Siloam Springs, AR to Des Moines, IA

Despite my disappointment about not making my goal yesterday most of the day there was beautiful weather. It was a little humid until I hit NW Arkansas when the storm hit. The forecast for today was expecting scattered thunderstorms and when I awoke I expected to see some rain. I was pleasantly surprised to see the rain had stopped and the skies were fair with a front approaching. I was able to get out and visit Ozark Adventist Academy this morning and even had a chat with a former teacher who is still on the faculty after 28 years. This was my first visit to the campus since I graduated and while there were some changes the campus was mostly as I had remembered. I even got to here the old bell tower chime as I was leaving.

Ok, enough nostalgia. The weather could not have been better today. It was nice to get away from the humidity and heat. After I left Ozark I headed north on Arkansas 59 and crossed over into Missouri. The only problem was that I got stuck behind a truck that was hauling chickens to the local Tyson plant which drastically slowed me down through some very promising curves. I would recommend traveling through this stretch of highway if you get the chance, just be sure to pass the chicken trucks at the earliest opportunity. I continued north towards Kansas City and through St Joseph, MO on I-29. Just past the Iowa border I turned west through Nebraska City, NE and followed U.S. 75 north into Omaha and finally back east on I-80 into Des Moines, IA. 553 miles makes for a very long day and as the sun was setting behind me I finally made it to my hotel for the night.

I understand that those who were traveling, from the Meadow Glade Pathfinder club, have made it to Oshkosh and if all goes as planned I should join them tomorrow afternoon or evening. I am not sure what the internet availability will be when I get there and will provide updates as much as possible throughout the camporee.

Yesterday I passed the halfway point as far as the number of traveling days and today passed the halfway point as far as the number of miles. I can only thank God for getting me this far safely. I know that your prayers on my behalf have been heard. I am very grateful for these prayers and thankful that the weather has cooperated thus far. Even yesterday's storm had a silver lining as I was able to connect with a former teacher from Ozark.

8-11-09 Stats
553 miles
3,529 miles down
2,662 miles to go
57% complete
States - AR, MO, KS, NE, IA