Wednesday, June 2nd, Day 27
Chester, Illinois to Farmington, Missouri (51 miles)

We were under threat of severe weather…thunderstorms with hail and lightning. We went to bed with the though paramount in our minds. At about 4:30am, we could hear the storms taking hold of the surrounding area, so we made an effort to break down the camp. I now hold the world record for breaking down a tent and preparing for the worst…that was coming.
We left Chester at 7am and crossed the Mississippi River. I’ve crossed the Mississippi in prior years, but this was the firs time on a bicycle.
Once across the Mississippi, we encountered more rolling hills, and we were in Missouri.
This was our welcome to the Ozarks…rolling hills and many ups and downs.
We got into temps in the 90’s. Very hot, uncomfortable and humid.
Tough day for all…Steve and Ted got a little ahead of Jerry and Phyllis.
We stopped at the Crown Winery in Coffee. Missouri. For ten dollars each, we sat comfortably drinking our root beer and eating our lunch on the back deck looking at the vista of grapevines, bison (yes bison) and the beautiful rolling hills.
Once in Farmington, we had to find the fire house that would be our flop for the night.
Chief Meley and Captain Harris couldn’t do enough to make our stay as comfortable as possible. What wonderful people we are meeting on this journey. They realize our trip is important for several reasons and just want to be helpful.
My love for this country grows each day I’m on this trip!!!