Hot, Humid and Hilly

Since getting into Missouri the landscape has changed dramatically! Gone are the long, straight stretches of Kansas now replaced by short, steep hills followed by exhilarating downhills on the other side. ​
​The weather is hot and very humid! Getting started early in the day is a necessity in Missouri. I try to get on the road as soon as I can see and be seen. The "be seen" part is trickier than it sounds. With the rolling hills, sharp turns and no shoulders to ride on, alertness is even more critical on the roads of Missouri. With all the rain, the landscape is green and beautiful!

With the rain also come challenges with camping as I ran into last night. Will flash flood warnings, thunderstorms and forecasts for up to 5" inches of rain I took shelter under a pavilion at a city park and created a "fort" of sorts with the picnic tables at the park. Originally, I just placed the tables around me but it was suggested on a Facebook group to lay them on their side for even greater protection which I did. It rained like I've never seen before and the sound of the rain hitting the metal roof of the pavilion was deafening. But, I woke up the next morning, safe and bone dry! 

Original Set Up

My make shift fort with my tent behind it!

I'm now well beyond halfway and challenging terrain lies ahead including the Ozark Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains. Of course, I also still have the area of Kentucky where loose dogs abound await me!

I would like to thank the following people who have made donations through the youcaring website. (of course thanks to everyone who made donations earlier)

• Doug and Janette Hobson
• Dianne Ekenberg
• Linda Ekenberg

If you would like to make a donation to help me on the final portion of my ride I would be most appreciative! Everything helps and everything makes a huge difference :)
To make a donation, click here. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!