Day 22: Sunday July 1, 2012

Today was interesting! We got a jump on the heat by leaving the hotel at 0630. The temperature was 77 degrees and it didn't take long for the mercury to rise as we headed east on Interstate 44 through Oklahoma on our way to Missouri. The ride through the countryside was nice but nondescript. Yesterday I neglected to mention that Interstate 44 happens to have a toll. Yesterday our toll at two separate toll booths totaled $3.25; today's tolls at two toll booths totaled $8.00 and the last several miles before crossing into Missouri one may wonder where the toll fees are going!? Not a good road. Anyway, the ride got real boring not much to see and the heat reached 100 degrees. The Wing just hums on the interstate but I prefer the two lane highways that go through small town America. Because of the heat our fuel stops were extended. We had our fill of "smartwater" (Dave introduced it to me, no calories like Gatorade but with the electro lights) never felt fatigued! At one of our stops we needed to get out of the heat so we popped into an air conditioned antique mall. Myrna really knows how to beat the heat! We walked around for 20-30 minutes (without buying anything) then concluded our ride into Rolla, Missouri. You know those 46 degree days we had riding a few weeks ago sure would be refreshing now! I made reservations on line at a Quality Inn in Rolla and when we pulled up the place looked vacant. I called the front desk from my bike and someone answered!! They were actually open, so we checked into our room. The hotel looks new and the clerk said he had a lot of travelers checking in later tonight. So I don't think it is a "Bates Motel", however I am glad I brought my gun! We took a picture of the vacant hotel lot with only my bike parked near the entrance. We rode 417 miles today passing thru Tulsa OK, Joplin and Springfield MO. Grand total of miles so far 6094.

Remember to enlarge a photo all you have to do is click on it.

Revelation 7:16 Never again will they hunger, never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them, nor any scorching heat.