Murphysboro to Ozora, MO Tue 6/23/2015

     Today started off real good, but turn south after a couple of hours.  I chose to go a different route because it would cut off several miles to the bridge that crosses the Mississippi River. However, the Mississippi River is at flood stage and is 42 feet above its normal level. That put water over the highway that I was going to take just before you get to the bridge. Detour signs. Took me 15 miles out of my way to get back to the bridge. That ate up a lot of time and energy.

Murphysboro's Main Street at dawn

Chester is where the bridge is that crosses is the Mississippi River

On my way now. I'll soon be in Missouri.

This home overlooks the Mississippi River Valley

This is the view from the home above. In the distance you can see the mountains in Missouri.

Not Kentucky thoroughbreds, but horses anyway.

They're harvesting the wheat in this field. The hauler behind the tractor is full of wheat.

Side view of the wheat harvester.

Not finished harvesting this field yet.

Highway 3 is flooded because the Mississippi River is at flood stage, 42 feet above normal level. This was a long detour.

This is the route used to haul coal from a coal mine to barges on the Mississippi River. About 200 18 wheeled trucks pass by here daily. They're usually driving 67 mph.  They have a governor on their engine. This was very scary.  If they're coming towards me they are full of coal. Going my direction, they are empty.

This is Dave Baril.  I stopped in his driveway to eat some lunch. He had me laughing from the time he drove up with his wit and humor, until we parted.  It was he who told me how many trucks pass his house each day and how fast they drive.

This was a welcomed intersection. The trucks go straight, I turn left.

This is a statue of Popeye the sailor man. This is in Chester, Illinois, the birthplace of this cartoon character in 1932.

The very narrow bridge crossing the Mississippi River.

That water is not very far below the bridge.

Looking down stream.

Looking upstream

This is Larry McGuire.  He gave me an escort across the bridge. I started riding and he pulled in behind me and blocked traffic so no one would pass me until I got across the bridge. That really eased my mind and calmed my nerves.

Another milestone on this journey.

Heading for the Ozarks in the distance.

This is where I begin my journey into the Ozarks.

Lot of storage in these bins.

St. Mary, MO.