Missouri will have to wait

I had planned to enter into Missouri today but had to stop for the day in Pittsburg, Kansas after getting sick. The ride to Pittsburg this morning was only 16 miles but the coughing and congestion made for a miserable ride. I rested today and hope to feel better in the morning.

When I was in Toronto, Kansas, I met these sweet people. They saw me having lunch at a restaurant in town and the next thing I know they're inviting me to stay in an RV on their property! My original plan was to camp at the near by state park so after I finished my lunch, Mike came back with his car and actually drove me to the state park so I could see it and the camping options available. It was beautiful and tons of options for camping but as has been the case for many weeks, forecasts called for heavy rain, strong winds and thunderstorms. Mike said they had an RV at their place that I could stay in if I wanted to so I could stay dry and safe. Having dealt with so many storms, this seemed like the much better option and was it ever! The storms started rolling in early evening and continued all night long into the next morning and it was very heavy rain! That evening they ordered pizza, Mike and I had some awesome conversations about cycling, family, technology and more! The next morning after the rain finally stopped they took me out to breakfast at a cool local diner that I would have never known even existed.
So appreciative for the hospitality and conversations...thank you so much Mike and Kathy!