POST 1424; SEPTEMBER 08, 2014; DE KALB, ILLINOIS

We have arrived in the Land Of Lincoln.  Last night found us in the city of DIXON, some 50 miles from De KALB.  As it turned out, Route 38 was an excellent roadway, traveled by a few 18-wheelers and lots of local pickup trucks. 

In all, SAM and ME walked only two hours squished between three rides we received...the final ride delivering us to Sister Carol's Front Door at the PINE ACRE Nursing Home at 11:00 am.  This has allowed Carol and I a nearly full day to visit .

Our first ride was from JIM SCHAEFER near DIXON itself to the village of FRANKLIN GROVE, where we walked to the edge of town before receiving our second ride.

Please say HELLO to TOBY and JOSH who delivered SAM and ME to the town of ASHTON.

Walking some six miles out of ASHTON, we received our third ride of the day.

Please say HELLO to Nurse CURT PRESTON of the town of ROCHELLE.  CURT was a true conversationalist, keeping a running dialog going as he slowly drove SAM and ME through the country side and historic neighborhoods of ROCHELLE.

Keeping his vehicle speed somewhere between 20 and 55 miles per hour, CURT pointed out the massive ( many miles long) rail yards in ROCHELLE where hundreds of trains are formed up headed to the four corners of America.

In due time, SAM and ME were deposited at Sister Carol's.

Battling a number of major illnesses for the past eight years, Carol is about as upbeat as one could be.  Six times I have walked to De KALB to spend time with Carol. This visit will be a short one, as I must keep moving to avoid the coming COLD.

* * * * * * * * * *

Am staying at SUPER 8 tonight ($66.00).  I the morning, will breakfast with Carol, then be on our way on Route 38 East to Route 47, which we will take South before crossing into the State of Indiana,  Route 47 is a major secondary roadway, promising potential rides to quicken us on our way.

POST 1423; SEPTEMBER 07, 2014; DIXON, ILLINOIS

Previous walks brought on the MISSISSIPPI River slowly.  Obtaining rides has reminded me of how quickly things and places change at highway speed.

Was pleased to once again meet my old friend Rev, James (Jim) Blitgen, who joined me for breakfast this morning before driving SAM and ME to the Island Town of SABULA, Illiunois, situated in the middle of the MISSISSIPPI River. .. and across the estuary to the city of SAVANNA.

Received one additional ride today from Rev. "POPS", who insisted on driving SAM and ME to the city of DIXON, Illinois; my objective was the city of OREGON, Illinois, but POPS was so forceful - I got an extended SERMON non-stop .  Now, I must take an alternate route (Route 38) the 50 miles to Sister Carol in De KALB.  Should arrive in De KALB this afternoon...if we receive some help by receiving a ride of at least 30 miles.

Departing the town of BELLEVUE with JIM.

A local DAM has created a vast estuary on the West bank of the MISSISSIPPI.

Causeways take vehicle traffic to the Island town of SABULA...

,,,with it's distinctive Water Tower.

Island causeway leading to the NARROW Bridge crossing the MISSISSIPPI estuary,

SAM and ME walked this bridge last time, halting ALL traffic over the MISSISSIPPI as the bridge is so narrow.

Please say HELLO to JI...farmer, bargeman, and horseman, traveling the length and breadth of America to work and play.  The ZIP LOCK JIM holds is a gift from his Garden...Tomatoes and home made Energy Bars.

Please say HELLO to KURT and KATHY, whom I shared a few moments in a SAVANNA Restaurant.  KURT gifted me a Ham and Cheese Sandwich ...survival rations  for the coming walk on Route 64 to De KALB.

Please say HELLO to Rev. POPS, who preached without a wasted breath, all the way to the city of DIXON...while I wanted to go to the city of OREGON.

Was nice to meet Wife SUE and Grandaughter Elizabeth...

* * * * * * * * * *

Let's hope we gain a ride from DIXON to De KALB.  Still have 1,000 miles to the North Carolina Outer Banks.

POST 1422; SEPTEMBER 06, 2014; BELLEVUE, IOWA

Today, we completed over 200 miles.  We received five rides, walking at least 6 hours.  As we neared the MISSISSIPPI River, we encountered a number of long steep hills, some of which we had to walk.

We reached our final destination, BELLEVUE, IOWA beautifully sited on the banks of the river about 4:30 pm, where we have taken the same room in the RIVERVIEW CAFE (Bar, Cafe, and ROOMS to let), as last time we walked here, nearly two years ago.

The many towns we went through are:

OSAGE,  CHARLES CITY, NASHUA, PLAINFIELD, WAVERLY, JANESVILLE, CEDAR FALLS, WATERLOO, INDEPENDENCE, WINTHROP, MANCHESTER, FARLEY, DUBUQUE, ST, DONATUS,  AND FINALLY, BELLEVUE.

Please say HELLO to ALAN LIVINGOOD, who gave us our first ride.

Please say HELLO to JIM and GARY, who gave us our second ride.

Please say HELLO to TOM HABSON, lawyer from MANCHESTER, who gave us our third ride.

Please say HELLO to ED, who gave us our fourth ride.

Riding a ridge looking down on the  MISSISSIPPI River,

Please say HELLO to FRANK, who gave us our final ride into BELLEVUE.

Please say HELLO to CHARLOTTE, owner of the RIVERVIEW, who greeted us on our return.

MISSISSPPI River LOCK AND DAM NO. 12

Needless to say, I am very tired.  Tomorrow we cross the river into ILLINOIS, taking Route 64 to DE KALB.