from eureka to st. james

A very comfortable day again to ride.  What a nice stretch of weather.  Later in the trip I will be going through some hot days!  Enjoy the good days when you get them.  There has not been rain for awhile.

Outside of Pacific, MO is the Black Madonna Shrine and Grottos.  This originated in 1927 from Polish Franciscan Brothers as a reminder of a similar shrine in their homeland.

When I am on the road I pray for safe travels.  This was a good spot for reflection before moving through the day.

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The route that I am using shadows Interstate 44.  This visitor center is an attraction for "pet lovers", as they say.

This reminded me of the I-80 World's Largest Truck Stop.  Things sorta change,

Some reminders are still standing.

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I would be surprised if there is someone who had not seen one of these signs along the road.  Many still exist, but they are in disrepair from years of neglect. Lester Dill opened the caverns in 1935.  While driving back from a Florida vacation he saw a similar marketing plan.  He then began to offer to paint the barn if he could advertise on the roof.  A 1968 law prohibits this sort of advertising anymore.

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This is the inside of the cavern.  Limestone eroded from the underground water and left this open space.  These are stalactites because the are holding tight to the ceiling. The stalagmites rise from the floor.

I wish I had a small child with me.  I was too embarrassed to only one on the splash pad with a beard.

To say "I was disappointed" with the local water, would be an understatement. I can still dream.

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  Cuba is noted for their murals.  It is a beautiful little town and worth the stop.  Get more information cubamurals.com

​A few miles out of town you will see the rocker below which stands 42' tall.  I won't dispute that there is one larger.

I ended my day in St. James.  Many great sights along the way.  Maybe my fatigue was not just from
the miles and road.  Some time after lunch I like to find a local ice cream spot.  If your little town does not have an ice cream store, I suggest that you start one.

​Each day brings its own challenges.  I felt fatigued at the end of my ride.  The road became  bumpier as I moved to my destination.  This uneven surface is grueling on the arms while I constantly am truing the front wheel.  The steady shock of road vibration which moves up the arms  to the shoulders is also a factor. Anxiety causes my grip to tighten and I need to remind myself to loosen up a bit.  More frequent stops help the body. After supper I just felt like lying down and taking care of any tasks tomorrow morning.