Doppler Radar of the Storm
With the storm still pounding us, it was decided to wait a while this morning before proceeding. A local visit to Lowes got some rain-gear for “Duracell” Dennis (who had to actually sit still for a while), Scott “CHiPs” Robertson and Kevin “The Cuban”. Unfortunately, they now look like fishermen… but the roads look like lakes.
We headed out at 9:00 into the rainy day, hoping for the best… but getting the worst. Immediately the rain turned into a full, blown storm and for the next hour we rode through torrential rain as we entered Arkansas. A quick stop to check that everyone was okay and we immediately ventured out again into the rain. This time we were greeted with a full thunderstorm with lightning bolts and even more torrential rain.
With only 20 miles to El Dorado, after covering only just over 100 miles, Ian “the Boss” decided to call it a day. With the help of “Lucky” Rob and his cell phone, 5 rooms were quickly booked in the local Holiday Inn Express and the ride ended for the day. Every one and everything was absolutely soaked, with the rain suits no match for the storm.
While Janice “Turtle Mama” Thomas, Tayler “Mini-me” Robertson, “Duracell” and “Lucky” all headed for manicures, pedicures and massages, a new route was planned to get us back on track. We now hope to be following these daily routes:
Tuesday: http://tiny.cc/9b8Fp
Wednesday: http://tiny.cc/5iBDk
Thursday: http://tiny.cc/sclxD
Friday should be as previously planned. Now all we need is to get out of here early tomorrow, hopefully without a storm!!
Heading to JJ’s local BBQ shack for dinner. The locals said it’s the best food but not in the best neighborhood. They politely said, while giving direction: “If the neighborhood starts to look safe again, you’ve gone too far”. If you don’t hear from us tomorrow, dial 911.
With three days completed and 914 miles, everyone is still in great spirits and ready for a few early starts to make up for lost time.
Dennis the Fisherman
Not only have you raised $25K+ for charity, you have brought rain to the drought-stricken South. I’m sure everyone there has expressed their gratitude for the “Yankees-of-the-good-rain” who have passed through bringing with them the providential good weather.
Ps. Difference between a Yankee and D*mn Yankee (as I’ve heard it from a true Southerner): A Yankee comes down here, spends some money, and goes home. A D*mn Yankee comes down here and STAAAYS. (Be sure to accumulate at least 100 miles under your wheels each day so that you don’t fall into the latter category.)
Thank y’all for raising 25k for Action Against Hunger; thank you for proving that this is an Adventure for the strong hearted; thank you for making a week-end of landscaping and watching F1 Grand Prix a walk in the park. No regrets for me anymore. I am proud of y’all.