Jeff’s Missouri Bicycle Trip Report - 05/26/09
Day 9 - Morning

Tuesday, May 26^th, 2009 - Destination: Springfield!

I was up at 6:00 a.m., and enjoyed the free motel breakfast: waffle, Raisin Bran, a bagel, orange juice, and coffee.

I felt close to my goal since the “local” room TV stations were from Springfield. The weather report called for a chance of rain. I figured it wouldn’t and left my rain gear packed at the bottom of the rear bag. Got started at 8:40 a.m., after calling Tahdra to wish her and Isaac a safe trip to Springfield.

I decided to ride (in the wrong direction to Springfield) to the start of the Frisco Highline Trail, since I wanted to do the whole trail.

At 9:02 a.m. I was at the start (actually the end as indicated on the map).

Here’s damage to a building from a storm that roared though southwest Missouri earlier in the month. Some trail walkers told me cars were also damaged.

Part of the trail in town is on city streets.

At 9:27 a.m., I was back to where I’d started.

Countryside south of Bolivar (looking toward the northwest).

Here’s where the trail rejoins the railroad bed.

Here’s what I later found out was a section of Missouri prairie.

My first trail obstacle. Actually, it wasn’t that hard to cross.

The trail was a little rough in sections.

I ran over this spike. No damage done!

This was a very peaceful section.

This is my favorite turtle picture. He had the perfect spot on a ledge beside the trail.

These critters kept running fast to get out of my way. On bridges they’d run off the edge, though maybe they could hang on upside down underneath. This one actually posed long enough for a picture.

Spring scenery.

There was a hole in this bridge deck.

At 1:11 p.m. I reached the Walnut Grove trailhead and stopped for a break. A dog greeted me there and showed me where the only spot with shade was. He (she) looked thirsty. I had water but no dish. It took a minute’s thinking to come up with the idea of cutting the bottom off of one of my water bottles. That worked. He stayed right there and let me hold the container (almost sideways) for him. After several refills, I was beginning to wonder if I was leaving enough water for myself.

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