Castle

We have crosses the border, and with it the Mississippi!

The last few towns in Illinois- Jacksonville, Winchester, and Pittsfield- were pretty much the same as all the others we had been through.

In Jacksonville we had a very unique experience: staying a night in a homeless shelter. After walking to the local police station and undergoing a background check, we took our bags and our paperwork to New Directions, the Jacksonville warming and cooling center for the homeless.

We were shown great kindness by everyone there, volunteers and residents alike. It was enlightening to interact with everyone and hear peoples stories. The shower was appreciated as well!

A 17 mile night walk found us in Winchester, and in the middle of a thick fog that blanketed the land for miles. I have never seen so much fog over such an expanse! Of course it did make walking a little more difficult, as everyone on the road was operating with drastically decreased visibility.

Another few days and 20 mile stretch found us in the town of Louisiana Missouri, at about two in the morning, in the midst of a rain storm.

Despite the time and conditions, both police and locals assisted in finding us a place to crash for the night.

It feels very good to be out of Illinois, and even better to be in Missouri.

Thanks all for keeping up with the blog!

In a few days I'll post a more in depth update, containing some reflection and not just a summary!