At least we got packed up and on the road before it started to rain. Just a few miles in, though, and that wet stuff started falling from the sky. Last night, knowing it was likely going to rain today, I pulled Flap Flap the Duck from the deep dark depths of my pannier.
We haven’t had any rain at all since Saratoga, Wyoming! The first squall, just about as soon as I put Flap Flap on, it stopped raining. Flap Flap came off. Then, a few more miles down the road, it started to pour. Back to Flap Flap. In Eunice (no services), I was able to take Flap Flap off, and replace it with my hi-vis jacket WITH the sleeves (sleeves not worn since Hoosier Pass). It was still raining, but I was plenty warm enough. It was still 65 degrees.
We stopped in Summersville about 23 miles in. The only restaurant was closed, so we made do with gas station/convenience store second breakfast at the Sinclair (which we also haven’t seen since Wyoming). I thought it was kind of ironic that of all the towns we’ve been through in the heat, it rains in Summersville!
Long time no see, Sinclair Dino!
We pedaled in the continual rain toward Ozark National Scenic Riverways National Park.
Oh yeah, we are in the heart of the Ozarks now!
We had heard from a Westie that Alley Springs & Mill was pretty cool. It was tempting to ride on by in the rain, but we didn’t. It was a good thing, because it was pretty cool.
The old Mill.
81 million gallons a day flow through.
They ground flour and corn.
The spring.
Yes, it really was that color!
From the short trail around the spring.
I bought a couple of postcards, and had the Ranger wrap them up in a plastic bag to keep them dry. He did a good job.
We had come down a steep hill to the Jack’s Fork River and the Mill. That meant, of course, that we had an equally steep climb to go back up on the other side. It was three steep humps up. At least it kept me nice and toasty (I might have been steaming at one point)!
After a few more ups and downs, we rolled into the tourist town of Eminence. Even in the rain, there were a lot of people. There are a couple of campgrounds (private), but we were looking for a motel. At Shady Lane Motel and Cabins the sign said “No Vacancy”. I told Doug we should check anyway. Maybe it was just early. Turns out the sign was wrong! The motel was full, but there was a small cabin. It was just $99 (truthfully, we would have taken it regardless of the price).
The bikes are undercover on the porch, but we’ll probably bring them in tonight. The “cabin” is really just a big room with plenty of space for the bikes.
Drip dry bikes!
Interestingly, we have also not stayed in a hotel/motel since Saratoga, WY. We’ve stayed indoors, but haven’t had to pay for those nights.
The forecast says it will stop raining tomorrow morning. I hope so, because there are more Ozark Mountains to see, and it’d be nice to see them!
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