5/31/2011
I’m on a roller coaster ride. I’m up, I’m down, and I just don’t know where I’m going to land. Last night was super creepy. I didn’t really get a chance to see the rangers lock the gates but I was definitely locked in the park. I did know of two escape routes through some bushes though. I found them when I saw a kid pop up out of nowhere.
Pitching a tent in a place where I wouldn’t be seen was not a problem. Five minutes set up time and I had instant lodging. What I lacked was my coveted bathtub. I had to use wet wipes to clean myself. To put it mildly, I didn’t like my own scent. Unfortunately, I couldn’t wash my clothes either. The humidity in the air kept me sweating for a little bit but at least the the tent provided shelter from the mosquitoes.
Before too long, the night descended, bring with it a cool breeze. That was nice. The pitch black however was not so nice. I was feeling hungry and I had to rummage around for my jar of peanut butter without any light. Then later on I heard the footsteps of something. When I woke up startled, I think I scared the animal away. I was so tired I passed out until morning.
Five A.M. in the morning that is! Oh man, I heard the grounds keepers sweeping the roads with their huge machines. Even though I was safely tucked away behind some trees, I couldn’t sleep much more. I quickly got up and packed everything away. What I should have done was head out one of the secret entrances I discovered. Instead I lounged around on a picnic table and tried to charge my phone to full capacity. That was a big mistake as it gave Cheryl the opportunity to catch me. She is the park ranger. I thought I was getting a ticket for sure. She told me how the residents in that area are prone to call police if they see something strange. (It is a well to do area after all.) I put up no fight against the ticket but she took pity on me and let me go with a warning. Once again I should have went with my instincts and left while the leaving was good.
I made my way to the Shriners Hospital to give my book to some kids. They specialize in orthopedics in this particular shriners and they are doing a great job. They never refuse care to any kids that need it. I decided to eat my breakfast in their cafeteria because all I had for dinner was gobs and gobs of peanut butter. Oh yes, I must restock my food supply.
The kids there were great. I love seeing their faces. The staff members were all friendly and helpful. I think we will set up an event at the Chicago Shriners hospital. After hanging with the kids, I made my way back to downtown. I found myself still hungry so I devoured a portabello mushroom pasta and a tomato basil soup. The meal combined with the early morning start left me drowsy.
Despite my desire for a nap Illinois beckoned. I crossed the border on the Eads bridge over the Mississippi river. Behind me were the memories of Jesse James and Mark Twain. A couple blocks into Illinois and just like magic things changed once again. Running in a new state, I needed to adjust to the new terrain, new sights, new smells, and new culture. Immediately I noticed an abundance in Mexican markets and restaurants. I think I’m gonna like this place. I also started seeing new sights like woodhenge. It is a prehistoric solar calendar like Stonehenge. Yep it’s true. I’ve even got a picture to prove it. All in all, It’s nice taking on the next stage. 
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