My home is where I lay my head

       So it was only 79 degrees when I left Girard.  Mary and Larry went south on route 7, I headed off the trail towards Clinton, Missouri.  A little anxiety about heading off on my own without an official map but I researched the new route to be somewhat sure of where I am going. Crossed into Missouri, my seventh state,

and made it 70 miles to El Dorado, Mo.

The grade on the hills has increase but I hope I can make it to Clinton and dodge the Ozark mountains.  Upon arriving in town I begin my usual investigation of were to stay, shower, eat, and have a cold beer. The town community center was temporarily closed but they made an an exception for me seeing that I was a  cross country rider.  There is a nice park nearby which will do the job for the overnight.  Every town has their city park and usually they are very nice and amenable to camping.  As the summer heat rises, camping becomes less attraction but anything not stay in a motel.  The older couples general wimp out and go this route. They miss all the fun and adventure.

     El Dorado is setting up for their annual town fair. I may take it in tonight or just  crash early so I can make it to Clinton early tomorrow.  It is amazing how many of these sleeping little towns are peppered around the country.