Today was really all about getting to Springfield because it was another hot and hilly day, there weren’t many “Rte 66” sights along the way, and tomorrow is a rest day and everyone is tired. The last 5 days of hot, humid, hilly, 60+ mile days have taken their toll.
We did pass a nice Starbucks about 4 or 5 miles from camp but many of us are reluctant to ride anywhere tomorrow. We’ll see what the world looks like in the morning. It is supposed to rain tomorrow so we may opt to just stay here. It’s a nice KOA campground with a lounge area and a store so it will likely be a day for laundry, internet, and R&R.
My sleeping pad has developed a slow leak so I wake up on the ground – but REI is shipping another one to intercept me in Tulsa,OK next Wednesday. I can tough it out until then – I hope!! All of that said, it is a great trip – a great adventure. It’s a good group of people and so far we have all managed to maintain our senses of humor. Whenever we stop at grocery stores or cafes, people always ask what we are doing – most are amazed but all wish us well. We’ve met lots of very nice people – and a few angry dogs!!!