Cycling the Underground Railroad--Part 1

 DAY 25:  MORGANFIELD TO HENDERSON, KY

Today was a treat, in a number of ways. 

Easier cycling today over gentle rolling farmland along the river.

First,  this was the easiest riding day I've had in three and a half weeks. Not only was the distance short (29 miles), but I pedaled through farmland that was slightly rolling, with no monster hills!  I could get used to this.

Fields of flowers, perhaps being grown for commercial purposes.

The weather was also delightful--sunny with the high in the mid-70s and a slight tailwind.  I rode past fields of yellow flowers that looked like they were planted intentionally (although I was not able to identify them). An ideal Spring day on which to cycle. 

First Missionary Baptist Church in Henderson, Kentucky.  It has been serving it's community, mostly African-American, since 1866!

Henderson is the first sizable city I've encountered since Columbus, Mississippi.  Traffic was very busy on U.S. Highways 60 and 41, which run through town.   Fortunately, my route led me to Elm Street, which travels through residential neighborhoods and the older but very much alive downtown sections.

I stumbled across the historic First Missionary Baptist Church, which has been serving primarily the African-American community since 1866, in this same location!

The John James Audubon Museum at Audubon State Park in Henderson, Kentucky.

Today's highlight was pedalling through John James Audubon State Park and visiting the outstanding Museum documenting his life and work.   Audubon lived in Henderson from 1810-1819, completing some of his early paintings based on his explorations around the Ohio River. 

John James Audubon, famous naturalist and artist.

For those not familiar with John James Audubon, he is most famous for his work of paintings, Birds of America, still considered by many one of the best of its genre.  Born in what is now Haiti and growing up in France, he spent almost all of his adult life the United States, and is credited with identifying 25 species of birds.  His is a story of determination to pursue his passions of nature and art.  The National Audubon Society is dedicated to protecting birds and their habitats, and is a favorite organization of bird watching enthusiasts. 

Outside the Audubon Museum--such a fascinating place!

Today's Mileage: 29.2

Total Distance to date:  898.1 miles