DAY 25 ~ 10/9/21

Joan and I were really dragging this morning. We got up early to avoid the heat but that’s not why. Our bodies are just dog tired. Our pace is usually 3 miles per hour but we never got above 2.75 today. Joan walked the first 6.1 miles then had Clarence come get her. Proud of her for knowing her limits and taking care of herself!!! I walked 10.6 miles before lunch and 2.2 miles after. Joan made open face tuna melts with tomatoes and cheese for lunch. They were great.

Well there's always a first time for everything. A truck was coming towards me traffic wise and he moved over to the other lane, no oncoming traffic towards him so not an issue one would think. As he passed me, he honked and flipped me the bird. Wow, I guess there has to be one rotten apple in a bunch of really wonderful people we've passed on busy narrow highways. I just waved and smiled. Maybe he was having a bad day? Sometimes a smile can go a long way, right?

After the busy highway leading into Springfield I got a treat to walk on the Sangamon Valley Trail for 5.1 miles to end the day. Absolutely gorgeous wooded area with a paved trail. The connection to this trail was confusing and I noticed a couple getting out of their car in a parking lot. I asked them if this was the Trail. I told them my story briefly then told them about the guy in the truck. The man said “That doesn’t surprise me at all, because you’re in Athens (a small rural town). About 10 miles ahead you’ll be safe in Springfield!” I laughed. Later, I passed a father walking with his son on his shoulders. The son looked like he might have down syndrome and was maybe two years old. He put his thumbs to his head with his fingers up in the air and said “Moose“. Brightened my day. So adorable!

Tonight we had deli chicken, tater tots and roasted veggies. Perfect for me!!

Tomorrow’s a day off thank goodness. I need it. We’re going to the Lincoln Presidential Library. I’ve always wanted to see it and have really been looking forward to this part of my journey. Might not really be a day off as it is 200,000 square feet!! LOL. Hopefully they have a lot of movies and sit down presentations!!!