Today’s Date: July 13, 2024

Today’s Start Point: Golconda, Illinois

Today’s End Point: Marion , Kentucky

Today’s Miles: 38.23 Miles

Cumulative Miles: 3,267.91 Miles

When I awoke this morning, the weather report stated that rain would begin at 6:00 am and continue to 9:00 am. I decided to wait until 9:00 am to get started but when I looked out the window, there was no rain in sight. They always say it is difficult to predict the rain in Chicago, but since I have been on the road the weather reports are wrong even for 20 or 30 minute forecasts.

I got away at 6:30 am and was glad to leave Golconda. I am not sure why, but this town gave me the creeps. There was garbage everywhere and many dilapidated houses, even more than I am accustomed.

Of course there was no rain to be seen so I took off north to go to Cave-In-Rock, Illinois, to catch a ferry across the Ohio River to Kentucky. The ferry is jointly run by Illinois and Kentucky and is free to ride. This was a new experience for me so I was looking forward to it.

The ride to Cave-In-Rock was very hilly and hot, even before 9:00 am. Things improved once the sun slid behind some clouds. The heat is at its worst when I am climbing, otherwise it is tolerable. Unfortunately some of the hills were steep causing some cruelly hot moments.

I arrived at the ferry at about 8:30 am and waited in line to board. When the ferry arrived, I got on last since I would also be the last off. As we were crossing the river, the ferry captain yelled to me that there was a couple on a tandem about one hour ahead of me. I told him it was too hot for me to catch them (an acceptable excuse). The entire ferry trip took only about 15 to 20 minutes.

On the Kentucky side the road was a bit flatter and surrounded by trees, offering shade as I pedaled along. Due to available accommodations, my mileage today was very low, only about 38 miles, ten of which were in Kentucky.

When I arrived at my destination, Marion, Kentucky, I found my motel (which is conveniently located next to a DQ). The proprietor was charged me about three times what he should be charging. You know it is a fine establishment if there is a note next to the shower stating that if you want to take a hot shower, please let the water heat up for about ten minutes. After I awaited the allotted time and took my shower, I thought about the next few weeks.

In the title I alluded to a change in plans, I have decided to not go through the Appalachians of eastern Kentucky and western Virginia. I am ashamed to admit that I just couldn’t get over my fears so it was either change my route or give up. I looked on the Adventure Cycling website (the organization that created the Trans Am route) and I was able to cobble together another route that will allow me to avoid that area although it is 300 to 400 miles longer. The route will take me northeast of my current location through Louisville, Cincinnati, Columbus (where my family is from) and then east to Pittsburgh and almost to Philadelphia. From there, I will drop south through Washington DC to Richmond. Finally, if I can still walk, to Camp Lejuene, North Carolina.

I hope this isn’t a mistake, but unfortunately I don’t want to quit. Here’s hoping it works.