Catch up

So,…last night a little before midnight I woke to the sound of distant thunder and the sky lighting up in the distance.  I waited until things got a little closer before waking Jerry up.  We needed to put on the rainfly.  At exactly midnight we finished the fly and crawled back in to the tent.  The storm we had was fierce.  Was I scared?  I was beyond that.  The lightening was close and the thunder deafening.  There didn’t seem to be much rain but the rainfly was soaked in the morning.

The guys took off at their usual time.  I got up with them and broke up camp.  I didn’t relish the thought of again being alone in the park.  I stuck around until the rainfly dried off.  

 July 10

We made it to Girard, still in KS.  We were once again allowed to camp at the city park.  It was a nice experience.  There were showers and a city pool which we were able to use for free.  The manager was a middle school science teacher and had 3 foster kids that he was in the process of adopting.  He commented on how organized we seemed with our equipment and all.  Big news of the day is that Clair rolled in to town about 5:00.  She is joining us for a few days.  Having her here is such a joy for me – someone to talk to, someone to sleep in with, someone to help me hold on to what little sanity I have left.

Today Clair and I made the usual stops for the usual items, bananas, bread and beer, and a few other things.  She then followed me over the county roads to a place called Ash Grove.  Ash Grove has…a city park.  Guess where we are. ..the park has showers and a pool and…a house that was not being used tonight until we rolled in to town and were handed the key.  No furniture but to sleep in AC and not to have to set up the tent—what a gift.  And no flies – or at least not too many.

Clair is cooking tonight.  God Bless Her!

One more thing….Ash Grove is not in Kansas.  We finally made it to MO.     

Kansas...take me away

It seems that we cannot get out on Kansas.  The men keep telling me one more night but that last night in Kansas just doesn’t seem to happen.  They did 100 miles today with the wind and heat advisory and we still haven’t crossed the state line.

Eureka…..We pass through Eureka.  I had intended to take a picture of Jerry with the City sigh but that just didn’t happen.  If you remember Eureka was his trail name on the AT. 

We had d’do the laundry party’ Monday afternoon.  Nothing too exciting, just a lot of bubbles and spinning.  Last night we stayed at a County Park outside of Newton KS.  It had a nice size lake, a few blue heron and some cranes .  There was only one other couple in the campground so we slept without the rain fly.  No storms, only stars and WIND.  This morning I got up with the guys.  The sky was pink and we all know – pink in the morning, sailors take warning.  So I packed up some of the tent got dressed and fell back to sleep for a couple of hours.  The storm never did happen but there was another heat advisory issued for today 101+.  I checked on the guys a couple of times.  They all made it okay.  Jerry again took his time and pulled in somewhat later than Jeff and Jack but, you know, in the long run he is not as winded as they are and seems to have more energy in the evening.  Guess he knows what he can do and how best to do it.

Tonight we are at a State Park (movin’ on up).  Again there is no one here.  That equals no rain fly.  However, they did warn us about the rattlesnakes and copperheads – oh, joy!  We just ate out at a place called the Hilltop Café.  More than anything we needed to be out of the heat.  There are showers here.  If you look up while taking a shower you’ll notice that the color is sky blue.  Literally!  Off to sleep with the cicadas singing their little hearts out.   Oh, joy!

City Parks

July 7

Yesterday was a rough day.  Actually for me it started on Friday night.  We were camping in a City Park again.  The park was nice, a lot of new, interesting play equipment for the kids.  But I seem to feel somewhat exposed in the city parks.  The wind once again started about 4:00 and did not let up until about 3:00 am.  We were camped by an air handling unit that was constantly running.  The cicadas were singing in very loud chorus most of the night.  And then there were the, I suppose they were young men who had a few too many drinks, hanging out in the park from about midnight until 4:00.  I did not get any sleep that night.  JJJ got up at 5:00 (they all slept well).  I decided that I did not want to hang around by myself so I also got up and hit the road.  Did some grocery shopping and proceeded to our destination for the night – a rest area that allowed camping.  (I miss the RV parks but there are none out here. – not exactly a tourist attraction around here.)  When everyone arrived about 1:00 they decided to push on another 40 miles.

