Day 48; Lee's Summit Missouri to Boone Iowa
We got up early today because we had to go 350 miles. We packed all our stuff, said or goodbyes, and took to the open road. One of the first things I did was get temporarily disoriented (aka lost), trying to find the right highway. I like to think we took the scenic route. Knowing that we had to go north, I used the sun and my good sense of direction to figure out where we needed to go.
Once we got on the highway, we cruised! My parents were talking over the intercom and I listened to music until I lost phone coverage. The only stops we really made today were for gas, but that doesn't mean the day wasn't interesting! (My mom made sure of that). My dad said she tried to start a fight!
There was a group of bikers at a gas station that we stopped at, so naturally my dad started talking to them about our trip and where they are headed (Sturgis). Think typical, big, badass, biker dudes. One of them was telling us that he had to get some maintenance done on his Harley. That's when my mom thought it would be appropriate to ask if he was riding a Harley, and say that's why he had to stop at the dealership (Harleys have maintenance problems). My dad said he thought he was going to get his butt kicked, however most bikers are nicer than they look.
We headed out again riding toward my mom's friend's house (Marcy) in Boone. We got into town a little late, so we got pizza at ballucci's pizzaria. It wasn't bad, but not really worth mentioning. Then we rode to the house. We were greeted as we pulled into the driveway, and met Marcy's husband. We all headed inside to chat, and drank mojitos.
As it started getting late, we had to prepare sleeping arrangements. Mine is an air mattress in their office, and there is not a lot of space. It was pretty funny watching everyone try to set up the mattress when it covers the whole floor (not enough room to really move around in, but everyone seemed to enjoy being in the room). We eventually got everything squared away and can now be used for sleeping, which is my exact intention!
Bye now, LB
Saturday, August 1, 2015
Friday, July 31, 2015
Day 47
Day 47; another day in Lee's Summit
As we all know, family is important. That's why I love seeing mine on this trip. If you didn't know, one of my cousins is deaf. I have always wanted to take an American sign language course, but it always conflicted with other classes. Problem? Not for my cousin Mary! Shortly after going upstairs this morning to visit, she grabbed a pen and paper and started writing. We spent the whole morning talking to each other (I think we wrote close to 15 pages).
She told me about her friends and family add I did the same with her. She asked about my parents (they had not arrived yet), my sister and nephew, and my brother. Then she asked about a game I was playing, so I taught her the basics and let her play around until it was time for me to head out.
I met my parents in Louisburg Kansas where my great great great grandparents are buried along with a few others from my family. My aunt told us all about it and how the McDowell family (mine from a long long time ago) owned 100 acres in that town and opened up an auto mechanic shop. That building is still standing and has been converted into the town's library. It still has a name plate high on the wall with the name McDowell on it. We are learning so much about our family on this trip!
Then we headed back to my cousin's house and hung out until it was time to gain some weight. We found a great BBQ place called Jacks stack here in town. I have to say, I like it better than Kansas City BBQ. Both my parents and I are still having fun visiting with family and friends, and are looking forward to the days ahead.
Bye now, LB
As we all know, family is important. That's why I love seeing mine on this trip. If you didn't know, one of my cousins is deaf. I have always wanted to take an American sign language course, but it always conflicted with other classes. Problem? Not for my cousin Mary! Shortly after going upstairs this morning to visit, she grabbed a pen and paper and started writing. We spent the whole morning talking to each other (I think we wrote close to 15 pages).
She told me about her friends and family add I did the same with her. She asked about my parents (they had not arrived yet), my sister and nephew, and my brother. Then she asked about a game I was playing, so I taught her the basics and let her play around until it was time for me to head out.
I met my parents in Louisburg Kansas where my great great great grandparents are buried along with a few others from my family. My aunt told us all about it and how the McDowell family (mine from a long long time ago) owned 100 acres in that town and opened up an auto mechanic shop. That building is still standing and has been converted into the town's library. It still has a name plate high on the wall with the name McDowell on it. We are learning so much about our family on this trip!
