We left Joplin late so Marv could have his 15 minutes of fame with KABC (on the Ride page), and then we were off. It was warm and a bit muggy but the guys were ready to rock and they did. We found Mike's grandma's house, not 5 blocks from the station - how crazy is that? One thing I think I heard pretty much everyone was say was, I can't believe how inviting and welcoming Joplin FD was to us. Here they are, not even 3 months after a major natural disaster, and all they want to know is how they can help us. It's amazing.
One thing I've seen here in Missouri that I haven't seen anywhere else? Armadillos. Word on the street is they migrated here from Texas about 10 years ago and never looked back. Some interesting 'dillo facts? Yes please.
- they like bugs, small reptiles and the occasional berry. They like to tear up yards.
- our 'dillo friends carry leprosy. Of biblical fame.
- when armadillos get run over they don't really squish. More like they pop.
Derek, our stalwart cameraman, decided to join the riders and traded four wheels for two, horsepower for pedal power. This guy didnt even have clip-in shoes, and he did great. It was hot and very muggy by the middle of the day but we were warmly welcoming (I'm sensing a theme here...) into Springfield FD station 12. They even made us zucchini bread with zucchini from their own garden! Oh my god it was good. Dinner was at a very swanky place called the Metroplitan Cafe, where we definitely looked like what the cat drug in, compared to the rest of the patrons. Jorge got into a fight with our waiter, the portobello mushrooms were very tasty, and Marv got a little saucy on Long Island Iced Teas. It was a good night. More from Rolla MO tomorrow.
Driving "THE RIDE" for 911 - Written solely by the drivers and passengers of the motorhome. 3300 miles at 12 mph over six weeks in a 34 foot motorhome.
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