5-3-06
Start: Near Alto Pass, IL
Destination: IL 3
Miles: 14.2
Weather: Hot Morning, Stormy Afternoon
We stopped in Alto Pass early as we walked through for a cup of hot coffee and to fill our hydration bladders. We ran out of fuel this morning, so we had cold instant coffee and cold oatmeal. Surprisingly, neither was all that bad.
Knowing that Dad and Adam were flying into St. Louis this morning at 9:30 am, we cruised through our last wooded section of the River to River trail so we could be picked up on a road. But halfway into the forest, our cell phone completely died. So we weren't able to get in touch with the guys so they could get us. We think the phone got wet when mom took the wet spill in the river, because ever since then, the screen hasn't worked. But we're going to hopefully get a replacement soon.
We finally got out of the woods and onto a road, which then turned onto a levee. We were in the Mississippi River bottoms - all swamp, and nothing or nobody anywhere. And severe t-storms were moving in on us again.
Finally a little car pulled up, and helped us out. The driver's name was Herman, and he let us use his phone, and then even gave us a ride to a Dairy Queen about 30 miles away where the guys could easily find us. Without that, it would have made an interesting story... me trying to give directions to a levee by the Mississippi River somewhere in the middle of nowhere. Anyway, it all worked out. Herman got a photo of us before he left - thank you, Herman for the touch of trail magic!
So Dad and Adam met up with us, and we all held tears back. It's so hard to not get emotional. Whew... One of these times I'm just going to bust out. Happy tears, though, of course!! :)
We got checked into a hotel and we all went for dinner, and then a milkshake dessert. Now with stuffed bellies, we're all hittin' the hay. We may sneakily take tomorrow off to get some time with our hubbies. Shoot, I'll hike 30 miles per day through the next two states if I have to! ... maybe ... :)
Sorry - Comments are disabled.