The day was hot and windy to begin with but as it wore on both the heat and wind increased.  I went on to the town on Learnd.  Checking out the local ‘once was’ campground I decided that even we wouldn’t stay there.  So once again the only option was the city park.  I managed to find it and then the police station where we had to get permission to camp there and to sign in.  The park is great.  Ball fields, play equipment, fountains, a duck pond and even a swimming pool with showers which are free to bikers.   I decided to retrace my steps and check on the boys.  Wind and heat and bikes are not a good combination.  I found them in need of water and working hard.  After filling their water bottles I decided that I had time for a local tourist attraction, Fort Learnd.  Not much there but it gave me something to do besides wait on the crazies.  After that I went back to the park and decided to take my free shower.  Just ready to step in to the delightful water when Jack called and said they needed more water.  My delightful shower lasted about 90 seconds.  Duty called.  When I found them they were beat from the heat and wind!!  I offered them a ride but they are Von Handorfs.  Jerry usually trails behind a few miles at his own pace.  He too was whipped but refused a ride.  So one more water bottle filling contact with them before they arrived at the city park.  Jack and Jeff made use of the pool while we waited for Jerry.

Total mileage = 121 miles.  Add in the heat of upper 90s and the constant wind and you’ll get an idea of just how crazy they are.

We decided on Pizza for supper since we all were too tired to think about cooking.  I’m not going to mention the oh so slow and sloppy service we got at the Pizza Hut here in town.  Not a good way to end the day!  I was grumpy with the pizza hut ladies!

I think we all slept will last evening.  However, here in the park they shut off the water to the bathrooms at night….?  But gladly, that did not pose too much of a problem.

The guys are on the road.  I need to pick up beer, bananas and ice before I leave town, in that order.  And so the day begins….

Name That City Park....

Tonight we’re in a town called…….I got it,(just don’t ask me where we were last night) Nickerson and once again at the city park.  This one has green grass a shower/restroom AND a splash park, where all four of us got wet.  The shower is unique in so far as you have to hold down a lever in order for the water to flow, leave go of the lever the water stops.  The catch is that the lever is about 18 inches above my head.  So if I stood on my tip toes and stretched and leaned against the wall it would work for me.  But it was not easy or efficient.  Oh, well at least I kind of got my hair washed.  Now if I could only find a Laundromat and a hair cut.

The ride today was a somewhat uneventful 59 miles.  They are working now on positioning themselves so as to hit a campground every night.  Things are pretty sparse out here.

It is wonderful how towns open up their city parks to accommodate bikers.  Jeff and Jack were even talking to the wife of the mayor in a café earlier today.  She said that Jerry and I, since we are older could sleep in the senior center or even in her guest room.  Luckily, she wasn’t around when Jerry and I got to the café.  Any invitation that comes with ‘because you’re older’ just won’t do.  Besides we’ve been in the tent so long I think I’d have a hard time sleeping in a regular bed.

Today wasn’t as hot or as windy as the previous days (as least not in the van).  Progress is being made and we should be out of Kansas sometime this week.

It is now 6:20 and I think we’re all ready for bed.  Supper was pasta with chicken, beets and onions, bread and leftover salad.  Tonight was the first time we had leftovers.  First time in 5 weeks.   

5 Weeks, Wow!!!

Rollin' Rollin' Rollin'

July 7

Yesterday was a rough day.  Actually for me it started on Friday night.  We were camping in a City Park again.  The park was nice, a lot of new, interesting play equipment for the kids.  But I seem to feel somewhat exposed in the city parks.  The wind once again started about 4:00 and did not let up until about 3:00 am.  We were camped by an air handling unit that was constantly running.  The cicadas were singing in very loud chorus most of the night.  And then there were the, I suppose they were young men who had a few too many drinks, hanging out in the park from about midnight until 4:00.  I did not get any sleep that night.  JJJ got up at 5:00 (they all slept well).  I decided that I did not want to hang around by myself so I also got up and hit the road.  Did some grocery shopping and proceeded to our destination for the night – a rest area that allowed camping.  (I miss the RV parks but there are none out here. – not exactly a tourist attraction around here.)  When everyone arrived about 1:00 they decided to push on another 40 miles.

