Missouri, What a State….
Missouri has continued to be amazing. Since we left Nevada, MO, we have been hooked up the whole way. The Lake of the Ozarks, the jersey shore of Missouri, was a great place to relax. Ron Barks, a friend of Michael Turnbull who we met Nevada, showed us around the entire area during our two days of rest. We were even able to get out on his bass boat at night and get out on the lake before and after dinner. While we wanted to enjoy the lake a little more, we just took the time to relax and recover. Even when we had the energy to go out, the extreme heat made us just want to lay around in the air conditioning all day. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the chance to enjoy the best part of the Lake of the Ozarks, which is known as “Party Cove”. But our plan is to eventually drive our route a few years from now, so we’re looking forward to visiting Ron and his wife Daphne when we do.
From the lake we headed northeast to Jefferson City, the state capital. There we were greeted by Dan and Jean Carpenter who set us up at the historic Plaza Hotel. After sharing a great dinner with them at the local Irish Pub, Paddy Maloney’s, we headed home to rest up. In the morning we had some media coverage and met with Barry Hart, CEO of AMEC, who invited some friends and employees for breakfast in the hotel. After a great meal, we snapped some photo’s and went on our way to Linn, MO. Halfway through the walk Jean Carpenter, who we met the day before picked us up for lunch where we showered and relaxed during the hottest part of the day. Even though we didn’t want to leave we had to get to Linn, so we continued to push. Once we reached the town we cleaned up and went out to dinner with Dan and Jean for some great steaks at a local restaurant, BJ’s.
We ended up staying at a rectory in Linn that night, where we were hosted by Father Medena. He was a really great guy and asked us countless times if there was anything he could do to help us out. We got there late so after some quick conversation we headed to bed and got some good rest. We woke up early, had some coffee and were on our way. The early morning clouds quickly dissipated and gave way to the unrelenting sun. Our socks literally became soggy as if we were stepping in puddles because we were sweating so much. The sweat was so excessive that we nearly drank 3 gallons of water each. By the end I was able to ring out my clothes and watched the sweat drain out of them.
On top of the heat I was dealing with a broken stroller and some pretty nasty blisters. For whatever reason my blisters refill with fluid each day and I can’t seem to fix the problem. I have tried all sorts of things but apparently the way I walk puts pressure in certain areas and the constant pounding of 30 miles is just giving me problems. Meanwhile, Ant is dealing with some really bad hip pain. Whenever we sit down for an extended period it is always a struggle to get up. We both have definitely aged about 8 years at least and are expecting some serious arthritis when this trip is over. These are just some things we have to deal with on a daily basis.
Our next stay was one of the nicest of the entire trip. We stayed at a bed and breakfast called Second Creek just north of Owensville, MO. Jack and Patty Wilson, who own and operate the B&B took extremely good care of us. They brought us a great dinner and cooked a wonderful breakfast in the morning. It was honestly one of the nicest places we have seen with huge open spaces and high ceilings. The B&B was built from scratch 9 years ago and the detail and décor were impeccable. It was just a real comfortable and relaxing stay with great hosts. Apparently, there is wine country in Missouri, so we enjoyed a glass of some local red wine. We really couldn’t have thanked Jack and Patty enough. We always would like to spend more time with everyone we meet but with our hectic schedule we really can’t afford to fall behind.
From there we headed to Union, MO, where we knew we had a free stay at the Super 8 on the east end of town. We went out to dinner with Joey Graves, who got us the hotel room, along with some friends including the mayor of Union. After dinner we went to Wal-Mart so I could pick up a new stroller because by that point it was completely shot. I could barely make left hand turns and I ended up working twice hard just trying to keep my wheels on the ground.
After some media coverage and breakfast we were off to Wildwood, MO, where we are currently resting in bed. At this point these walks are just becoming a normal part of our day as crazy as that sounds. We have to approach these walks like a job, albeit a painful job. People always ask how we consistently continue to push on to the next day and honestly we don’t have a good answer. We just know what we have to do and we get it done each day. Whether it’s listening to music or anticipating the next break there is always something to keep looking forward too. You have to break the walks down into smaller segments or else it would drive you crazy.
