it's not what ya know, it's who ya know.
from our stop in Newton, we were directed by James to Norma, who let us stay in a fabulously warm and cozy cabin outside the general store she owned at the junction of 35 and 177. thanks Norma, for saving us a few hours at night and in the morning setting up / tearing down and thank you James, for the connection. loved staying the night in Cassoday, which apparently is the Prairie Chicken Capitol of the world.
with one last burst of "KANSAS!" style riding, we proceeded to zigzag across the state's southeast corner and run smack into an entirely new landscape.
could definitely feel a difference in our bodies adjusting back to the climb/coast routine, after so many hours of flat riding. small hills felt quite a bit larger than what they were in actuality, but the scenery more than made up for the fatiguing change of pace. Kansas turned into smaller farms & homesteads planted between soybean fields, groves of maple & ash, blue lakes and muddy rivers. almost a ride back in time to a day when life was simpler, slower and less worried about the concerns of the world.
no matter how small a town we ride through, chances are there's a United Methodist Church nearby or more likely right inside the town itself. seems to be the predominate denomination between Pueblo, CO and where we are now.
after a few days of high mileage riding, the vote was unanimous to call it quits well before the sun went down. God provided a free site in Chanute, KS, complete with a covered park bench, fresh water and warm showers. what more could a tourer ask for?
until next time,
may the rain fall softly on your fields
josh & mark
the lifecycle team
first hitch hiking and now sleeping in the city park. I'm afraid to hear what's next!
ReplyDeletecity parks have been just as nice if not nicer than campgrounds! not only are they free, most have a pavilion and tables and sometimes even a hot shower! plus they're far less crowded
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