Illinois---"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it."

Ken and Sue were already up and in the kitchen by the time we came downstairs. I found out from them that their oldest son went to Hillsdale...that makes us kindred spirits...:). Sue fixed us an amazing breakfast...eggs, toast, fruit, juice, homemade muffins that were so delicious all of us want the recipe! And...she sent all of the extras with us! They are wonderful people with big hearts and we so enjoyed our quick stay with them.





Ken had helped me with my route last March...so we enjoyed our early morning ride...heading west on some very empty country roads. We basically rode a reverse "C" from Rochelle around and up to


Rockton.





Humidity is a term for water vapor in the air and that is what we had today. Headwind in the morning, tailwind in the afternoon, and temperatures in the upper 90's. We were all dripping with sweat by 9 a.m. When we were finished riding and loading the bikes, it started to rain, but it was a short 5 minute shower. This area is in dire need of rain...and I hope they get it. Some of the stands of corn we saw today looked severely stressed.





Laura's best friend grew up in Poplar Grove, which was about 12 miles from our endpoint. We drove to the address and Laura took a few pictures and sent them to her friend's phone. Modern technology, you know...It took a little while, but soon her friend figured out what the pictures were, and the childhood memories came flooding back. Such fun.








We drove to Madison, Wisconsin where we stayed with Doug and Kathy, our Warm Showers hosts. Doug is an avid cyclist and about to leave on his own adventure. He and several of his friends are headed to Maine where they will be dong some touring. Kathy's love is gardening and her yard is full of her labor. She has an extensive vegetable garden, fruit trees, kiwi, and berries. They fixed us a traditional Wisconsin meal...brats and beer. Doug had crafted the beer himself and it was delicious. I helped him pick some raspberries and we all had ice cream with berries for dessert. We enjoyed our conversation with them...and the topics ranged from coffins to cicadas. Thanks so much for letting us stay with you!

maybe you can't...because you won't...