Morning came in hot and sunny over the Ozark Mountains. The Days Inn's breakfast bar was just what I needed to jump start the day. I was really looking forward to riding through the back country behind St. Louis where as a kid my family played regularly. All the places we camped, hiked, rappelled and went caving at just rolled past like old ghosts.

Rt 66 twisted back and forth like a snake weaving around the main road, I-44. I was able to hop on and off the fabled road at will all day. I had a time schedule to keep in order to make it into Tulsa early enough to party with Pat and Suzanne so I had to choose my exploring time carefully. I was able to play on the "Mother Road" but parts of the old road just parallel the freeway as a service drive and after a while just became time killers.

I hit Kansas and Oklahoma eventually and was happy to get back to the helmetless states. The feeling of the air flowing through the dozens of hairs on my head is awesome, hehe.

Oklahoma was an extra treat when I found out the freeway speed limit was 75 mph! That sped things up a bit and I made Tulsa by dinner time beating Suzanne home from work. Pat and I drank margaritas while Suzanne got dolled up and off we went to an old part of town for burgers at a trendy biker bar called the Crowes something or other. It was a cool bar and great food. Once we finished our bucket o'beers we rolled back to their home and Pat and I dove back into the Margaritas and hit the swimming pool. We were feeling mo pain when we finally surrendered to our pillows for the night.

Whenever we get together it becomes an epic time out playing. Whether its our times out sailing Lake Superior for TV shoots together in Wisconsin or tearing up Chicago while working the boat show it's always a good time.

Come morning I thanked the gang for a great time and headed south for Dallas Texas. Pat had suggested that I run off the main path and take US 75 down catching the scenery and feel of the heart of Oklahoma. That worked out great and it really turned into a fun day.

The small nameless towns right out of a Norman Rockwell poster were great. The culture and lifestyle varies so widely from northern America that a new discovery was around every corner. I finally crossed into Texas and hit the big road into Dallas.

While doing the obligatory "rub it in" call to CK he suggested the Sun Suite hotel in Plano that him and his wife stayed at a few weeks prior when they rolled through on vacation. I found the hotel and with the hotel coupon from the free ad books from the travel center I hit it for under $40. Complete with a kitchen, the room was just what I needed to charge all my batteries, Mine and my toys. I didn't even bother to go tear up the Dallas nightlife opting to relax and order in pizza and write this page.

In the morning I head out for Houston to Dave's house where I will spend the weekend. Jane flies in on Friday morning and finishes the trip with me so the fun rating will go up! I can't wait for her arrival.