Coast2Coast Day 60: Goat Hill/Henry to Ashkum, IL: Off early, pre-break day miles, and drive to Winnetka!
Seeing the goats this morning, AND the Pyrenees not barking, was quite a treat! Breakfast at Casey’s just down the hill, and off early. Holly provided the checkout, and noted my Coast2Coast jersey, and did get a quick summary of the journey! When crossing the bridge over the Illinois River, the sun was (impressively?) reflected across the River while a tugboat drove barges up the River!
Once across the bridge, the traffic for the day was minimal, and wonderful. When passing through the few neighborhoods on the route, there was always one or two families or couples sitting on their porch waving, or even shouting encouragement! Today when waving hello to oncoming vehicles, all the vehicles returned with a wave or welcoming gesture. Two overtaking cars waved from their sunroofs! A couple riding in a vintage ragtop corvette, pulled up aside me and we talked for awhile.
It seemed that the fields along the road became more populated with soy versus corn while traveling further East. No particular analysis, just a sense. The soy plants are less tall than the fields of corn, so viewing cross traffic when approaching the few intersections is a bit easier. For the first time this journey, actually had to stop at a railroad crossing. the passenger train, headed toward Chicago, likely from Joliet, did not slow a bit. Appreciated the crossing gates!!
A bit later Cathy caught up to my meanderings. While checking on my nutrition and hydration, Kyler came by while he was spraying weed invaders threatening the crop fields. We shared where we are on our journey, and where yet we hope to be going! His interest was genuine and thoughtful!
Cathy and I again met in Ashkum to then drive to Deanna and Steve’s for a visit and a day of rest for me. Wonderful pasta dinner, followed by some firefly watching and sharing and reminiscing! Annabell (their daughter) had prepared the first ‘Welcome Coast2Coast’ sign, so we feel accomplished!
Salut!
