June 13 - Arrow Rock SP to Katy Roundhouse CG in New Franklin, MO (30 mi.)

Arrow Rock SP rates a big A+ from me; very pretty and peaceful and well run by the current campground host. It got a little chilly last night. I only brought a silk sleeping bag liner and by morning I had on two shirts, my rain jacket, long pants over shorts, and socks. This is nearly everything I brought.

I left about 8:45 AM to this:

It seemed like most of the 20 mile ride to Booneville followed a ridge with occasional dips into creek valleys. Beautiful scenery and these very nice looking horses.

The air was cool and dry. This photo reminded me of the way grandma Hoots used to dry clothes.

I finally rode as far south as I-70 just before Booneville but only crossed over for a short break at a c-store.

I had lunch at The Phoenix restaurant/bar in downtown Boonville. The "Jimmini Crimmini" may be the best burger I have ever eaten; 6 oz. burge topped with mushrooms, caramelized onions and swiss cheese on a toasted pretzel bun. The restroom warranted its own photo. Notice the sink is part of the toilet tank. A little clumsy to use, but a novel idea for saving water.

After lunch I made my way across the bridge to the north side of the Missouri River and onto the Katy Trail.

While biking across the bridge on the bike/pedestrian walkway, I passed three young men with fishing poles. One had a couple of real fish stories including one about a fish so big that it dragged a jeep into the river and a serious statement that there are fish in there that could swallow a bus. Entertaining at least.

When I arrived at the Katy Roundhouse campground I met a family from Carbondale, CO; Eric, his wife Heidi and their two daughters Coralee (age 8)  and Ramona (age 5). They are teachers and on vacation to ride 6 days on the Katy Trail. Everyone was carrying something though Eric had most of it. Notice Coralee's panniers in the photo below. How ambitious, and what a great family experience.

I set up camp at 3:00 PM then headed into town hoping the museum/visitor's center would be open - but it wasn't. I found the old train roundhouse that I somehow missed two years ago.

I rode around town a bit then found what is shown on my map as the only restaurant. It is closed now but the new owner was there and indicated that they hope to open in a couple of weeks. So, Casey's pizza it was.

Tomorrow Susi is going to pick me up at the Jefferson City North trailhead. She'll drop me back off Sunday afternoon then head back to Altoona. My legs can use the rest. I only logged 30 miles today which should help. Tomorrow will be 45 very flat miles then Sunday will only be 12 miles to Tebbetts. This should leave me well rested for the final 2 days on the Katy Trail/Lewis & Clark Section 1 ending in St. Charles, MO and a Warm Showers host.