Day 24 - July 10

We checked out of the motel just before 7 and went to the USDA office to have breakfast with John and his office group. It was good food and good company. I transported Matt and Gary to the start of an estimated 130 mile day.

The first part of the ride was small town and country. As we moved in to the farm land it was mostly corn and as we have said at the speed we move there is time for just about everything. We took note that the fields were smaller and the corn was taller. I think that it could be that when you squeeze the field a bit the corn can only go up. Remember I am still if farming 101 so the theory could need some work. Please notice how even the planting is, Neil showed me the machine that plants and they really do a good job.

Indiana must be a secret because I had to turn around and take a picture of the Illinois sign to mark the occasion as we left the land of Lincoln.

I found a way of getting Matt and Gary off the main roads onto a very straight country lane for about 25 miles. I found a field that was just planted and believe I have captured a bean sprout as it starts to grow. And of course the flowers continue to capture my attention. We arrived at the Indian Head Motel in Winamac Indiana. Its time to eat and relax and prepare for day 25.

Day 23 - July 9

Another great day in the USA! We started today by crossing the Mississippi into Illinois and even though corn, beans and flowers were the same, there is a difference. Illinois is flat and that has a charm all its own. The roads are cut straight and you can see forever. Our route was custom designed by Bob Loch and it delivered on character and beauty. It was more work to support because it was hard to find the correct small roads, but worth it because it showed another side of the country side. It was quite serene and planned at every step. This land is organized to work and produce.

You will notice I found the 100mm macro lens and tried it on more flowers and bugs.

About 11am it was time to eat and we found a 5 star café tucked away in Manlius called Tilley’s. The slogan “Warm beer and lousy food” is a sneaky way of always exceeding expectations. The food was really good and the service made me want to order more. I enjoyed the meal and hospitality. Thank you Tilley.

Bob Matt and Gary ended the day at 120 miles and we had the pleasure of Bob and Gary’s old friends at dinner which was a home cooked feast. We gathered at a family farm established in 1866. I visited with their college friends and it was clear that the roots run deep here.