Strong Wind

5-10-06

Start: Old Valmeyer, IL

Destination: E. Corondelet, IL

Miles: 22.6

Weather: See title :)

It's gettin' us ready for Kansas... oh, yeah! Of course, we have to get through Missouri first, but the winds, clouds and rain we had today reminded me of what I've heard storms on the plains can be like. Yeesh! Mom and I took a bridge across I-255 and it hit. The wind blew the rain sideways, and the clouds looked like they were right above us. Of course I was afraid a tornado was going to drop on top of me and take me away - as long as it drops us off somewhere west of us, I guess it wouldn't be so bad. We never did get a tornado or even hail, so that's good, only stinging rain and wind that used our ponchos like parachutes.

When we woke up this morning, Pat had coffee ready for us, and was making some really excellent pancakes. I slept like a rock last night, too. Did I mention that we're being spoiled? Pat laid towels and tubs of hot water out for us to soak our feet in while we checked out our Web site last night. After one glass of wine and the footbath, we were done for, so off to bed we went. Tonight, grandma rubbed some lotion into my back, then Aunt Margie worked on my and mom's feet. I'm getting some feeling back in my toes after that! Yeah, "getting spoiled" is an understatement. Lovin' it!

We hiked on roads and levees today, so we saw a lot of corn fields again. It gets bigger every day - probably 6-8 inches high now. We also passed a turf farm. How weird. It was just these huge fields of really nice, mowed grass.

Aunt Margie, my cousin John, and Grandma all came to pick us up at 5, and just before they got out by us, we ducked into a tavern where it was dry. We were soaked and chilled. When the relief crew arrived, they brought some yummy bars and hot coffee. Hot showers felt heavenly tonight, and mom and I are both thankful that we're not in a wet tent tonight.

Tomorrow we cross into Missouri and under the Arch - how cool! I hear we have to get through E. St. Louis first, though... we'll be going through in the morning, so we should be safe. Sounds like a pretty scary part of town. We'll let y'all know how it goes tomorrow!

"Y'all!?" I'm picking up an accent! Uh-oh!

posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 6:48 AM

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# re: Strong Wind 5/11/2006 7:02 AM MN Seester

Glad to hear you are being well taken care of, you two certainly deserve it. The visions of corn for two "corny" hikers, I am sure you will find some humor associated with it. Robin, did I every mention the time your mom got run over by the corn picker? she only got a few tread marks on her foot - but she kept on hiking. With you in spirit.

# re: Strong Wind 5/11/2006 8:15 AM Pat Reinhold

I thought about both of you all day Wednesday as it was raining so much. I'm so glad you were able to stay at Margie's to relax with hot showers and foot massages. Our family feels so blessed to have had the opportunity to meet both of you. We may have been your trail angels for a couple days, but you both are our family's AA ANGELS FOR LIFE!! May God continuously Bless you today and forever.

# re: Strong Wind 5/11/2006 10:59 AM Kunk

Howdy, I am hoping your weather improves for you, spoke with Dick today he will meet up with you on Sat. afternoon sometime so give me an update on your location for that day. We will share our weather with you if you want it dropped to 34 degrees today and there are forcasting 3 to 5 inches of snow with 30 or 40 mph winds yippee!!!!Glad to hear you had such a good time with the Rocher gang and that Ma and Margie are showing some graceful trail magic. Love and Hugs---Kunk
Keep putting one foot in front of the other and step over the logs.
Phone home E.T.

# Central Missouri 5/11/2006 2:35 PM Brad Leonard

Dear Robin-

I am trying to get my schedule together and get some publicity lined up for your cause towards the end of next week between the Columbia and Marshall MO areas. I am also planning on TRYING to keep up w/ you and your mom for a day or two on the trail next wknd.

Looking forward to meeting you!
Brad L.

# re: Strong Wind 5/11/2006 5:35 PM Shopping Buddy

Those winds should get you ready for the plains. On my drive back up from Texas, the U-haul was blown about 4 ft sideways a few times. Hope the weather improves. It is supposed to be in the mid 30s here tonight with rain and snow mixed. Norther Minnesota and your place is suppossed to get 3-5" of snow. You will be missed at the Woodbury yard sales tomorrow. Your progress is still fantastic. Keep putting one foot in front of the other.

# re: Strong Wind 5/11/2006 11:58 PM Kandi

I feel for you two walking in that wind and rain!!! I walked from my car to my house and the little hail we had hurt my widow eyes!! :) I can't imagine being in it any longer than that!!! Love ya, will check up on you Sunday night-til then-stay safe and love ya-Kandi

# re: Strong Wind 5/12/2006 5:05 AM Kandi

Hey I found some wolf facts you might be interested in:

*In North America, there have been four documented cases of wolves attacking humans and no deaths. In contrast, there have been 12 human fatalities in the past 20 years from attacks by wolf/dog hybrids, and, between 1991 and 1997, 12 to 15 fatalities from attacks by domestic dogs.

*...As I said wolves will eat almost any animal , but they do not eat people! In fact there has only been one attack on humans and by it was a mother protecting her young.

*Wolves attack by approaching from downwind and then giving chase. When they catch their prey they attack the rump or side areas.

I don't know how accurate these are, but I thought it was a little reaasuring. I also read that they go for the biggest prey they can find, so from all that I found, be small, and don't expose your rump or side area!! Be safe-Love ya, Kandi

# re: Strong Wind 5/12/2006 6:02 PM Serena

On that note, if you see any coyotes or bears, one of you should hop onto the other one's shoulders to fool the animal about your size and complete your 20 miles that way. Oh, and post photos...

Best of luck with the weather! You two are amazing.

Serena

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