10/10/10 Ellington to Farmington

After yesterday's monster hills from Alley Springs to Ellington, we were a little more than apprehensive about today's ride. The map showed huge elevation changes (mostly up) for the first 40 miles. After fortifying ourselves with cereal, fruit and not near enough coffee, we set out to conquer the inevitable.

As it turned out, we had nothing to fear but our fear. The ride, though somewhat hilly, was so beautiful! Prior to today, we noticed a few areas where the trees were just beginning to turn. Today our attention left the hills and centered on vista after vista of beautiful yellow, orange, and red leaves. The tall pines provided an awesome backdrop for this fall splendor. Huummmm Aspens or Oaks? We are not sure the mountains of Colorado have that much over the Missouri Ozarks.

It is hard to believe but tomorrow is our last day in Missouri. With California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado and Kansas already checked off, we have only three more states to go. A short jaunt through southern Illinois, then forever in Kentucky and finally, Virginia. So far we are on schedule. The weather has, for the most part, been ideal and the Bimboys have made everything work for us. We really do not know what we would do without them!

Tonight's double "shout out" goes to Karlie Speicher whose birthday was yesterday, and her husband, Charlie Clay, who is celebrating today. Party on!!!