Route Map showing Day 42 of the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail, Pittsburg Kansas to Walnut Grove Missouri

Do you ever feel like you're missing out on life's treasures?

There are many amazing things around us that we often fail to see. But it doesn't have to be that way!

With just a bit of effort, you can start noticing the treasures all around you and begin enjoying them fully. It's worth it to take the time to appreciate all life has to offer. I'm doing just that on this bicycle ride.

Today, through a conversation with a man about black walnuts, we considered reasons why so many people miss out on this delicious nut.

Add a comment below about the steps you plan to take to start seeing the world's treasures right in front of you!

Photo, Day 42 of the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail, Mandy with her bicycle and a sign that says "Missouri Welcomes You"

I'm not in Kansas anymore! I crossed into Missouri the first few miles of today's trip. The terrain told me as well as this sign. About half way into today's ride, between Golden City and Everton, the extreme 13% hills of the Ozarks began.

Making memories
  • Towns on Today's Travel Route: Golden City, Everton, Ash Grove, Walnut Grove
  • I camped at the 7Cs Winery tonight. Dwight and Jean offered wonderful hospitality, including a wine and mead tasting. This was wine mead, a non-carbonated fermented beverage made from pure honey, and nothing like the carbonated beer-like mead I've sampled before. Dwight is an alumnus of the US Naval Academy and a software engineer, which sparked some great conversation.
  • As I set out today I stopped for breakfast at Root Coffeehouse and Crêperie. Coffee and a crêpe in a beautifully restored historic building made a great start to the day.
  • I learned that Missouri was once the leading producer of wine in the United States and one of the world's largest exporters, before California was on the wine map. I hope to return to more thoroughly explore Missouri Wine Country in the future.
  • I experienced a few dog chases today, including a Doberman. I had heard that daily dog chases would begin in Missouri and grow to hourly incidents in Kentucky.

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Mandy Birch is a global executive engineer and military veteran who builds teams, leaders, & multinational organizations that unlock the potential of disruptive ideas. She enjoys accelerating emerging technologies & strategic partnerships to drive multi-generational thriving for people & communities around the world.

Mandy's interests include: #innovation #leadership #technology #partnerships #quantumcomputing #career #growth #womenintech #veterans #entrepreneurship #creativity #future #foreignpolicy #democracy #geopolitics



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