Days 16 & 17

Day 16
45 miles
I heard animals in the night but slept alright. Still exhausted from the day before I took my time before setting out.
The day brought with it hills, a little rain and a general sense of blah.
I got to be more and more frustrated as the day went on. As I was climbing one hill I passed a pig farm. The smell was wretched! It was unbearable. I gagged and started a coughing fit that end with me pulling over and vomiting. This was the final straw.
I was mentally exhausted and physically drained. I devised a plan to catch up on rest. It was only about 5 pm and the next town, Kewanee, was close by. I would get a motel room and sleep in the next day. Upon leaving the hotel I would do laundry and then ride a measly 15 miles to the closest campground. This would give me almost a day and a half.
 I found the motel and showered immediately upon getting to my room. I walked across the road and ate a big Burger King meal (thanks for the gift card mom and dad). I walked back to the room and just relaxed. I already felt better.

Day 17
35 miles
I woke up early and ate the continental breakfast at the motel. Then I promptly went back to bed. I got back up near 10 and got my laundry together. I left shortly before 11.
I found the laundromat fairly easily. It didn't take long to do my one load. As I was packing up I overheard a woman ask her boyfriend if he had any more quarters. He was searching and didn't seem to have much luck. I offered her my remaining 3 quarters stating they'd just fall out of my pocket anyway. She acted as though I'd given her 20 bucks. She was so grateful. Personally, I felt it was the least I could do after all the nice things people have done for me. She attended to her laundry and then chatted with me about my trip. Andrea and Thomas were very nice and wished me lots of luck.
I stopped at Pizza Hut and ate the lunch buffet (thanks Ron).
Full and feeling quite good I set off for my quick jaunt to the campground. I made such good time and was feeling so good I went an extra 20 miles to the next campground. This meant I would reach the Mississippi river the next day. I thought it was a good plan.
The campground was at a golf course near Orion, Illinois.




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