Then we headed back to my cousin's house and hung out until it was time to gain some weight. We found a great BBQ place called Jacks stack here in town. I have to say, I like it better than Kansas City BBQ. Both my parents and I are still having fun visiting with family and friends, and are looking forward to the days ahead.
Bye now, LB
Day 46
Day 46; Joplin Missouri to Lee's Summit Missouri
Hello again! Today was another fantastic day. I got up and had a huge breakfast (eggs, bacon, cinnamon rolls, toast, and a glass of milk) below family members started coming over. I was packing up my stuff as people kept on strolling in.
I met tons of family members and friends I had only ever heard of, and we had a delicious potluck before I headed out on my own for the day. My parents stayed in Joplin to visit with family a little longer while I rode toward Kansas City to see an old college friend of mine.
The original plan was to go dancing... That didn't end up happening, but we still had a good time talking about the past and future. We struggled to find parking, but ended up getting it for free. Then we walked around a bit to check things out. Ultimately, we went to the Yard House because she had never been and they have over 100 beers on tap! She told me I had to try one from a Kansas City brewing company so I did, and it was pretty tasty.
As we walked around the Power and Light district, I saw a pool table in the window of a bar/pizzeria. Naturally, I wanted to play. Camille held her own throughout the game. She suggested we get frozen custard, so we did that too! It's amazing! By that time, it was getting pretty late and past both of our bed times. (Now it's really far past my bed time).
Bye now, LB
Hello again! Today was another fantastic day. I got up and had a huge breakfast (eggs, bacon, cinnamon rolls, toast, and a glass of milk) below family members started coming over. I was packing up my stuff as people kept on strolling in.
I met tons of family members and friends I had only ever heard of, and we had a delicious potluck before I headed out on my own for the day. My parents stayed in Joplin to visit with family a little longer while I rode toward Kansas City to see an old college friend of mine.
The original plan was to go dancing... That didn't end up happening, but we still had a good time talking about the past and future. We struggled to find parking, but ended up getting it for free. Then we walked around a bit to check things out. Ultimately, we went to the Yard House because she had never been and they have over 100 beers on tap! She told me I had to try one from a Kansas City brewing company so I did, and it was pretty tasty.
As we walked around the Power and Light district, I saw a pool table in the window of a bar/pizzeria. Naturally, I wanted to play. Camille held her own throughout the game. She suggested we get frozen custard, so we did that too! It's amazing! By that time, it was getting pretty late and past both of our bed times. (Now it's really far past my bed time).
Bye now, LB
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Day 45
Day 45; still hanging out with family
Today was pretty low key again. Had some sausage gravy and biscuits for breakfast. It's a typical breakfast here in Missouri and it is good! I'll have to learn how to make it one day. Then we hung around the house as a ton of family kept joining us. The plan was to go out for lunch at 3.
Eventually everyone showed up and we headed just south of Springfield to a place called Lambert's cafe. It's the home of the throwed roll. Weird thing to claim, I know, but they literally throw rolls across the restaurant to whoever wants them! Don't worry if you have terrible dexterity... you drop the roll, they throw another! It's kind of funny to see the staff kicking the rolls around to get them out of the walkways.
We got situated, ordered our food and let the fun begin! As we were eating, the staff walls around with sides and give you whatever they have to offer. I do have to warn you, only go there if you are really hungry. We went the for lunch. It is now midnight, and I still can't eat anything.
After lunch, we drove to where my aunt had previously lived. It was destroyed in a tornado not too long ago, and the rebuild was aired on television. They built 7 homes in 7 days, and gave them away. Now she loves a few blocks down the street.
We had a few more visitors when we got back to the house, and had a relaxing evening. My parents and I will be splitting up for a day (tomorrow), so I can go out with a friend of mine while they visit with family for another day.
Bye now, LB
Today was pretty low key again. Had some sausage gravy and biscuits for breakfast. It's a typical breakfast here in Missouri and it is good! I'll have to learn how to make it one day. Then we hung around the house as a ton of family kept joining us. The plan was to go out for lunch at 3.
