Being really pleasant in Washington State Park, I hung about a bit and didn't leave until 9.30. Took road 21 to De Soto, then 110, Highway 47 and locals JJ, T and TT to Highway 61 which I followed to Sainte Genevieve. This gave me a more accurate impression of the roads in Missouri. Just think rollercoaster. The topography is generally flat but undulating (if that makes sense) so the roads go up and down almost continuously and the gradients are fairly steep. It maked for a tough ride and probably involved more effort than being in certain areas of the Rocky Mountains, which although are much higher, have more gradual climbs and long periods on the flat.
About 5 miles beyond Sainte Genevieve I realised there was a ferry over the Mississippi. On a trip, ferry crossings are a must. Backtracked to the town and luckily called in at the tourist office for maps, when I was told the ferry wasn't sailing due to the huge amount of water flowing down the river due to the weeks of exceptionally heavy rainfall, all of which I'd somehow managed to avoid. Was a bit disappointed but at least a 20 mile backtrack was reduced to 10.
Continued back on original plan and picked up local H from 51 and crossed the Mississippi and into the State of Illinois at Chester, the home to the author of Popeye, who was apparently based on a well known character who lived locally, at the end of the 1800s.
Finished the day by going south on 3 and camping at the Johnson Creek recreation area.
This has been a tough day with lots of steep climbs. Was a bit easier when I got nearer to the Mississippi.
This folks is my half way day, time wise.
Update: Mount Sterling, Kentucky.
Fiona says...well done Andrew on reaching half way point in days.Great photos.
ReplyDeleteTake care