Tulsa to Joplin with a stop in Miami OK

Another hot day with temps in excess of 90 with about 30% humidity.  The riders are all doing well.  'THE RIDE" is also doing well.  We left Tulsa about 5:30 am en route to Joplin Mo. with a quick pit stop in Miami OK.  This was the second of two 120 mile plus days.

The scenery of this countryside is beautiful.  We arrived in Miami about 11:30 and were greeted by the members of the Miami FD.  They treated us like kings with ice, water and anything else we wanted.  After a short rest we departed for Joplin Missouri.

We arrived at the Joplin city limits at about 3 and were escorted by a fire truck to a meeting area near St Johns medical building.  This was the building that took the direct hit of the tornado just a few months ago.  We were greeted by Chief Mitch and the rest of the Joplin Fire Department.  The town of Joplin is recovering, but much of it is still in ruins.  The damage done by the tornado was devastating and can't be explained here or by watching on TV.  Two of Joplin's fire stations were destroyed.  We were soon escorted thru town to Joplin Fire Station #1.  These guys couldn't do enough for us.  Thanks, Shannon, Chief Mitch, Brian, Derek and the rest of the members of Fire Station 1.  You guys treated us like kings, and you didn't have to do that.  Funny, the terminology is different, but listening to these guys, you realize that they experience the same things that we do in Los Angeles.  The brotherhood is alive and well and we appreciated the hospitality.

My Uncle Jim, Aunt Mona, Brother in law Charlie and his friend, Anne were also there(local residents) and I got to spend a little bit of time with them.  My mom grew up a few blocks from this fire station.  Kinda seemed like I could still feel her around that town.

All in all, today was a great day and tomorrow we are off to Springfield.  If you are awake at 5:45 am, Marv Williams will be doing his first skype interview with KABC news in LA.