Eventually everyone showed up and we headed just south of Springfield to a place called Lambert's cafe. It's the home of the throwed roll. Weird thing to claim, I know, but they literally throw rolls across the restaurant to whoever wants them! Don't worry if you have terrible dexterity... you drop the roll, they throw another! It's kind of funny to see the staff kicking the rolls around to get them out of the walkways.
We got situated, ordered our food and let the fun begin! As we were eating, the staff walls around with sides and give you whatever they have to offer. I do have to warn you, only go there if you are really hungry. We went the for lunch. It is now midnight, and I still can't eat anything.
After lunch, we drove to where my aunt had previously lived. It was destroyed in a tornado not too long ago, and the rebuild was aired on television. They built 7 homes in 7 days, and gave them away. Now she loves a few blocks down the street.
We had a few more visitors when we got back to the house, and had a relaxing evening. My parents and I will be splitting up for a day (tomorrow), so I can go out with a friend of mine while they visit with family for another day.
Bye now, LB
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Day 44
Day 44; chilling at my aunt's house
We stayed in Joplin today and had a very relaxing day. I've figured out that I can't sleep in well anymore. I woke up before my alarm (I forgot to turn it off) multiple times and forced myself to go back to sleep. Finally I got up at 9 and spent some time helping my aunt solve mind puzzles on her tablet for a few hours. My dad came out of the room and we all relaxed in the living room for a while.
I got to meet one of my cousins that I've never met before, so that was awesome. We started bonding over our thoughts on vegetables (disgusting) while eating pizza at Cici's. Then we did a word search puzzle on our way to the store after dinner, and continued playing games the rest of the night. We also got to sit out on the porch the way I always imagined I would when I get old.
While I was sitting out on the porch, my dad went to the airport to pick up my mom! It's really good seeing her! Now everyone is sleeping everywhere (beds, couches, air mattress, and the floor). Not much space, but we make it work (that's what family does). Hopefully I can sleep longer tonight.
Bye now, LB
We stayed in Joplin today and had a very relaxing day. I've figured out that I can't sleep in well anymore. I woke up before my alarm (I forgot to turn it off) multiple times and forced myself to go back to sleep. Finally I got up at 9 and spent some time helping my aunt solve mind puzzles on her tablet for a few hours. My dad came out of the room and we all relaxed in the living room for a while.
I got to meet one of my cousins that I've never met before, so that was awesome. We started bonding over our thoughts on vegetables (disgusting) while eating pizza at Cici's. Then we did a word search puzzle on our way to the store after dinner, and continued playing games the rest of the night. We also got to sit out on the porch the way I always imagined I would when I get old.
While I was sitting out on the porch, my dad went to the airport to pick up my mom! It's really good seeing her! Now everyone is sleeping everywhere (beds, couches, air mattress, and the floor). Not much space, but we make it work (that's what family does). Hopefully I can sleep longer tonight.
Bye now, LB
Monday, July 27, 2015
Day 43
Day 43; Ozark National Park to Joplin Missouri
I only woke up about 4 hours earlier than I wanted to (2 hours before I had to). We went to check out some of the springs in the park and they are incredible! The water coming out of the springs is 54 degrees. The cold water and warm air combine to make a thick layer of fog over the river that gives it an incredibly eerie feel. It was time to hit the road again.
We decided to do a little bit of backtracking because it would be a shorter route and I'm glad we did! Road E is one of the best roads we have ridden on this trip! Not only does it have awesome curves left and right, but also up and down! As I came to the crest of the road (on multiple occasions) I couldn't see the road in front of me until I felt my stomach floating. The feeling you get when you're free falling. It was absolutely incredible! Then we hit highway 60 and I44 to make our way to Joplin.
