You know your an FNG when......

Very good ride heading back west today.  Day 16, just arrived in Joplin MO.  The ride from Poplar MO to Joplin was very nice.  Riding through the Ozarks was not only beautiful but very relaxing.  At times I was the only person as far as the eye could see on the 60 Interstate.  Eight miles east of Joplin I saw moderate tornado damage along the 44.  I rode directly to the Harley dealer and had my bike serviced quickly.  Talking with the service manager I found out that Bob, the inventory manager was killed in the tornado.  He left behind a wife and two small children.  The service manager, Chris, lost his best friend Jim and Jim’s two small children.  Only his wife survived.  The owner of the dealership, Scott told me to ride just 1000 yards up the road and see the destruction for myself.  Nothing could have prepared me for this.  The news media cannot capture the devastation.  The smell of the destruction is something I will never forget.  Everyone in Joplin (about 50,000) has been directly affected.  My hotel is only a block from ground zero.  The heat index here is about 98.  National Guard, FEMA, all of the Insurance companies, contractors, thousands of volunteers all here to help.  Sadly, it is not enough.  As I rode through the site I could see a single person at their former small business tying to clean up.  I did visit several businesses that were open and the people seem to be doing well.  I spoke to a 17 year old teen who said his family lost their home but life goes on.  The people in Joplin are a very courage’s people.  There are still people who are missing.  Please pray for them.  We will see what day 17 brings.