July 12, 2025
9:26 AM
Waking up to a breakfast of eggs, toast, bacon, and espresso was a wonderful treat. Richard and Talulah, the Warmshowers Host, offered to host me at last minute notice. I was heading into Saint Charles without a place to sleep. Fed and rested, but most enjoyably, I was wearing clean clothes. Saying goodbyes and thanking the gracious hosts I am heading back to the trail two miles away.
10:20 AM
Downtown Saint Charles.
11:29 AM
I made it to Machens, the eastern end of the Katy Trail.
12:07 PM
Back at Black Walnut Trailhead waiting for Nancy to pick me up.
12:30 PM
Portage Des Sioux
1:57 PM
Old Bakery Beer Company in Alton, Illinois was a treat beyond expectations. Excellent beer and great food for lunch and Moe was welcomed inside to join us while we dined. Moe was served a large bowl of cold water, he was very thirsty as were we. Moe enjoyed tasty dog treats made by the brewery while we enjoyed our meal.
3:41 PM
Cahokia mounds, built by the Osage 1100 AD. Twenty thousand people lived in this village.
7:00 PM
We finally arrive at Nancy’s campsite in Eldon Hazlet State Park in Carlyle, Illinois.