Sunday, April 24: Brazito to Hermann, MO

Spent last night with the Hasslers in Brazito: Bruce, Cindy and their two girls, Jennifer (5yrs) and Holly the soccer player. I've been looking for an Italian restaurant since San Diego. Haven't seen one yet. But that's okay because last night Cindy served some great lasagna. Jennifer and I played a few board games together. Bruce made a CD of all my photos and has a copy on his computer until I get back to Bridgewater just in case I lose the CD. Thanks Bruce.

MO. has the steepest but short hills. Leaving the Hasslers on a back road, I experienced a couple. They are very much like the steepest hill on Painter Hill Rd between Painter Ridge Rd and Rte 47 in Woodbury.

Route 54 in Missouri is not a good road to ride on. First, it bobs and weaves and goes up and down. Sometimes there is no shoulder at all. Yesterday I had to stop 15 or 20 times to let trucks go by. This road reminds me on one in Hungary where traffic was a problem.

Dick just called from a B&B in Hermann, MO, which is halfway between Jefferson City and St.Louis. I think he stayed in Brazito (south of Jefferson City) last night. Hopefully he will be able to update his blog soon.