Day two

Day one found us stopping at the KOA campground in Springfield Illinois. The campground was ok, but the weather was not cooperating. It was miserable sleeping weather. We started to head to bed around 9:30 or 10:00. Sleep just wasn’t possible. It was in the 90’s and very muggy. Absolutely miserable. Then around 11 or 12 a whole gaggle of teenagers came through the woods about 10 feet from the tents. Apparently all wound up and ready to party. When that settled down, and things got quiet again, I started hearing little noises around my bike. At first I couldn’t tell what it was but eventually I saw the eyes. There was a momma coon and 2 juveniles. Momma was on the table trying to get Jims trail mix open, the 2 others were dragging off Dougs Doritos and pretzels. Doug was up by this time and we were shining lights on the critters. Momma ran but it didn’t bother the young ‘uns at all. They had carted off the pretzels and Doritos but when Jim came out they left the trail mix. After inspecting the bag Jim tossed it into the woods. So much for snacks.

So after a miserable night with very little sleep for any of us, we broke camp at around 6:30 and headed into town.

 After our miserable night, Jim and Doug participated in what has become a daily form of entertainment. Watching and kibitzing while I try to get everything tied back on my bike.

Breakfast was Denny’s pancakes and eggs. Not too bad.

From there we headed to Lincolns home in Springfield for a short tour then we drove to his tomb. Impressive for sure.  

The Lincoln home

                                                       

 The kitchen at the Lincoln home

A three holer at the Lincoln home  Here, I suppose they could all sit together and discuss the days news.

  

Lincolns tomb

 

Here I should add a bit about the way we travel. Jim is the leader (since he’s the oldest) and he rides in front. That way Doug and I can keep an eye on him and make sure he remembers where he’s going. Doug rides in back. His responsibility is to pick up anything that falls off my bike. Also if anything happens to him, he doesn’t take out the rest of us. I ride in the middle, my only responsibility, other than keeping an eye on Jim, is to wave. You know, that cool biker wave. Left arm slightly extended, fingers generally pointing to the ground, with that ultra cool “ay’. The simple acknowledgement of a fellow two wheeler on the road to “somewhere” with the rubber down and helmet up. We hope.  

Next stop Topeka Kansas. After such a bad night I was hoping we might cut a few miles off and stop at a state park somewhere shy of Topeka. We figured we would travel more than 400 miles to get to Topeka, I wasn’t sure I’d make it. We left Springfield and followed rt. 72/36 west. Here the rain started. It wasn't heavy and we drove out of it fairly quick. So the mornings ride was again cool and pleasant.Just  little wet. 

Rt. 36 was a 4 lane at 65 mph all the way through Missouri. We made really good time. We stopped several times to gas up, but didn’t stop for any sights. Once again, sorry Missouri, you just weren’t on the agenda. The ride was ok, although it was pretty much just a highway. 

Had a 40 mile detour around rt. 59. The Missouri river was flooded and over the 59/116 area and the roads were closed. Minor details. Because of the detour we had a couple wrong turns and some misdirection, but ultimately we did arrive at the Topeka KOA. Just over 420 miles today.

The detour around 59/116 took us back up 59 to 36 west to 7 south to once again rejoin 59 south of 116. Seven turned out to be a very pleasant ride.

We finally made the KOA at around 7:30 eastern time.

After the long haul we made today nobody was ready for a big meal. Supper was Doritos, salsa, pepperoni and CC and coke. It don’t git much better’n ‘at!

The wifi here at the KOA Topeka leaves a bit to be desired. We can connect to the wi-fi system, just not the internet. That’s a lot of help. So this is being uploaded on the Tuesday the 9th  of Aug.