We have successfully broken our 2011 ABC record with a total of 82 points to date. And it's only July! Woo Hoo! We both had the most points in our local HOG chapter last year and feel certain to maintain that status.
It's hard to believe we only have two more days of riding, then we will be home (unless we decide to extend it an additional day). Since today was mostly a ride and shoot day, quite long and hot, here are some random lessons we have learned through experiences and lectures on the trip, along with a few random pictures from the day's ride:
- Bees really dislike your shirt trapping them while traveling 70 mph down the highway.
- Pizza Hut doesn't sit well after a long day on the road.
- People in South Dakota will poke fun at “y'all.”
- If the weather says 81 degrees at 6:30 am, you know you're in for a scorcher.
- Daniel Amen (brain mapping specialist) purports that blueberries are good for the brain. He eats three helpings every day and his 52 year old brain looks younger on the maps than it did six years earlier.
- Blueberries make a great snack, but they quickly turn to juice in 100 degree weather.
- Cooler heads prevail in cooler temperatures.
- Drink plenty of fluids and wear the long sleeves even when it seems counterintuitive.
- Just because you can't smell your own stinch doesn't mean you smell like roses.
- The iPhone can overheat and turn against you.
- Everett Worthington (notable psychologist) distinguishes between forgiveness and reconciliation. He indicates that forgiveness does not necessarily include reconciliation.
- Cindy forgave her iPhone, and we are happy to report they have reconciled.
- People will stare. Get used to it.
- Subway's yogurt is a refreshing side substitute.
- Sleeping through Kansas is optional for lady passengers; the bumpy railroad will surely wake you up.
- Tim will almost always be ready to go before Cindy.
- Follow the same routine every time you stop lest you lose something valuable like a lens cap.
- Hold your breath when passing a cow truck or dead animal in the road. They are probably doing the same for you.
Thanks again for following our blog! Now for some pictures as promised:
Kansas started with a morning ride on our steel horse via the Pony Express Highway, then welcomed us to the Oz Highway. We also passed the California-Oregon Trail.
Xenia, Kansas – the elusive “X” – We paused here to enjoy a family of pheasants (is that what they are?) crossing the road and playing in the field. They are very good at hiding in the tall flowers.
This is a great shade tree.
Joplin, MO where we are staying tonight still has a lot of re-building to do. The main road was scattered with brand new buildings as well as entire corners that still exhibit extensive damage. We passed the community of human services mobile homes where many of the storm victims live. We met a man who works for FEMA and he has been living here in the hotel for several months. Tim talked to an older couple in the laundry room who experienced the tornadoes from inside their home. They recalled things falling on top of them. They now live at the Residence Inn. It's easy to forget after a storm passes how much clean-up there is to do that can take many years to complete. We decided to stay here overnight to give at least a little of our resources to the city. If you are passing this way, they could use any tourist dollars you can spend.
Daily Stats: We passed the 4000 mile mark today.
Tomorrow we are on our way through the Ozarks and will probably stay the night in Texarkana, Texas.
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