Katy Trail - Longest Rail-Trail in America

Earlier this week I had the chance to ride the Katy Trail which spans 240 miles across the middle of Missouri.  Originally, the trail was a rail system that was the Union Pacific Railroad, then the Missouri Kansas Texas railroad, and finally converted to the Rail Trail in the 1980's.  The geography was pretty amazing, with rolling hills and majestic views of the Missouri, and finally ending in the town of Sedalia, MO.  

Thanks McCormicks!

From Left:  Josiah, Eva, Sherry, Brad.  Not pictured: Beth Ellen (sleeping) and their eldest son Elijah (Colorado).

From Left:  Josiah, Eva, Sherry, Brad.  Not pictured: Beth Ellen (sleeping) and their eldest son Elijah (Colorado).

Thanks McCormick family for putting me up for the night near Harrisburg, IL. I arrived pretty distressed from my longest day yet (80 miles) during brutal temperatures nearing 100 degrees.  Eva was practicing the piano when I arrived, totally sun-burned and nearing heat exhaustion.  She brought me life giving watermelon and ice water!!!!

We enjoyed dinner and breakfast and talked about my trip, and I learned they too are hoping to do a similar trip as a complete family (of 6) in the coming years.  It was during these conversations I realized how truly lucky I am to be able to be making this voyage.  We parted ways with a family blessing for me, which is something I'll always remember.