It’s been satisfying to reach each new place, and then it’s exciting to head out each morning. It feels free to be rolling along to new places, with no ties to anything along the way.
We’ve covered a lot of territory and we’ve met a lot of people, so much so, that all these places blur together and we have to stop and talk about what was where.
Part of moving on is the excitement of expecting something new, and partly I was driven to get out of the heat and humidity by moving as early and as far as possible each day.
We are creating our own movie, as participants and directors, mostly in control, with enough things random, unexpected and new to make life interesting and challenging.
Today I felt tired, with no energy to move on. The desire to start a fresh ride was there, but not the strength. Perhaps it was the 77 miles yesterday, and the big push over all the hills in town at the end of the day. I found Carrie at a stream where she was sitting and taking pictures. We decided to rest in Nauvoo, after 17 miles.
We have found a pace and rhythm to the trip, and it feels like I can relax, knowing that things are moving in a steady line north. Maybe there was some anxiousness or fear that’s been replaced with a confidence that I can do this.
The route was directly along the river today—no levee or fields. Lots of places to stop under trees near the shore.
Nauvoo is where Joseph Smith started his model community for the little religion that builds big temples and got him killed. The place is now restored and has a State Park to cater to all the tourists. We are camped here now, with peace and quiet, and it is still low season. At 7:15 pm Carrie is tired and is lying in her tent.
Pictures show “important” stone bridge, so you don’t have to waste your time and see it for yourself. Also view over the river from the town, and a small period hotel that has rooms for only $77.
Besides the irritating little bugs that hang around and dine on me in all these beautiful looking places, not much is happening today. Which is life as it should be.
sunset over the Mississippi