Yes it was a birthday to remember and thanks to Bob Wilson for letting me know the famous among us who are also 70 this year. 
In fact “Lefty” even allowed that this celebrity turning 70 and I appear to be twins separated at birth. Thanks a lot Bob!
Does taking a picture of church on a Sunday count?
When it comes to birthdays this one ranks with the best. Beautiful weather, 69, sunny and no wind (how sweet it is!). A wonderful ride, the Rox are in the playoffs, the Broncos open a can of whoop-ass on the Cowboys and the ride was punctuated by “Happy Birthday” calls from family and friends. Jane and Andy McClure were in Minneapolis and spending some time with my sister Martiey so the three of them warbled “Happy Birthday”, Martiey singing an Emmylou like harmony, over the phone while I was half way up a hill on highway US 50. And then tonight all 4 granddaughters serenaded via the cell. Talk about living the good life!
So a birthday so special deserves a special meal. And it was...
...Fried chicken for me, Jan had a slice of pizza, at the Voss Market/Conoco in Beaufort, Missouri population 75.
After the meal Jan and I went outside where we examined a map of Missouri on the hood of the Ridgeline and discussed the day’s route. A young man, hey when you’re 70 they’re all young, strolled up and asked “You ride that bike all the way from Colorado?” “No”, said I, “We started in Keokuk.” “How far you pedalin’?” he asked. Jan replied, “Louisiana.” “So” I asked. “Tell me about the road to Potosi.” “Steep” was the answer, “Plus you don’t wanna go there. Those folks don’t like bicyclists. They’ll screw with ya.” “Really?” said Jan. “No kiddin’, he went on, “I used to drive a truck, and, those mountain folks look at a bicyclist as an opportunity. Them guys will come over the top of a hill doin’ 60, see a bicycle and flat out dust your butt. And another thing, those folks are where the name “hillbilly” come from. Why there’s folks in those hills that are the result of three generations of sleeping with their sisters. You hadn’t oughta ride through those Ozark mountains.”
Was he telling the truth? Beats me. But, I have achieved the ‘discretion of valor’ stage of life. Besides, we originally set out to ride along the Mississippi, why not make a trip adjustment and head west to our original goal. So the route was changed. Tonight we’re in the quaint hamlet of Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. This is the first town to be settled west of the Mississippi. It was the regional headquarters for the French when they controlled the area and became a part of the US only with the Louisiana Purchase. Many of the buildings date back to the late 1700’s. If you’re ever in the area I seriously recommend you check out Ste. Genevieve. And thanks to July and George Callison for the travel trip.
Tomorrow it’s on to Cape Girardeau. But that’s another day. Today’s the day to celebrate turning 70. It only happens once. So why not celebrate in style with my all time favorite song sung by the world’s best female vocalist not named Emmylou. Allison Krauss and Union Station. “The Lucky One.”
P.S. Happy Birthday Dad! Love you! Can't imagine you spending this time any other way. May the wind be always at your back...You are loved by many!
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