We rode 81 miles today along Highway 9 into the Southeastern Conference. I have been carrying my LSU hat for 1760 mile in anticipation of wearing it and giving the locals something to moan about as I pass through Arkansas, Mississippi, Bamalamadingdong and into Georgia (home of the perennial “wait until next year” champions).
The biggest difference that we have noticed since entering into Eastern Oklahoma and Arkansas is wildlife – particularly on the side of the road. That’s right, we are talking about Road Kill. We may have seen 20 dead animals through four states. Now we see a dead varmint of some type or another (possums, squirrels, raccoons, skunks, armadillos ect) just about every mile. It is a full-time job just avoiding these unfortunate creatures as we work our way east. (see photo)
Armadillo on the Half-Shell!
Finally, I have attached limited proof that we have indeed entered into Arkansas. There was no sign on the road, so we had to improvise.
Tomorrow we meet our wives, Beth and Carol. They are having a hard time living without us and are coming for two day visit. Tomorrow will be a great day!
tomballay 
Hope you and Beth have a good time!! Looking forward to seeing you soon!!
Tom, I’m impressed. Not so much that you’re riding across country on your bike, but that you’ve waited this long to pull out the LSU hat. Have a safe trip.
Awesome action shot of the roadkill. It will test your wheelie skills to get the bike up and over some of those bigger armadillos.
Way to keep the hick, Southern stereotype alive for your Yankee buddies with the roadkill comment T Ballay. Be sure to Tiger Bait everyone who gives you crap about your lid. Bird
Don’t know if you are smiling because you are over half way or because you are seeing your wives tomarrow….but either way the smiles are great to see. This is such an adventure and accomplishment!!!! Continued prayers and Godspeed!!!
Thanks for the acknowledgement but I am sure it is your setting a goal and sheer determination to achieve it. I have been following your travels every day and really enjoying your blog – such great descriptions of the areas you are traveling through. So glad you seem to have missed all the storms that have passed through many states you are traveling in. What an awesome experience you guys are having; I am sure you are going to make your goal!!
Have fun with the women in your lives. I know they missed you. I am sure it has been quiet for Beth. Had lunch with her on Sat.,so I know..LOL
Please try to dodge the storms..Road kill is one thing but storms and trucks are quite another. Be careful..Love you..