August 7: Waverly, IA to Hampton, IA

August 6: Dundee, IA to Waverly, IA

Learned something today; thought I'd share.

When you buy a tent, it invariably comes packed with little guy ropes used to brace and stabilize the tent structure in inclement weather. Turns out these are not ornamental but in fact should be used nightly. Even, it would appear, when you bed down on a cool, perfectly clear eve and are awakened, say, at 1:30 a.m., to the sound of thunder and torrential rain.

I've also learned that a tent can be secured on a moment's notice and reasonably well--even in panic mode--and that a mildly damp synthethic sleeping bag is still surprisingly warm and dries rapidamente in the morning sun.

August 5: Maquoketa, IL to Dundee, IL

With little else to behold the past few days except rows of corn and soybeans and empty campgrounds, the O'Brien family at Backbone State Park were a welcome change, an answered prayer.

Details and pictures to follow...

August 4: Savanna, IL to Maquoketa, IA

Getting hillier. Heading west a bit more, then north, based on vague intel it'll spare me some of Iowa's worst climbs around Dubuque.

Started this morning at the State Park with a side trip to a scenic overlook. It took me up the steepest, curviest hill I've encountered the whole trip. Decided to walk the bike halfway. The view from the bluff, of the Mississippi running alongside ubiquitous railroad tracks, was well worth it.

August 3: Oregon, IL to Savanna, IL

August 2: Villa Park, IL to Oregon, IL

Woo hoo! I'm in Oregon! And six weeks early!

Oh. Wait.

August 1: Homewood, IL to Villa Park, IL

Still battling my way out of the metropolitan Chicago area!