Hey Everyone!
Well, I crossed another state line today! I am now in Illinois!! The day started out foggy and drizzly, which was a nice refreshing cool change from what we've had. Eventually tho, the sun did come out, and the humidity was pretty high, but nothing unbearable. We traveled from Kirksville, MO to Quincy, IL today. It was a more challenging ride than other days have been, as there were more hills that were steeper than yesterday. It was also more challenging because I wasn't expecting as many hills as we encountered. The roads as we were leaving Missouri were also quite bumpy, so it wasn't the smoothest of rides either. But, that being my only complaint, it was a great day! The scenery was still very green. We still passed by a lot of corn and wheat fields (I am coping), and passed by many farms, homes, and barns that have been abandoned. I stopped and explored a few of them. I found nothing of great interest inside (most places were trashed inside), but it was still fun to look around!
Our first stop was in a small town, or what used to be a town, of Barring, MO. It had an abandoned hotel, bank (built in 1896), and cafe. It is right next to the railroad, so back in the day, this was a lively town! The cafe was the only place still open. Interestingly tho, there were a good handful of homes that surrounded this little abandoned town!
We made our way into the town of Canton, which is right alongside the Mississippi River (on the Missouri side). We ate at John E B's bar and grill. The waitress who served us just graduated high school, and was happily engaged. She said she grew up in Canton, and the population is about 2,000. Her graduating class was 55, the largest yet according to her. She stated it was a rather boring place to grow up, and that most of the people there go across the river to Quincy, IL to have fun. As we left, we spoke with another lady who stated, "yes, unfortunetly I am from here." That would be Canton, Mo -- if you ever wanted to come visit! I myself, found it more alive than Green River, UT tho... although, I did visit Green River on a Sunday...
After lunch, we took a ferry over the Mississippi River, and wha-la...ended up in Illinois. We rode alongside the Mississippi River for awhile, and ended up in Quincy, IL. Dinner was at an Italian restaurant next to the Comfort Inn which we are staying at.
Tomorrow is a long day, riding to Springfield, IL-- 107 miles!
Adios! M
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