Steve's Recovering in Springfield

This is my first post about why I'm riding, and here's where to donate to Water Life Hope.  If you've already donated, thanks.   If you haven't, give it a try.  Even a small bit will really help families get safe water where there hasn't been any.  And you'll feel great.
Green is great.

April 25: Carthage to Miller by bike, 39 miles.  Miller to Springfield by bus.

Remember Steve riding in the cold?  He woke up in Carthage truly unwell.  Steve was being Steve, not wanting to make a fuss.  So Carol and I left on bike while Steve stayed and took a morning nap.  The idea was to meet at Miller, nearly 40 miles down the line.

The route wandered far off Route 66, snaking along the edges of midwestern sections.  Numeric street names counted off logically to the county line, and then picked up on the other side.  We were well out in the country.  The fields were vast green waves rolling off to the horizon.  Occasional houses, barns and dogs were punctuation.

Arriving at Miller, population not quite 700, we found Steve asleep in a locked bus.  Peanut butter sandwiches, more Nuun and fruit revived Carol and me but not Steve.   We were about to ride away when the reality of Steve driving on the highway struck everyone.  First we pried Steve from the driver's seat and then Carol and I took turns driving Ed the bus into town.

Our Warm Showers host Paul graciously lent us an entire house.  Steve bundled into bed and slept for hours.  We're all so happy to be here.  Springfield looks like a terrific place.  And Steve woke up better.  He just needs some rest.

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