We left Hannibal in a comfortable 67 F under solid overcast with a slight tail wind, and life was good.
Quincy got us fresh local cukes and kohlrabi and radishes at the farmers market—already mature at this time of year.
Ate a late breakfast, used keyboard and mouse at library, took quick look at old mansions, and bought groceries.
Came out to pouring rain, waited for moderate rain, and left town.
Carrie chose the highway hoping for shorter distance, but got numerous hills.
I chose MRT and got quiet flat road with a few hills near Hamilton, with 8 extra miles. Both of us had rain and wore rain gear top and were comfortable. Rode in rain for 5 hours. Been wet every day anyway—sweat or rain, makes little difference down around here. And rain is cool. “It beats sweating your ass off all day”, according to a wise old local.
Somebody gave Carrie a lift to a motel in Keokuk, Iowa, across the river (another state, if you’re keeping track) because no motel in Hamilton, and she was in pouring rain again. Problem was that cell service was spotty, and the motel was at the end of town (cheaper), so I took an extra 10 miles hunting around till we hooked up by phone as I was heading for Nauvoo alone.
So I turned back and did 78miles (the last 10 with nothing but hills in town) instead of the planned 68, ate Chinese smorg ($8) and went to sleep.