Louisiana, MO to Troy, MO

After a down day because of high winds and rain, I left Louisiana yesterday on a glorious morning, headed south and west with the goal, Troy, MO, a distance on my map of just over 50 miles. The route would take me along the Mississippi River for about 10 miles and then in Clarksville, turn south-westerly through Paynesville and New Hope along state routes W and KK, picking up state route 47 and south into Troy.

It was at the same time, the most beautiful part of the ride so far, and by far, the most difficult. The challenge was again the hills and for most of the ride, they were relentless. The topographical indicators on my maps indicate elevations as high as 750', with numerous elevations at 500' and one along the way at 1250'. Now, the country roads do not always go that high, but on several occasions, I think 3, I was higher than anything else around except for microwave transmission towers usually placed on the highest elevation around. Today I only got off the bike twice to walk to the top of the hill! Maybe by the time I finish this journey I will be able to conquer any hill in my way. I hope so.

By way of example, as I remember, the hill where the "Hollywood" sign is placed in Los Angeles is somewhere just in excess of 1000' of elevation and the highest point in Palos Verdes at Crest Rd, I believe is 1200'. The one thing I do not know is what the elevation of the Mississippi River is but in any event, it was a day of up and down, up and down and up and down.

The good news is it was not windy and the really good news is that along the way, the land is beautiful. It is spring out here and everything is in bloom. Most of the fields where grass is being grown have growth 6" to 8" high, the trees are in full in every color of green you can imagine and most of the farms have some sort or another of garden just showing their first spring growth.

Lots of small to middle sized creeks cross under the roads and all are full with the spring run-off from this very wet spring out here. It is, all in all, a beautiful way to experience life on back country roads and small towns through this region.

There are no pictures for this posting, for you would tire of pictures of hills after hills and if there were sound with the pictures, you would hear something like, "You gotta be sh..&%$#*ing me", not another one! Of course, no one was around to hear me, so it helped to express myself and not offend anyone.

My speech to the cows a couple of days ago must have been telegraphed to brothers and sisters along the way, for there were several times when I found gangs of cows crowding the fence lines waiting to hear my take on things. Sorry guys, not today. Too many hills to climb.

Worth noting. More and more I am reminded of the kindness of people to total strangers. I stopped in on a farm to ask directions and not only did Mary get me headed in the right direction, she offered me a cold coke and introduced me to her boss, Bob Ritter, the owner of Sunnyview Gardens and Greenhouse, just north of Troy. If you need a truck load of shrubs or flowers, stop in and see them. The coke was ice cold and the directions got me into town. Thanks guys.

The weather forecast for today is thundershowers late in the day so my goal is to be in Washington, MO, about 45 miles from here through more HILLS by mid-afternoon.

The adventure goes on, people continue to amaze with their kindness, the scenery is, beautiful and peaceful, if not strenuous and thanks to all who call to remind me that I am missed, loved and wished for a continued safe journey.

Matt, your work back in Jamaica in the Peace Corps is greatly admired by all and you are learning much as well as giving much. Dave and Stephanie, welcome home from your honeymoon. It sounds like a great time away before returning home to begin life together.