Making a crazy life change is always stressful. I expected the two weeks I gave myself off work before leaving to allow for relaxing and some tourism of the city I've lived in for the past 7 years. Unfortunately, getting rid of all of my stuff proved way harder than I had anticipated. I only really managed to sell electronics and had to resort to giving away most of my furniture. Between that and saying yes to every social event, I found myself almost as busy as when I was working 40 hours per week. In the end I got rid of everything by the last minute (which didn't help my stress levels) and managed to make it to my starting point on time.

For the past several years I have been going on, and then voluenteering to guide rides with the wonderful organization called Out Our Front Door. They have a mission to immerse and educate people about the vast biodiversity and history of the Chicago region through overnight bike tours. Meeting this group was what got me into touring in the first place. Therefore it was only fitting that I leave Chicago with their first overnight of the season.

The starting point for the ride was Palmisano park. It's one of the newest parks in Chicago and replaces an old quarry. As soon as I got there it started to rain. This would be the theme of the day. Luckily, it was a short 35 mile day.

The ride south out of Chicago is mostly on trails, which made it easier to fight the rain and ensuing headwind. Our first stop of the day was the South Shore Cultural center, which is a beautiful country club turned public building. In a great turn of events, the rain stopped just before we were getting ready to leave. The headwind however did not let up.

After riding around the beautiful Wolf Lake, we headed into Hammond to stop for a late lunch at 18th Street brewery. A good burger and beer is a great reward after dealing with bad weather.

Unfortunately the weather was only going to get worse. In the brief ride between the brewery and the campground, the heavens opened up resulting in the worst downpour of the day. The rain stopped as quickly as it began and gave us time to set up our tents and go for a nature walk. Brianna spent most of the walk identifying the small blooming plants which made me think I need to find a plant guide.

Because of the late lunch and yet another downpour, Glenn grilled hotdogs under the camp shelter and everyone spent the evening in fun conversation.

At last, around 10, the rain cleared and we could build a fire, which completed the night. I stayed up late chatting with everyone even though I knew I would regret it in the morning. But what is an adventure without the people you spend time with along the way?