Sunday, May 06, 2018

Day #21-Marion, KY to Goreville, IL 71.5 miles


We took the ferry across the Ohio River and said good bye to Kentucky.  What a great time we had.  We’d read stories of the route being poorly marked but we didn’t find that to be the case.  We found the people to be warm and engaging.  Pastor Dave told us it was because we were riding bikes.  Once we got to Illinois the signs that had pointed us in the right direction in Kentucky disappeared. There was no welcome sign either.  Maybe Illinois doesn’t really want us here? This is apparently horse country now.  It used to be coal country. People come down to trail ride in the national forest. The private campgrounds we passed cater to trail riders.  They also only take cash, more cash than we had.  I’d been relying on getting additional cash when making purchases but the past few places didn’t offer this.  Now I know. This resulted in a longer day than we planned.  We made it to our destination, Fern Clyffe State Park, with just enough time to set up tents before dusk.

We’ll take a short ride to Carbondale tomorrow.  It’s actually the largest city the Transamerica route goes through.  In some of the smaller towns, Dollar General is the only grocery  store!  We’re becoming fans of DG! Enough of this, night all.  Oh and do me a favor and leave me a comment, let me know you’re out there. Thanks!

6 comments:

Jeffrey Levandoski said...

I'm watching. Did you cross the river at Cave In Rock? I've been to Goreville. Ferne Clyffe State Park is just south of the city limits. Had a lot of good times there with friends.

I grew up north of the area in the country outside a little village called Bluford. It's about 10 miles East of Mt. Vernon. Made trips to Carbondale during the 80's and 90's because of more choices in record stores, restaurants, etc.

Anonymous said...

Reading about your adventure every day. Lisa

Unknown said...

I'm with you brother..... getting closer to me...definitely summer here.

Tom said...

Thank you for your support. Tom

Anonymous said...

Watching your daily progress!! Sorry we didn't hookup in old Kaintuck!! Tom

Kathleen Gutjahr said...

Reading every day - amazed at your adventure