Marshfield, MO

We are getting close to entering the Ozark mountains, which we should start to see tomorrow and the next day.  Today we made it to Marsfield, MO.  We met more cyclists along the trail - both from Europe and the United States.  On our trip we have certainly met more foreign cyclists than americans.  The amazing thing is all the international cyclists have commented on how nice and hospitable people are in the US during their visit.  It is almost a nice way of spreading good will, that these people come to the US, and enjoy our hospitality, versus the sometimes poor image other countries have of americans.

Speaking of hospitality, we also found out that people from Missouri seem to take that a bit to the extreme.  Several times while going up a hill at 8 or 9 miles an hour, we would have cars wait to pass us, until we signaled that we saw them and it was ok to pass us.  Back home I don't think people would even think a minute before passing someone on a bicycle, let alone sitting there paitiently waiting for you.

Connor and I bought a tent and sleeping bags today.  We figured it would give us a lot more flexibility on where to stay.  Some of the upcoming days, there are hotels at 50 or 100 miles, but nothing in between.  Having the option to camp one night will allow us to push on further than we might otherwise.

We also stopped at the homestead of Nathaniel Boone, son of Daniel Boone.  It is located in Ash Grove, MO (where we had breakfast).  The homestead dates from 1837, and was very interesting to see it in its simplicity.  There was a map dating from 1850 in the house, which showed the old configuration of the US at that time.

Also, we saw a confederate flag hanging from a house today. The first we've seen but probably not the last!