The rain begins this morning at 5:30, but today it arrives as a downpour with thunder and lightning.
I went back to sleep until 6:30. No reason to hurry; the thunder and rain is here until 11:00. I only have a twenty-three-mile ride to Nancy’s campsite at Stockton Lake State Park.
Once up, I began packing up the tent and gear; everything is damp. I set up under a shelter so nothing is soaked. It had been raining since 3 p.m. yesterday. It poured overnight.
With everything packed except the cooking gear, I cooked oatmeal. Once eaten, I brewed coffee and sat on the bench enjoying my cup of Elbow Room with an oatmeal raisin cookie.
It is now 11, and the rain is clearing, and I see bits of blue sky in the distance. I load my bike and fill the water bottles. I start my GPS and begin today’s ride.
I am riding off the planned route, so last night I mapped a route to Stockton Lake. I began riding out of town on a small county road. After eight miles, I turned onto a nice gravel road through rolling farmland. The steep hills are behind me; I’m out of the Ozarks.
With less than ten miles left, I was once again on pavement. Just small country roads. A gas station with some food options, one being pints of ice cream, Dr. Pepper, and Gatorade. I bought all three of these. All was gone in fifteen minutes.
I begin the last three miles to the campsite. It is hot with no rain in sight. I string a line and dry the tent, sleeping gear, and the wet rain gear. Then I enjoy a shower and dinner, burgers and a rice side dish. We visit with campsite neighbors. Their son is now riding ACA’s Route 66.
