The Long Road: Fantastic Lodging (Days 43-44)

>2800 Miles.
I have left Missouri, and should only be in Illinois for a couple days at most. Kentucky here I come!

Day 43:Rode 70 miles to Farmington, Missouri and stayed in a historic jailhouse. The jailhouse has been converted to a bike hostel for cross-country cyclists (ran by optional donation), and is probably one of the nicest hostels on the planet (now called Al's place). TV, computer, fridge, sink, beds, washer, dryer, and two showers. John also showed up, as well as some others cyclists I've met once or twice, Mike, Dee, and Richard. Check out Dee's blog here. Mike, Dee and Richard are in their late 50's and 60's, and are totally kicking hard. Before heading to sleep, John and I went and saw Inception in theatres. Loved it.
Day 44:
I got about 5 miles out of town and a huge storm rolled in on me. Within about 10 minutes, it felt like it was suddenly night time. Before the rain started I pulled up to the end of someones driveway to gear up for it. As I was about to leave, the couple living there screamed and waved for me to come in. I put my bike in their garage, and they informed me that the tornado siren in town was going off, and there was a huge storm/tornado advisory. I looked in sky and could actually see the clouds huge and ominous starting to circle. Power went out in all of Farmington and the rain was dropping heavy. They let me stay inside with them for an hour or two, fed me some grapes while the power went in and out, then after it blew over I left again to ride in the rain for about 55 miles. On my way I crossed the Mississippi River and finally left Missouri. Stopped and stayed with the Eternal Order of Eagles in Chester, Illinois (home of Popeye!). They had a small cyclist hut set up, with wooden bunk beds and AC, free of charge. The other 4 guys from the night before were also there.

Al's Place