After floating across the river (thinking about Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn, and Becky Thatcher and their adventures), the motley crew entered Illinois and wound their way north, first through hills and trees, then into the farmlands.

Just look at that straight line, that precision riding.  Why, it looks as if Joe's meetings, lectures, beatings, and reduced rations for the group have finally had an effect.  Sorry to say, this was only a momentary lapse on behalf of the riders and they were, once again, doing their best to fray Joe's nerves and push him over the edge (just a liitttlle bit more . . .)

This was one of the many delightful sights that greeted this band of bicyclists as they cruised through the country. 

"All right now!  I said I'm the leader!  Who is willing to follow me?" said Kip, as the others milled about in confusion. 

It was a beautiful morning for riding the partly shadowed farm road along the East side of the Mississippi River.  The most eventful part of the day was when Kip's bike fell from the bike rack just before lunch.  Well, other than Joe having to backtrack later to locate the motel for the night.   

It appears the spring rains that continue throughout the country have caused the rivers to run high.  Just look at how good it is for the houses though.  This one appears to be growing well.

As the group crosses the Illinois River on another ferry, James and Richard ponder the flow of the river and bask in the serenity of the moment.   

The Illinois River under a beautiful partly cloudy sky.

After his first day of riding, Jamal is treated exceptionally well by his friends in the van as they cover his head with a princess hat and have the cow watch over him as he sleeps. 

Ah, fresh produce from the Illinois fields.  James picks up a cantaloupe and some ears of corn from a farm family selling their crop in the town of Girard.

Warden Joe is caught in action as he lays down the rules to the new rider in the group, Jamal.

What more can I say?