Friday May 1, 2020
Day 5.
I woke up early and refreshed thanks to another high thread count night in a Hampton Inn and another pretty good dinner with no contact delivery direct to my room.
The last two days had been somewhat big with each being over 600 miles. If you don’t fiddle-faddle around at gas stops you can cover quite a bit of ground while still avoiding interstates. This is especially true in the plains and works in the mountains when big distances can be saved by going over instead of around.
Today’s destination is a farm in Centerville, Tennessee owned by another High Quality Human. On top of fantastic weather, empty roads, cheap gas and hotels the unexpected icing on this cake were the visits I was able to have. We kept it simple, remained out doors and wagged elbows instead of the customary hugs, shakes and hi-fives. Usually when I visit Ribville it’s to help set up and participate in a rally, this time it was to be just a few of us and I was looking forward to it.
Poplar Bluff and Centerville are relatively close so I spent some time in the evening planning out a fun route. I decided to get as far off the beaten path as possible which resulted in a small ferry crossing.
This is essentially a barge with an articulating tug. If you look closely you’ll see the structure at the bow of the tug. The tug pivots around the pin. (video below)
When I arrived at the landing there was a very nice couple waiting for the ferry. They informed me they arrived just at the boat was leaving and it didn’t turn around for them. We spent almost an hour waiting for it to arrive. We loaded up, left the dock and I shot the video to follow on the rotation of the tug. Just as this was completed three motorcycles showed up to the landing. The captain backed the barge in enough for them to get on and off we went. I’m sure none of this was lost on the guy with the Florida plates. I let the Captain off the hook after he yelled at one of the riders to “get up here” i.e. join the Captain on the bridge.
I love looking at bikes like this and I have total respect for the rider that can keep it looking this good.
Below is the video of the tug switching sides.
One we got settled in the trip across the river was quick as we were going downstream. There was a fair bit of barge traffic on the river and they have the right of way.
Once off the boat I made good time toward Centerville. I was hungry and was absolutely delighted to find a Yoders open for business and serving made to order sandwiches. They had signs on the door instructing all that enter are to sanitize their hands and they had a table just inside for this purpose.
Yoder’s Country Store, doing it right.
From Yoder’s I had a lovely ride to Ribville. Before I could set up my tent I decided a nap was in order.
After a nap I got my tent set up and wandered down for some dinner, drinks and a good time with a few friends. As an added bonus my buddy Jim Bean came down from Nashville. The AGALOS influence was strong on this ride.
Poplar Bluff, Missouri to Centerville, Tennessee 234 Miles in 7:52. A most relaxing day.
Next: Carolina off my mind