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Now, on our past visits to America, we've kept a running tally of wildlife seen along the way, just the live stuff of course. But we are very disappointed on this trip as we've only seen 2 deer in a gully on the side of the road on day 4. Normally by now the count is into a dozen plus at worst. The roadkill count is massive but as we are heading into Colorado in the next couple days, the count will increase.
Also, the prices on pretty much everything has increased since 2018. Fuel is around $3.99 to $4.20 a gallon for 91 grade. We fueled with 93 yesterday, but that's the best we've seen so far. All food has increased as has alcohol. Motel accommodation is also probably 20% up on 2018.
Day 13 - Well here we are in Eureka Springs, Arkansas after a long ride from Memphis, we crossed the Mississippi Rive once again and headed onto the 64 for Searcy, Clinton & Harrison before a short cruise into Eureka Springs. The ride across the Ozark Mountains is great, very scenic, high across the ridges looking down or across to the next ridge. We arrived
at our motel and immediately struck up a conversation with the couple in the next room, Caroline & John, from Oklahoma City, and they were keen to know where we'd been and our destinations to follow. After unpacking we rode to the Pied Piper Pub & Cat House Lounge in Historic Downtown. This is a great little Main Street with old historic buildings on a narrow street on the side of a hill. The Cat House Lounge is a classic American biker bar, bike parking out front, cars down the back please. And again, we struck up a lengthy chat with Mary & Robert from Texas. And as with any Aussie whose been to the States, the moment our accent is heard, they'all want to know where y'all are from. So far we've been picked as Brits, most pick Aussie though. Dinner tonight at the Rockin' Pig BBQ, yes folks, menu is all pork, burgers, sandwiches, ribs, po-boys, was a great meal.
Day 14 - Had some time to spare this morning so a quick look at a couple of interesting Eureka Springs attractions - first stop was Christ of the Ozarks - a massive statue of Christ, arms
outstretched facing out across the valley. We then headed out of the 62 to Thorncrown Chapel, an amazing Chapel situated in a beautiful forest only 100 yards from the main road. We spent 20 minutes there taking photo's. Off across the Ozarks again headed for Rogers and into Pig Trail HD for a quick look. Onto the 60 across to Vinita, Bartlesville, Poncha City & Blackwell before a really, really quick dash into Alva for the night. The clouds were gathering to the northeast behind us and looking like a massive storm was going to get us. Angela was on watch for potential tornado tails across the plains, but none were sighted. We had to stop for fuel, quickest fuel stop ever and back on the road, we started to get a few spots of rain, so set the cruise on 85 mph to get ahead of it. Made it into Alva dry but the wind knocked us around a fair bit, blowing strong from the right.
Day 15 - So here we are in Garden City, Kansas after a short 190 mile day from Alva, Oklahoma. A late start after breakfast, nice and fresh this morning, comfortable riding
weather. Into Dodge City to the Boot Hill Museum. The obligatory gun fight, then a self guided tour of the old town. Lunch in the Ice Cream Parlor, hot dog, chips & Dr Pepper thank you very much. We had to 'Get Outta Dodge' and head for Garden City, with no sign of Dorothy, Red Shoes or Toto across the Kansas plains. Been for a drink at The Well Sports Bar across the parking lot, and again, lots of chat with the locals. One of the best parts of the day is sitting at a bar chatting to everyday Americans, getting their take on everyday topics, of course, trying to avoid politics. We're heading back there for dinner tonight, some great stuff on the menu. Back from dinner with our new friends, Megan, Emilio & Aaron, drinks shouted for us and some great, if not some controversial topics, but hey that's what you get.
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