Harrison Lake State Park Ohio to Chicago IL

June 5th, 2025

Happy Birthday to me. I awake to rain and Robins singing. I pack up mostly inside the tent. I take the umbrella, journal, and stove and move to a nice undercover picnic area near the lake. The lake is pretty with it's moving water as the rain drops fall upon it. A Heron fishes then flies off with a squak. There are many large trees that have given many campers shade over the 75 years of the parks existance. A cardinal calls and a bird catches a moth. Time to plan my route.

Route 20 didn't disapoint. Though it was raining, it took me through farm country. There were lots of horses and Amish farms along the way. The 55/60 mph speed limit was just right. When the rain got heavier, I stopped for breakfast. Since it was 11 am, a chicken sandwich, strawberries, and an apple danish would have to do. The rain got heavier as I drank my coffee. A nice truck driver asked about the bike. We chatted for a bit. It was nice to have someone to talk to. He prayed before he ate his lunch. I prayed for the rain to stop and for safe travels for all.

After a bit, I braved the weather and got on my way. Eventually the rain let up and I stopped to lube my chain. It took me five tries to get the bike on the center stand, but I did it. I feel great that I was able to do that. It made it extra special that it was at a Mc Donalds truck stop that looked like a castle. After doing my chain, I filled the bike up with gas and continued on. I still had a few hours of riding to do today. I was doing well until I hit the stop and go traffic on I-80. I had wanted to get to a planned campground , but the traffic took the extra energy out of me. I saw a sign for a Cracker Barrel and pulled off. I got in the wrong lane so I had to do a U-turn. With the help of the GPS I eventually found it . After a nice Cheeseburger, mashed potatoes, and broccoli dinner, I had a birthday dessert a brownie sundae. After dinner, I was ready to be done for the day, so I booked a room at the Hampton Inn and Suites next door. I got settled in my room and decided to take a swin in the pool. It was very refreshing.

Back in my room my latest dilema was how to charge my battery packs. Then with the few brain cells I had left, I remembered on the cardo the circle magnet thing. I took it off and got the packs charged. Yay Me!! I forgot to add that I had to take the tent down in the rain ealier this am. I stashed the fly on my pillion under the mesh carrier and rolled up the wet tent the best I could. Hopefully it will be dry tomorrow night to let it dry off for set up.