Arkansas Ya'll

While I was in Houston Texas, I mentioned that I did the unthinkable and cleaned Freya.. Heres what she looks like with all that desert dirt taken off:

Looking GOOD! On top of all that I did the 7500km service, which wasnt much but an oil change and check everything out. Now, on to Arkansas!

Shortly after leaving Houston, just about to cross the border at Texarkana, the sky started looking mean. After a few moments of thought, I realized that it was going to rain because washing your vehicle is the modern day rain dance. After being in the desert for awhile, and South Utah being the last time I was in the rain, I welcomed the chance to get all wet. Time to pull over, get the rain gear on, and snap a picture!

Unfortunately, it only barely rained the entire time. It kept looking like it was gonna start pouring down, but it never did. I kept a watchful eye on things since tornados have been going crazy... sky better not turn green... I figured if it did, I got enough rope and bungie cord to strap me and Freya to a pillar underneath a bridge or something.

Finally driving through trees again, it sure was nice. The next day the sky cleared up and I rode too long with no jacket or long sleeve.. Welcome to sunburnville population ME! I made it to Hot Springs and camped out at the national park there, which was really nice (pictures are below). After waking up and shaking off the cold, I rode through overcast skies and a cold wind to my friend Beau Goldens house in Clarksville (just outside of Russelville).

That night, we partied it up with some great people from the college there. Drinks flowin, jello shots being thrown around like candy, and rock band filling your earholes. It was a great time! The next day wasnt too bad, though I did get a late start since we got back home at 5am. HAH, time to head to my brothers house in Harrison, and to get there Freya and I had to go through the Ozarks...

2 lanes, big green foliage everywhere, sometimes trees towering over the road. Full of twisties, I was happy to finally be on a technically demanding road, planning and attacking every turn with a careful eye for oncoming traffic and deer. I did see 5 deer during the 2 hour ride to Harrison.

Nice one lane bridge, with somewhat short blind curves just before it! As you can see, the skies were again overcast, and still a cold wind was blowing. The temperature dropped to about 55F, so while I was pulled over I added another layer. Going uphill, going downhill, twisting about on the road, and a gradual uphill led me to see this:

The Grand Canyon of Arkansas, which is just beautiful. I really wish I could take better pictures because this just doesnt do it justice. After this, it was a really twisty 7 degree downgrade (trucks limited to 15mph) which eventually led me out of the forest and into Harrison, AR, where my brother lives.

Arriving at the house, I got there just in time for homecooked poppy seed chicken (DELICIOUS!) potatoes and corn. Being cold and hungry, I was soon remedied with a full stomach and a hot shower. I spent the rest of the night playing the game Epic Mickey with my super awesome niece Mallory (who is awesome at video games btw).

Being here in AR, and having friends and family all over, the next days are going to be filled with short rides to a destination. A welcome change I guess. Its the 16th of May now, and I've got to be in SE Missouri around June 14th... Just under a month, and I still have the entire NE USA, East coast, Blueridge Parkway, and New Orleans to complete... I doubt I'll be able to do it all, I might have to skimp on some things. In June, I'll be heading to the Yukon Territory for a couple months (still dont know if Freyas taking me.... haha)

If I dont get to finish this trip before I leave for the Yukon, theres nothing stopping me from picking it back up where I left off. I dont feel like I'm behind schedule or anything either. We'll see what happens.