Darkness settled in. For the ninth time on the trail, we would sleep under the stars and revel in the fact that another day was done. Although I could feel the exhaustion setting in from the entire week, I pushed hard to stay up as long as possible and enjoy the banter that had emerged. Dawson having returned, stories of goofy accidents, funny circumstances and dad stories began to emerge. One story fed into another, and even as the temperatures began to drop in the absence of light, the inanity continued. In many ways, this is what we had come for. We had come to spend time together, away from the normal responsibilities of life, to indulge ourselves in food, conversation, and camaraderie, and to be a kid again, even for those of us in our mid-40s…
The previous passage is taken from my book On the Trail With My Kids: From the Ohio River to the Mighty Mississippi. Part comedic travelogue, historical commentary, backpacking guide with kids, and personal reflection on life’s promise and uncertainty, it details our 4-year segment hike of the 157-mile River to River Trail (R2R) through Southern Illinois. The R2R is part of The American Discovery Trail (ADT), the only non-motorized coast to coast trail in the United States. It encompasses over 6,800 total miles and passes through 325 communities, 14 national parks, and 16 national forests.
This year, the ADT launched the America 250 Relay in celebrating our country’s semiquincentennial anniversary. A group of hikers took off on July 1st from Point Reyes National Seashore, California, on the way to Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware, with plans to arrive on Thanksgiving Day. On Saturday, October 10th, the relay will reach Indiana, ending at Riverbend Park in Mount Vernon. The following day, October 10, the trek will continue into downtown Evansville finishing at the Four Freedoms Monument. Monday morning, the relay will resume on the way to the Allen Family Amphitheater in Newburgh. Segments include opportunities for walkers, runners, and cyclists. Full details, including the specific routes, sign-up, times, and support, can be found at the following link:
https://discoverytrail.org/adt-relay-calendar
Consider being part of a national movement connecting the Tri-State area to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, and the homes of more than 40 million people. Discover again the joys of moving together in this great country.
