Matthew and I proceeded to follow Sunset Trail around boulders, fallen trees, and onto bluffs with excellent overviews of the Mississippi River. Took the obligatory pictures - utilized the binoculars to spy on unwary birds - and otherwise just enjoyed our moment in the sun (albeit heavily shadowed by the full foliage of the trees). Deciding we needed a mid morning repast, we stopped at a picnic table and partook of our picnic meal - Cuban pork sandwiches with avocado, yogurt, and Bing cherries. A small bird perched precariously on a tall weed kept us company. Other hiking couples disembarked from their SUV and packed up for a hike among the bluffs.
Reluctantly we packed up our belongings and meandered our way home - winding our way through small towns such as Mount Carroll (Do you know they have a nursing home there named Cemetery Nursing Home ? A bit macabre and inappropriate, don't you think?) and Savanna (A public community center called House of Events takes center stage in town. Makes you wonder what kind of events - good, bad or indifferent?) and Stockton ( A rodeo 2was headed their way as well as a Civil War Enactment come October.) Small towns I find fascinating - if a trifle on the bizarre side.
It was a small trip - certainly not earth shattering. However, it reinforces the conviction that it is important to get out, meet people even if only briefly, and take to the road from time to time.
