We headed west out of Edgington at about 12:30 PM into a beautiful clear day, but with an ominous powerful wind trying to push us off the north edge of the road. Through Illinois City we traveled on the rather flat prairie and the plunged into the Mississippi valley in an area with thickening trees. Then we turned south and faced our enemy for the day: a wind from the south at 17 with gusts to 26mph. It was persistent and unrelenting until we reached our destination around 6:00 PM.
In the valley, the land was typical Illinois except all sand with lots of irrigation systems: corn and beans, and beans and corn. There were lots of nice farmsteads and plenty of resort type cottages when we were at the river's edge. In many spots we saw loads of snakes that had met their maker crossing the road; I had to dodge a little one who was much alive, all coiled up and daring a car to hit him. Many frogs have croaked trying to get over those roads...it must be mating season.
We passed interesting little towns like Oquawka and Keithsburg, the latter being the original home of Julie's Abbot in-laws upon arriving from Europe. The homes are not too rich and not too poor. We followed several parts of the Great River Road.
Arriving in Burlington we had a great meal at a local (non chain) restaurant.
We chalked up about 63 miles - not bad for our first afternoon in a stiff wind.
Great first day! Bet you are tired from fighting that wind. The girls were so excited to see their picture on Grandpa Tom's 'blob'!!!
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