:49pm). Continuing on, Day 11 was posted at 3:08pm, and Day 12 at 4:27pm. I did it! I'm all caught up.
Time out here to apologize to followers of my journal. I'm sure not hearing from me for days and then getting a week's worth of news dumped on you all at once is not the way you want to read a journal. I also need to apologize to all who are leaving comments and not getting any responses back (and that would be all of you). As the backlog grows, the likelihood of me not replying before I get home grows. But I truly thank you all for your interest in my trip. It's overwhelming!
Well, I was caught up on journaling for the moment, but I had other things to do. First I wanted something to eat. McDonald's was a 8-minute walk away, and right next to a Walmart. At 4:50pm I left on my walk. After finding out what a Deluxe style Quarter Pounder is, I ordered one of those along with a vanilla milkshake and French fries. Not bad. Walmart next. Even though I haven't used it yet on this trip, I wanted to replace my safety vest. I found a pretty nice one (maybe a little expensive). And while I was at it I bought a pair of socks, so I'll have a spare set once again. Actually, I now have six spare sets. I also bought 1 Gatorade and 2 Powerades to put in the freezer for tomorrow, though I already know this motel room freezer doesn't get that cold.
I was back at the motel at 6:18pm. I'd sure like to have today's report done before I go to bed, so that's what I've been working on since. Oh, I did spurge for another $2 can of root beer. Also took a break to talk with my wife, who's just as busy as ever. She said the garbage service in Morton is starting pickups an hour earlier each day next week due to the Excessive Heat Warning that's been issued. I guess it sometimes gets hot in Illinois as well.
Jeff
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