Shady Katy

Day 4. 10/5/2024. Rocheport to Jefferson City MO

Stats: 40 mi. AIS: 3:49 min. 10.4 mph. Elev. 295 ft.

Today’s volunteer driver was Paul.

Everything went well with all 6 of us in a line up of Queen beds and 1 twin. Amazingly enough there wasn’t a snorer in the group! 3 early risers that are very quiet. We really didn’t move until 7am.

Breakfast was “do it yourself” in the “Community Room” of the yellow house next door. There were eggs, toast, bagels and yogurt available. We had some ham, cheese and cream cheese to make it all a little tastier. Most of the other guests were up and out of the house and on the trail before us, so there wasn’t much competition for the kitchen.

We were on the trail by 9am. We had some miles to put in today. As I suspected it was busier on the trail today but most of the traffic was heading east (like us) so it didn’t seem crowded. The rest stations were busiest. Beautiful sunny and warm immediately. By noon the wind came up some… headwind…and it was hot when we were in the open. Fortunately most of the trail is a tree canopy and shaded. Today was a good day to be in the shade. High of 90’.

The first 25 miles had a few points of interest. First was the limestone cliffs along the trail above the river.

Cliffs…

National Champion Bur Oak Tree

Boat Henge

Cooper’s Landing

This wide spot along the trail had a big boat ramp. They were set up for a 3 day festival called Biscuits, Beats and Brews. Nice setting along the river. Food trucks and vendors. We arrive about an hour before it began for the day…. missing the crowd. Checked it all out and moved on!

Lunch bound

After Cooper’s it was 10 miles to lunch to meet Paul at the Hartsburg station. He’d driven the extra 10 miles into Columbia (home of Mizzou Tigers) to get some lunch groceries. He came back with lots of treats from Bitchin’ Sauce to Kimchi to salt and vinegar potato chips. Some good sandwich wrap fixings.

Katy chose to drive SAG for the afternoon so Paul hit the trail with us for the last 15 miles to Jefferson City.

Jefferson City…. Capital of Missouri

I missed taking a picture of the pedestrian bridge… I was too busy climbing it. I’ll post one tomorrow.

I also missed taking a photo of a paddling event that was finishing up at the riverfront park. Some beautiful downriver racing kayaks and canoes, but also some Grumman and Sawyer canoes. Another hobby that I used to have…. racing canoes. They had a headwind from Columbia to Jefferson City! Ugh

Tomorrow…

We have an our longest day tomorrow. 48 miles from hotel in Jeff City to our Air Bnb in Hermann. It will be long….but….we have a layover day Monday! Also not quite as hot as today. They will be winding up a weekend Oktoberfest celebration in Hermann. (Every weekend in October).