June 21, 2025
I am taking a few days for rest and recovery. Since leaving Dillon State Park on June 13 I have steadily ridden up and down hills, endured the heat in the high 90’s, rain, and headwinds. To arrive in this campground in Lieber S.R.A. on June 20 meant riding ninety-four miles from Greenfield through Indianapolis and on small back roads to Nancy’s campsite.
Yesterday I ended my day at 6:00PM, tired and hungry. I surprised both Nancy and Moe when I rolled into camp. It was unclear whether I would make the trip in one or two days. The cell service here is nil so it was difficult to update my progress.
June 22.
Today we rested in the shade with the temperature reaching nearly 90° before noon. After lunch Nancy and Moe went kayaking in the lake. I stayed in the campsite to clean and check all the adjustments on the bike. I got carried away with the task and forgot to photograph my bike on the work stand. It is now ready to continue west.
Nancy and Moe returned for a late dinner. With the sun setting and the temperature in the night 80°, I walked to the shower then settled into a camp chair to welcome darkness as the sun set.
June 23.
With breakfast over we drove into town, Cloverdale, a fifteen minute drive. We stocked up on food, a few supplies at a hardware store, and the pharmacy. Not much else happened, the heat took our desire to explore the hiking trails.
June 24.
Another hot one. After breakfast we lazed around in the heat of the morning. We’ve been talking about seeing Cataract Falls so we got into the car and drove to the Park.
12:40 PM
We are at Cataract Falls parking lot ready to begin seeing the sights. Next to the entrance is the covered bridge that spans Mill Creek.
We begin walking to Upper Falls.
Heading to Lower Falls.
2:29 PM
Ice cream in the town of Cataract at the 1886 SchoolHouse, now the Community Building. As we drove up to the building with eager anticipation we noticed a closed sign hanging disappointingly on the front door. A man was walking from the building so I asked Nancy to stop. I lowered the window and as the hot humid air rushed into the air conditioned car I asked this man if the ice cream parlor was indeed closed. He told us that it was. The disappointment on our faces, Moe included, prompted him to say, “I’ll go ask Wendy to open and scoop you some ice cream”. This kind man’s name is David.
3:03 PM
Back at our campground and tired from the long hike in the heat, we settled into chairs placed in the shade.
After dinner a young man of eleven came over to visit. He has been over a few times and always asks about my travels riding my bicycle. Tonight he asked many more questions that allow in depth responses.
It was getting dark as I walked to the water spigot that is next to the site where his family is camping. I filled my bottle and noticed the young man, Gage, sitting with his family. I walked over and offered him my traveling card with my contact and blog URL. His look did not conceal his excitement.
Experiences like this I find to be common while bicycle touring.
June 25
Today is laundry day, our last day here. Tomorrow we both will head to the next campground. We will both head to Lincoln Trail State Park in Marshall, Illinois.