Home away from home

I arrived in Farmington MO. on Saturday July 27th with a broken bike and an unexpected break from my tour. I could not have picked a better place to break down if I tried. Farmington MO was named top 100 small towns to live  in 2016. There is a fantastic old downtown with much original architecture remaining. There is a historic district with many old homes and government  buildings.

I have taken up temporary residency in one of those historic buildings. I am at Al's Place a hostel for cyclist located on the second floor of the old town jail. The hostel is dedicated to a late local cyclist, business owner and valued member of  community, Al Dziewa. Al would welcome any travelling cyclist into his home and in his memory the town created this safe space.

What a space it is. Exposed beams, broken plaster and brick walls,, bicycle memorabilia, bunk bed dormitory bed rooms, leather sofas, air conditioning and more. Someone could become very comfortable here. I have. Hopefully my parts are here Thursday morning and I can ride in the afternoon, or at the latest Friday morning.









I like old cemeteries.  If the stones could only talk. Every area of the country has there own unique headstones. The hand carved stones can very greatly from one place to another. There was an old cemetary close to downtown. The oldest stone I saw was noted  by a marker. Revolutionary Soldier Joseph Murphy 1761 - 1834.










Comments

Anonymous said…
Cool headstones and markers. Looks like some of them need the grass and pine needles brushed off. Kathy
August 1, 2019 at 8:36 AM
Unknown said…
Hey Bobby, I hope your traveling soon. That town looks like a good place for a break. I'm off on a little adventure of my own this weekend with my boys. We're hiking in NH in the Franconia Notch region. Expecting good weather and some high altitudes in the Presidential Range. Happy travels! TK
August 1, 2019 at 8:09 PM
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