Day two, sixty miles from Chicago Heights through Joliet down to Gardner on rte 66. Over forty miles on the old plank road rails to trails, no cars but a bit confining without much change in the scenery. Once on route 66, the traffic was light but with no shoulder most of the time my eyes were checking with glasses mounted mirror to see what was coming up behind me. The cars all gave me ample room but were still hauling along. Much has changed since my cross country trip in 2015. People now understand that bicycles have as much right to the rode as cars and trucks. Particularly, when the big semi tractor trailers slow down to creep before passing me when there is ample room I wave my thanks. Two rest breaks, one in Joliet and the second in Wilmington kept me energized through the day. Thankfully the terrain was flat but a headwind slowed me up when on the open road. Being my second day on the road my body is still adjusting…arms, legs and derriere. My goal/destination for today was Gardner thinking there might be a campsite or motel but the town is small and had no accommodations of any sort. I tried one fire department to no avail and there were no churches around to seek sanctuary. Growing a bit concerned I stopped at a gift shop with popular rock being piped outside. The store owner said Dwight ten miles down the rode had accommodations but at 4:30 and sixty miles on the odometer the store owner took mercy on me and called her husband to check to see if I could pitch my tent in their back yard. Given the green light and directions to their house I was eternally grateful. Along with the lawn I was given use of their bathroom to shower up. The force was with me! Fifty feet away was a country restaurant where I chilled over a delicious dinner. As before the local folk all know each other and the cost of dining is considerably lower. Tomorrow, my goal is Pontiac. In 2015 I covered 210 miles from St. Louis to Odel. From Pontiac I will catch a train to St. Louis. Now for some much needed sleep.
Sweet
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