Straight from summer to winter!

   Haven't seen the sun since Pueblo, Colorado, or, since 11AM Wednesday morning, or, the past 770 miles.  Not as cold today as yesterday.  Yesterday was awful.  Temperatures in the upper 30's to low 40's with a constant drizzle, sometimes elevating to rain, and 25 to 30 mph head wind.  Luke, who works at the Shop All in Yuma, Colorado tried hard to help me out.  SHowed me the selection of gloves, reading the labels to me since I didn't have my glasses on, plus gave me a pair of rubber gloves for free.  Thought if I could keep my hands dry it would help.  Helped only a little.  At one point Thursday morning was wearing four pairs of gloves.  Couldn't grip the throttle.  With every bump in the road the throttle would slide through my hand. 
  Finally gave up when I got to Benkelman, Nebraska.  As I guzzled two cups of hot chocolate the woman behind the counter at the CENEX gas station called the one motel in town to see if they had any rooms.  The folks at the Circle B Motel found space for me, even though the sign said NO VACANCY.  During the afternoon I bought six hand warming packs from the hardware store, yes, continued investment in hardware stores, and had pizza at the Stone House Deli.  Of course, the deli's pizza couldn't hold a candle to Edwardos. 
  THis morning left the hotel at a temp of 45 degrees.  The hand warming units worked on slightly, but I guess better than nothing.  Stopped in McCook, Nebraska for hot chocolate, and then stopped every 40 miles or so to hold on to the engine to warm my hands.  I try to make sure I don't burn my gloves, but I am amazed how long you can put your hands directly on the cooling fins of the engine before you will feel the heat!
  On one of these hand warming stops in Cambridge, Nebraska I actually saw butterflies.  Obviously the migrating monarchs I saw were no better prepared for the winter conditions than I was.  I saw four on the ground in the weeds, apparently still alive.  I also saw double that many smashed on the gravel road that led to the little roadside park which I was hunkered down in.  Apparently the smashed ones got knocked to the ground by the high winds the day before, didn't have the energy to climb back up the trees or bushes, and were then smashed by passing cars.  Was kind of sad.
  Evening plans got changed by the Missouri River.  EVERY bridge across the Missouri between Lincoln, Nebraska and St. Josephs, Missouri was closed.  I had reservations for a hotel in Iowa, but ended up going nearly 75 miles out of my way south into Kansas just to get across the river.  Am now in a Super 8 in St. Joes.  Fortunately the Super 8 in Lamoni, Iowa understood my predicament, and did not charge me for the late cancellation.  Tomorrow's forecast for Missouri and Illinois, highs in the upper 60's to low 70's, 30% chance of showers in Missouri, 10% chance in Illinois.  Is it possible that I will see the sun tomorrow?!  Stay tuned!
  Oh, wanted to mention my fashion accessories the past two days.  Starting from the bottom: Two pairs wool/acrylic socks, mud boots, boxers (as if they are a help staying warm!) long johns, cargo pants, rain pants, long sleeve t-shirt, short sleeve t-shirt, University of Arizona sweatshirt, windbreaker, Kevlar jacket, rain jacket, doo rag on top, another across mouth, nose, and chin, exposing only about one ince of face across eyes, brand new HJC helmet.  Haven't needed the sunglasses for the past 770 miles.  Oh, gloves, rubber gloves, silk glove liners, handwarmer packet, leather work gloves.  All worn concurrently.  I feel like the Michelin Man, or from the movie Mr. Deeds, Mr. Puffy Jacket Man!