What Else Could Possibly Happen when I am OTR?

 Hey peeps! Tuesday morning I headed out towards Arkansas. I ran Illinois Route 3 along the Mississippi

River, stopping along the way to do the tourist thing because I was now in pure road trip mode. I hit a couple of those goofy Historical Marker places many people pass up to learn more about the area history. The first one was quite fascinating. 

I am sure that few know of this part of American history and what was called the American Bottom. Route 3 runs parallel to the Mississippi River and I ran it until the turn off for Cape Girardeau, crossing into Missouri. The road was void of motorcycle travelers, being a week day before Memorial Day. As most of you know, I usually hold off on my road trips until mid to late June, when the weather is more conducive to two wheel travel. Along the way, I encountered remnants of mobile homes scattered across the highway, indicative of heavy winds or possible tornado activity recently.

My intention was to make my way to Poplar Bluff, Missouri, about fifty miles west of US 55, then check into a hotel for the night. The sky was a bit cloudy, but nothing too

threatening until I pulled out of Sikeston on Route 60. The cloud cover turned menacing quite quickly, and I was hoping to make the next town along the way to suit up for the weather... but alas, I failed my mission. What started out as a sprinkle morphed into a torrential down pour and I was soaked in minutes without any place to take cover and suit up. With flashers on, I muddled my way to Dexter, about 20 miles from Poplar Bluff, under the awning of a gas station to either change or wait it out. I had not snow sealed my boots before this trip so the water soaked through to my socks, my pants were drenched. Stupid ME! I had rain pants and a full face helmet that I didn't have on, gallantly believing I could beat the weather, watching the bursts of lightning around me and getting soaked. What a moron! Ugh!

In Dexter, as I watched the radar move the menace past my spot, I called for a lodging reservation at the

Bullwinkle Rustic Lodge in Poplar Bluff. Eventually, Mother Nature rested and I headed towards to Lodge and a room with a jacuzzi. A measly 200 mile ride and I was exhausted. 

Tomorrow, Arkansas. Weather looks hopeful and my spirits are improving. Maybe another dip in the spa before check out.  Life is good. I am alive and able to do this. And, once again, I am blessed to have you along for the ride.

Peace and Love.

Bobbi