The day was hot and windy to begin with but as it wore on both the heat and wind increased.  I went on to the town on Learnd.  Checking out the local ‘once was’ campground I decided that even we wouldn’t stay there.  So once again the only option was the city park.  I managed to find it and then the police station where we had to get permission to camp there and to sign in.  The park is great.  Ball fields, play equipment, fountains, a duck pond and even a swimming pool with showers which are free to bikers.   I decided to retrace my steps and check on the boys.  Wind and heat and bikes are not a good combination.  I found them in need of water and working hard.  After filling their water bottles I decided that I had time for a local tourist attraction, Fort Learnd.  Not much there but it gave me something to do besides wait on the crazies.  

After that I went back to the park and decided to take my free shower.  Just ready to step in to the delightful water when Jack called and said they needed more water.  My delightful shower lasted about 90 seconds.  Duty called.  When I found them they were beat from the heat and wind!!  I offered them a ride but they are Von Handorfs.  Jerry usually trails behind a few miles at his own pace.  He too was whipped but refused a ride.  So one more water bottle filling contact with them before they arrived at the city park.  Jack and Jeff made use of the pool while we waited for Jerry.

Total mileage = 121 miles.  Add in the heat of upper 90s and the constant wind and you’ll get an idea of just how crazy they are.

We decided on Pizza for supper since we all were too tired to think about cooking.  I’m not going to mention the oh so slow and sloppy service we got at the Pizza Hut here in town.  Not a good way to end the day!  I was grumpy with the pizza hut ladies!

I think we all slept will last evening.  However, here in the park they shut off the water to the bathrooms at night….?  But gladly, that did not pose too much of a problem.

The guys are on the road.  I need to pick up beer, bananas and ice before I leave town, in that order.  And so the day begins….

Wow! What a 4th!

We pulled in to the Sheridan Lake Bible Church early afternoon.  We were greeted by the pastor’s family.  They opened their church and their arms to us.  The church has a hall attached where we slept.  I had the nursery all to myself and the men slept in the large meeting room with a well equipped kitchen attached.  Everything was clean and spotless.  Part of their ministry is welcoming bike cyclists who pass through.  And what a great job they do of that.  First came introductions and then a gift of a stainless steel water bottle and a pack of microwave popcorn.   Conversations lasted for a time and then we unloaded the van of the things we needed.

We were Lucky enough to be here on the 4^th.  No fireworks because of the danger of fire.  But there was a parade that rivaled the Peaselburg Parade. 

After that was a flag burning ceremony done by the boy scout troop.  There were about 10 tattered flags that had been retired and were burnt.  I had never seen this before and it was quite moving, very reverently done.

 After that came the community pot luck supper.  Jack whipped up a rice dish from what we had in the van and we joined in the festivities.  Wow, the food!  Most of us have been to pot lucks before but until you been to a country pot luck you don’t know what you’re missing.  It was great.  We met some very interesting people and also learned a lot.---So they are in this drought for a good  many years.  Last good storm was in 1999.  Conditions are worst that in the 1930s.  No wheat production this season, again.  The railroad doesn’t run anymore, no grain to move.  The community is dwindling since many people have left because things are so bad.   Schools have been consolidated. Many of the houses are abandoned.  It really makes your heart ache.  (of course, earlier I talked to people back home and they said that it was suppose to rain all day-I hope I never complain about the rain again, and think of these people with a prayer.)

It was a fun evening.  

