10:00 a.m. CST – This morning I met with Charlie Bargman, the Director of Parks and Recreation for the city of Chester, in front of the large bronze statue of Popeye. Elzie C. Segar, a resident of Chester, created Popeye’s character in 1929. We were told that Elzie was a small man who worked on the riverboats on the Mississippi River. Local legend has it that even though Elzie was small in stature, he never lost a fight. I like Popeye. He always looked out for the little guy and make sure he ate his spinach! Ha! I guess it is a little funny but it’s true. Eat right, stay fit and healthy and you can defeat the big old Brutus we call obesity. By staying healthy and fit you become a champion for healthy living and an example to the community. Are you, just one person, important? Of course you are! Your example will inspire others to live healthier and be more fit. Each individual making the decision to take responsibility for their own fitness will make this revolution happen! I presented Mr. Bargman with a plaque on behalf of their commitment to health and fitness for all of the citizens of their community. 10:30 a.m. CST – Pushing around 12 mph, I wheeled the 28 miles to Grand Tower, IL.
1:45 p.m. CST – I took a break by the Mississippi River in Grand Tower, IL. We had a little lunch and got some pictures pushing by the river. We visited with two men from a research center in nearby Carbondale, IL.
2:15 p.m. CST – Averaging about 12 mph, I was able to wheel 24 miles to McClure, IL. For part of the trip, Andy road along side of me on the bike and took pictures. It was a very hot and humid day, but the roads were great for pushing. The scenery made some wonderful pictures.
4:30 p.m. CST – We left McClure, IL and head for Cape Girardeau, MO to check in at our hotel. When we arrived at the hotel, we ate and took a short break.
6:00 p.m. CST – Andy drove to the Mississippi Bridge that crosses the Mississippi River to connect Illinois and Missouri. He wanted to check out tomorrow’s route and find some good spots to take pictures.
Take Care,
Kevin
Tags: Fitness tips, Kevin Saunders, Paralympian, school speaker, sports speaker, wheelchair athlete, wheelchair speaker