July 29, 2024 – Jack, Troy, and Jada

    As I was finishing up at the library in Vincennes, two men introduced themselves to me and we started talking; Jack and Troy. Jack was a local radio personality/sportscaster; Troy is a concrete finisher and he works at the library, serving in other ways as well. We were able to pray for one another and encourage one another. Mr. Jack even gave me a $10 gift card for the Old Chicago pizza and pub. He explained Vincennes' history to me...the significance of Vincennes as the political hub of the Northwest Territory. He had a wealth of information he shared with me. He was long-winded, but I enjoyed talking with both Mr. Jack and Mr. Troy. Troy closed down the library, and I talked with Mr. Jack a little while longer. He was going to sing some Karaoke at a veteran's hall somewhere in Worthington. We all left; heading our separate ways. I went to the Old Chicago and ordered a calzone. My server was Jada. She is very kind, friendly, and prompt with all the refills. I talked with her about bicycle touring, and she sounded interested. Maybe she will ride across the country one day, or do a shorter tour. I went back to my campsite after eating dinner. I slept well underneath the stars. Later on in the night it started raining, so I sought some shelter underneath one of the booths in the park.

    The following morning, on Sunday, I went to church across the Wabash River in Illinois at Abundant New Life Church. I sat with the man, Jeremy, who gave me a card in Vincennes, and we all enjoyed worshipping and praising the Lord. I am just going to fly through this because I want to get to some riding accomplished today. I am trying to get to Hartford, IL by tomorrow eve. Here is my route from Vincennes:

Vincennes-->Lawrenceville-->Sumner-->Olney-->Noble-->Use Google Cycling Maps for the rest of the way to Hartford, IL

    On my ride to Noble, it started raining heavily. All my gear got wet and some of the roads were flooded. So, I had to push my bike through the flooded roadway with my shoes and socks off. By the time I got to Noble, it was already night, and it was still raining. I sought shelter underneath an awning at an abandoned elementary school in town. I slept on the concrete floor, but at least I was dry...dry being like a damp dog.

    My route from Noble led me through Clay City, Flora, and all the way to Salem. Last night there was a tornado warning in Salem. I thought I was going to get blown away and meet my maker. I was underneath a pavilion, but the winds were blowing like a hurricane. All my gear got wet again. Thank God the tornado didn't touch down where I was at. The storm made me realize the power of God. God is all powerful! He could have easily taken me home last night. I pray for everyone in Salem. I pray that no one was injured during the tornado. I pray that the community will come together to fix everything after the storm. I also hope and pray no lives were lost. God be with us all.