Day 62, Marthasville, MO

Day 62

July 17, 2015

Miles: 70

Jefferson City to Marthasville

As you now know, we didn't post a blog entry last night.  When we arrived in Marthasville (our end destination) we found ourselves without a place to stay for the night.  Of the three B&Bs listed on the KATY online resource - two were fully booked and the third was 5 miles away and not assessable by bicycle.  However, when I called the third B&B, the owner Steve answered.  Fortunately, Steve had a cabin room available and he said he would pick us up in Marthasville and drive us to the cabin. We were surprised, but apparently this is how it is done.  He picks up the cyclists at the trailhead and transports them to and from the cabin; Steve said he would drop us off the next morning at the trail whatever time we wanted.  We were quite relieved that we found this place, but of course the tradeoff was that there was no cell reception and no WIFI service, albeit no blog entry last night and now one day behind.

***

We were so excited when we woke yesterday because it was the day that Michelle and Brian, our longtime friends, would be arriving in St. Louis!  It was such a special surprise to learn that they would be coming to St. Louis to visit us, and now that they are here, it is exciting and comforting to actually spend time with them.  They are committed friends and loyal supporters, and have encouraged us daily with their comments. We very much appreciate everyone else's comments as well.  Reading them is the first thing we do each morning immediately after we wake up!

We had a long ride yesterday, but knowing that Brian and Michelle would be at the end of the trail waiting for us made it a lot easier. As we rolled into Marthasville, Brian and Michelle were driving into the KATY park area. It was such an amazing reunion!  We were so happy to see them.  After getting the lodging figured out, Michelle and Brian followed us in their rental car to the cabin because we decided to get dinner after we check in. Michelle and Brian also offered to lighten our load by taking any bags that we didn't need for the ride into St. Louis the next day. We instantly took them up on this!  We wanted to get to St. Louis as quickly as possible and this would definitely help!  Once we got to the cabin and offloaded our stuff, we left for Washington, a town about 7 miles away, to get some dinner.  

Marthasville Trailhead

It was a hot and humid last night, but that didn't deter us. We had a great time catching up and telling Michelle and Brian the finer details about the tour that never made it in the blog.  We laughed all night long! Although visiting with our friends has just begun, Steve and I both agreed that we have a renewed energy now that they are here!

Dinner on the patio

Below are a bunch of pictures that we took along the trail yesterday.  I'll let them speak for themselves, mostly because I can't keep my eyes open and I need to get some shuteye.   

Tomorrow we plan to explore St. Louis and visit some landmark sights with Michelle and Brian.  More to come soon ... 

Continental Breakfast

Missouri River

Crossing Missouri River getting to KATY

Exiting bridge to get to KATY

Steve after crossing Missouri River and getting to KATY

Heading to KATY

KATY

Another shot Missouri River

Crossing a creek on the KATY

Steve screaming something - can't remember what

Steve Posing

Landmark along the way

Landmark

Standing Rock

Another creek

Cattle staying cool

Me riding the KATY

Cliff side

Missouri River

On the edge

Looking for a short cut

First Lunch

Second lunch

Tunnel

Big turtle

Nice cover

Creek along the KATY

Mailboxes, but no houses in sight

Tree down

Blurry Steve

Cabin