Cape Girardeau to Poplar Bluff (108km)

Yesterday we saw what happens when the hot air from the Caribien clashes with cold air from the North. We rode under dark skies with lightening and some very heavy but warm rain. Still, it was very nice to drive. We came across the first hills of the Ozark Mountains, it is like a rollercoaster, very steep climbs and descents. Its a very quiet and incredible beautiful region, few houses, lots of forest. We seldom meet people, but almost every car passing us waves friendly. When we talk to people, they are very surprised that someone is bicycling through this area and especially doing such a long trip.

In the evening we found a nice lodge, got a room with jacuzzi. Of course we had a long bath, our legs were more that sour from the hills. The evening ended in the local bar, talking to everyone, enjoying the best Bloody Mary of the Country (that what the barkeeper said).

We met two carpenters, they build shops all over the country and are always on the road. They know the country very well, espcially every good bar in the country. The gave us many ideas where to go, but as often we realize, that what is a little detour by car is a long journey on the bike. But it was a lot of fun talking to them and to others, although the English here is not easy to understand, some have a very heavy slang.