5 followed the valley. This effortless ride would soon end as the road veered off more to the south and headed into the Ozark National Forest. For most of the afternoon the highway meandered through Short Leaf Pine and mixed hardwood forest. The scent of pine was thick and refreshing as it hung in the air. Crystal clear streams, sandstone bluffs, and towering pine are the dominant landscape features through much of this section of National Forest.
Settlements are almost non-existent with only an occasional dwelling here and there.
For the duration of the afternoon, I had several thoughts as I let my mind wander. This is great unless one travels in this manner, it is hard to explain the beauty and simplicity of seeing the country this way, never fully appreciating what a natural high really is Another thought bike, gear, the basic essential items needed are all right here, strapped to this bike. No strings, no noose around my neck and one other thought, I have been to many places over the years, traveled by many different modes of transport, but this has got to be right up there with one of the ultimate thrills. It is no wonder why those that I have read about or talked to that have toured in this fashion are changed by it. In reality what we really need is to slow down and learn to live again.