Post for 15 June 2021
I’ve fallen further behind than ever with writing in this blog. The main problem has been internet access, which is all part of cycling the road less travelled. Instead of using my “writing time” to add to this blog, I use it to try and solve problems with internet access, often failing to solve those problems lately.
Here’s how high the Mississippi’s rose in Ste. Genevieve.
Back to June 15, I planned on spending the night in Festus, Missouri, but when I called the campsite there, the owner became grumpy when I mentioned that I wanted to camp with a tent. It’s his choice not to accept tent-camping, but I don’t know why he had to be grumpy.
I can’t understand why many campgrounds no longer allow tent-camping—especially campgrounds on major bike routes. They could offer tent-sites with no electricity or water, so all they’d have to do is mow the grass, which campgrounds do anyway. It seems like an easy way to make $20 or $30.
Anyway, I changed my plan, chose not to spend the night in Festus, and had a better day because of it. It involved another ferry ride and staying at a special place. That place is in Eagles Club in Chester, Illinois. That Club allows tent-campers to stay for free, and we often buy a meal or a drink in their club.
Even better, I stayed at that same Eagles Club in 2018 when I cycled across the US the first time, on the Trans America Bike Route. On this bike ride, I enjoyed talking with other cyclists riding on the Trans Am. Not many people have completed that route, so it’s special talking with people who are on it.
The song for today is Little Theme, since changing plans is a theme in my kind of bike touring.