After supper the people brought the flags (US, Flag of CO and Flag of Honor) over to the church and staged a picture with JJJ and me.  Then the men were interviewed for the local newspaper.  I’ll try to post the picture but that doesn’t always work for me.  

The men had a tremendous meal last evening and got to bed late.  They hit the road at 5:30 to avoid the heat of around 100 today.  It will be interesting to see how they do.  Their hope is 70 miles before noon.  Light day today.  Camping is scarce in KS and planning is needed.  They did cross the ½ way mark yesterday.  Officially it is in Eads CO.  As I’m typing this they will have left me behind in CO as now they should be in KS.  Another time change and one more state closer to their goal.  

Happy 4th to everyone

 Enjoy your holiday.  Out here there is a band on fireworks of any kind due to the risk of wildfire.  Yesterday I bought some brats (no metts in this park of the country and some bean and chips in order to celebrate.

At present I am sitting out in the middle of nowhere-pretty literal on that.  I pulled in to the town of Ordway yesterday in search of a campground that was listed on the guy’s map.  I found the campground-maybe if you were in an RV it might have worked but there was only dirt and no restrooms.  I drove down the road a bit only to find a stockyard with a couple thousand cows.  Didn’t want to dwell on that too much so I turned around and drove through town in search of a place to stay. (When I showed Jerry the campground later in the day he said that the smell from the stockyard was over whelming.  Good thing I chose wisely.)  I thought I’d found a motel but it turned out to be a rest home.  I remembered seeing a camping sign about 3 miles out of town when I drove in so I back tracked and a mile and a half down a dusty road I found the Saw Mill Campground.  There are about 16 sites.  Nothing level.  No drinking water.  Saying there was  sparse grass is being very generous.  Nice picnic tables and a port-a-potty that looked brand new.  I waited for the guys to arrive before assuming that this was where we would stay but since there was nowhere else around-we stayed.   The operator of the campground lives up a road that is gated off with a no trespassing sign on it.  Oh yea, there is also a state correctional instate in the near distance.

Jerry, Jeff and I took a ride in to town for a couple of items – like a slurpy.  Came back and had our usual supper of pasta.  I was so tired that I ended up under the sleeping bag at 7:00.  It was a clear night so we all decided to leave the rainfly off our tents.  Jack had been doing this for some time.  Our tent however is mostly netting so from bout 18 inches on up we could see the sky.  Did I mention that there was no one else in the campground.  Actually it looked like there had never been anyone else in the campground – ever.  Anyway, it was really wonderful to look up and see the constellations  and the milky way.  About 1:40 the tent started to leak – it was raining- but the stars were still out.   All of us were up in a heartbeat with our headlanps on putting on the flys as fast as we could.  I swear I could hear God in his masculine voice belly laughing.  Things didn’t get too wet so we crawled back in to the tent.  6 minutes later the rain stopped.  The drizzle did wake up some night sounds like crickets and I think I heard a tree frog.  Thankful for the water I suppose.

Earlier in the evening the owner biked down from his house with his dog, Snowball.  He was a good guy.  Had lived in NYC but moved out here 32 years ago and farmed until ‘the big cities took all the water’  He said that the last good storm they had was in ’99.  Believe me the land looks it.  He invited us up to his gargen to pick lettuce or anything we wanted.  We all walked up and picked some onions and beets.  The lettuce looked past prime. His wife had did this past January.  You could tell he misses her.  Must be lonely our here.  (I know I am.)

The guys got an earlier than usual start this morning, trying to beat the hear and the headwind.

Oh, I haven’t mentioned the wind?  It’s crazy out here.  Early evening (last night it was 6:45) it kicks up and doesn’t let up until about 10:00.  I’m not talking breeze here I talking WIND – enough to make you wonder if the tent is going to stay on the ground, even though you are in it.  Just Crazy!

Well, tonight we have out spot reserved.  Sheridan Lake Bible Church floor.  Seems that the pastor there welcomes biker (and hopefully me) with open arms—what a concept, sheltering the homeless.