Day 5!!!

Today we rode from Branson, MO to Hot Springs, AR. It was not a lot of miles, but we rode through the Ozark and Ouchita National Forest so it took all day.

We started off our day at the world famous Hungry Hunter cafe :). It was really good, I would recommend it. They had giant homemade cinnamon roles that looked amazing.

After a hardy breakfast and a lot of coffee it’s time to hit the road. Ozark National Forrest here we come.

So Dad took the pic below and it turned out great. What you may not know is that concrete wall at the bottom is the side of a four lane bridge that we are parked on as traffic (18 wheelers) zoom past us. I was a little 😬, but after directing traffic Dad captured the moment.

A quick break for dad to adjust his GPS and get some water before entering the Ozark National Forrest.

We stopped at the top of the mountain and took some pics. It was an interesting stop as a group of elderly women pulled up in a minivan and started talking to us about our bikes. The oldest one had never rode and wanted to sit on the bike…….I was a little confused and forgot to take pics…..doh……One thing about these trips is you meet all kinds of people.

Pictures done and now back on the road. Lots of “twisties” coming up. So gotta get our game faces on. Only have one shot 🙂

Finally after an exhausting ride we made it to lunch. We stopped at Whatta-Burger….no not WhataBurger. Apparently this place is in AR food hall of fame. Not sure the story line between it and the real WhataBurger in TX :)……anyway it was good and had air conditioning. Shout out to Randy for the recommendation.

Back on the rode, but not before our navigator figures out the quickest route to Hot Springs. Thanks Dad…..it’s hot and humid

Finally we made it to Hot Springs and stopped for a quick water break. I would soon learn this was an important stop as I had a work career epiphany

So apparently the AR DOT pays really well. Do you see the convertible corvette to the left. So the person in that car is the guy who manages the turning of the “stop/wait” sign for passing traffic during construction. I’m not judging, but yet 🤔 maybe I need a career change.

Finally arriving at the Embassy Suites…..just in time for happy hour and a nap.

A lot of fun today…..exhausted but good times. Stay tuned….,