As we got off the interstate for gas, my dad's bike crapped out. It had barely any power going to the wheels, so we found a gas station and pulled into it (after struggling to make it through a few intersections. Slowly but surely, dad rode it 14 miles to the Honda dealer and found the cause (busted fuel filter). We had to leave his bike with them. Dad got a rental car (and I rode my bike) so we could get to my aunts house in Joplin. (It's a Kia soul. I feel like I should be wearing a hamster suit like the commercials have).
I get to see my mom tomorrow! She is flying out here and my dad will pick her up tomorrow from the airport in the car. Anyway, that's it for today.
Bye now, LB
I only woke up about 4 hours earlier than I wanted to (2 hours before I had to). We went to check out some of the springs in the park and they are incredible! The water coming out of the springs is 54 degrees. The cold water and warm air combine to make a thick layer of fog over the river that gives it an incredibly eerie feel. It was time to hit the road again.
We decided to do a little bit of backtracking because it would be a shorter route and I'm glad we did! Road E is one of the best roads we have ridden on this trip! Not only does it have awesome curves left and right, but also up and down! As I came to the crest of the road (on multiple occasions) I couldn't see the road in front of me until I felt my stomach floating. The feeling you get when you're free falling. It was absolutely incredible! Then we hit highway 60 and I44 to make our way to Joplin.
As we got off the interstate for gas, my dad's bike crapped out. It had barely any power going to the wheels, so we found a gas station and pulled into it (after struggling to make it through a few intersections. Slowly but surely, dad rode it 14 miles to the Honda dealer and found the cause (busted fuel filter). We had to leave his bike with them. Dad got a rental car (and I rode my bike) so we could get to my aunts house in Joplin. (It's a Kia soul. I feel like I should be wearing a hamster suit like the commercials have).
I get to see my mom tomorrow! She is flying out here and my dad will pick her up tomorrow from the airport in the car. Anyway, that's it for today.
Bye now, LB
Day 42
Day 42; Ekron Kentucky to the Ozarks
We got up, packed or stuff, and had our last meal with Gary and Terri. Then we had to get some photos before hitting the open road. We were hoping for another day without rain, but mother nature had another plan.
As we rode west on highway 60, the clouds started looking pretty scary. It was time to fill up the bikes anyway, so we got off t the highway in Princeton, filled up and found shelter. By shelter I mean we found a combination kfc/a&w that we stopped at for lunch. We covered up the motorcycles and headed on inside.
KFC was having an all you can eat buffet (their mistake). We had some time to kill as we waited out the storm, so we both ate our fill to the point that we skipped dinner (four pieces of chicken and sides plus dessert).
When the bulk of the storm passed, we hit the road again. We got rained on a little bit as we rode, and again when we got to our campsite in the Ozark National Park. Setting up a tent in the rain usually sucks, but it was so hot I didn't care. I set up my stuff and then walked around in the rain for a few minutes before going to sleep. It was a really early night, but not add restful as I had hoped due to the heat and humidity. I slept without my bag or pad. I woke up multiple times sweating because of the heat.
Bye now, LB
We got up, packed or stuff, and had our last meal with Gary and Terri. Then we had to get some photos before hitting the open road. We were hoping for another day without rain, but mother nature had another plan.
As we rode west on highway 60, the clouds started looking pretty scary. It was time to fill up the bikes anyway, so we got off t the highway in Princeton, filled up and found shelter. By shelter I mean we found a combination kfc/a&w that we stopped at for lunch. We covered up the motorcycles and headed on inside.
KFC was having an all you can eat buffet (their mistake). We had some time to kill as we waited out the storm, so we both ate our fill to the point that we skipped dinner (four pieces of chicken and sides plus dessert).
When the bulk of the storm passed, we hit the road again. We got rained on a little bit as we rode, and again when we got to our campsite in the Ozark National Park. Setting up a tent in the rain usually sucks, but it was so hot I didn't care. I set up my stuff and then walked around in the rain for a few minutes before going to sleep. It was a really early night, but not add restful as I had hoped due to the heat and humidity. I slept without my bag or pad. I woke up multiple times sweating because of the heat.
Bye now, LB
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