Tomorrow we hit St. Louis and at night we are going to catch the Cardinals game. Other than that we plan to see the famous Arch and do the Anheuser-Busch tour, which we heard was a highlight of the city. As you can imagine, the big cities are what we really look forward too. We also heard St. Louis has real good Italian food, which will give us a taste of home.
Hey Guys- I am truly sorry for all the physical problems. As a mother it really hurts me to see you hurting. I will pray that it eases. When you get home you will have to address it. On the bright side all your wonderful friends have made it bearable. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart! I know God will return the blessing to you! LOVE YOU!!
Morning Guys! It’s always great to hear from you! Thank God for all the kind and caring people you have met along the way to help you on this journey. Always warms my heart to hear of the kind and generous people you are meeting. Hopefully this is what is refueling you each day…Hang in there. “When the going gets tough the tough get going.” You two are the toughest guys I know! Stay well and feel better. Thoughts and prayers always. Enjoy the game:)
Love ya both!
You guys are becoming such wordsmiths that your blogs have the type of character and depth I and so many others enjoy. Each day leaves a life’s mark upon your very being which I know you will pass on in so many thoughtful and kind deeds to others. This is more than a walk across a great nation it is a great affirmation in the wonderful soul of people you meet in each advancing mile. Confucious would say you Are being drawn in to a deeper vortex of consciousness. Love you guys. Thanks for the shout out on the radio interview. Love, Uncle Bill
When I read your log it reminds me of the “on the road” adventures of Jack Kerouac – I know this is a travelogue book waiting to be picked up by a publishing company. I am so sorry for your feet problems Robbiie and your hips Anthony. We know this has been taking it’s toll on your bodies but we are so confident that because you were in such fit condition before you began that you will spring back into shape after several pasta and meatball dishes, spaghetti squash pastas, capicola, prosciutto, parmesan, and broccoli Rabe sandwiches. Think of you more times than you can imagine each day. You both are the topics of conversation throughout the day in all our lives. God be with you my sweets – keep in mind the beautiful vistas we saw when we were in Padua at Saint Francis and allow it to lift you to a wonderful place. Xox
I am keyboarding on uncle bill’s new Ipad so the mistakes in the previous email are because auntie can’t see so well. Love you
Talk to you every day so I do keep up with your travels on a daily basis, but it is so wonderful to see your thoughts written. This is such an adventure for you both, but as Michelle said it is hard as a mom to hear that you are in pain. People along your way continue to lift my spirits, but I know we can do the same for others. Elisha from Nevada and I have been in contact and I am taking her and her roommate on a tour of the area tomorrow afternoon. There is a way to pay it forward person to person. Love you both so much!
Sorry you guys have blisters. That be so cool if there was away for you guys not have blisters. I know what they are like on the hand and foot. I have had blisters in the past.
I also read your journey. Keep up the good work.
I am training for a MS bike tour next month. Hope you guys come before or after the bike tour. So I can see you guys finish the 3,000 mile trek.
belleville bike mike
I’m glad your experiences in Missouri were good ones! Uncle Bill’s comment was touching. You’re being blessed each day in meeting givers that care…but equally important, you guys are blessing lives of others too (speaking from experience here!).
Rob, I’m still laughing from last night when I told you no speeding in Illinois that those cops in that state mean business, and you responded that you’ll keep it under 4 mph! haha!
Sorry I am missing you guys as you stroll through the Show Me State. Work and a sick relative have kept me close to home. Best of luck to you. Take care and press on!
Been raining in NJ since sunday. A cut off low off the US coast is dragging moisture into NJ and NY.
Today is monday, Aug. 23rd. When you guys gonna be in NJ now. Have seen a story since August 16th.
Hope you both are feeling much better!
Lou ya,
Aunt Diane
Hi Guys! Thinking of you and hope all is going well. Hope to hear from you soon. Thoughts and prayers always!
What’s up guys? Another great article in the Nutley Sun this week about your unbelievable journey. You continue to impress and inspire lots of people I’ve spoken to with what you are accomplishing. Nutley is getting closer and closer and we all look forward to your safe return! Keep on keeping on fella’s!!
No stories since early last week. Hope everything is alright on your end.
Rob and Ant, you guys ROCK, what an amazing journey! What a great idea to drive your route in a couple of years. Have no worries, Iam taking good care of your Aunt Cassie.
I grew up with this phrase in San Francisco, “Keep on Truckin” and be safe!
Bradley