We're getting really close having hiked HALF-WAY across the country. Catch up on our three most recent adventures.
6-6-06
Start: McPherson, KS
Destination: Near Lyons, KS
Miles: 24.2
Weather: Hot, low 90s, no breeze
We had a funny start. We started walking, stopped to stretch about 1 minute in, then mom had to race to the gas station to use the restroom. Once she got done, we took maybe 20 steps and stopped to apply sunblock. So we didn't get too far in our first half hour of the day, but we had fun.
Our first break was when Dick called in to WCQM again, and we did a quick live radio interview with Rick. That's always fun - it's kind of a neat way to keep in touch with everyone at home. We had two other breaks at feed mill plants. The first one was in Canton, and they made us up some ice cold Gatorade. That really hit the spot. The second one was in Windom, and we filled our bladders with filtered water there, and they gave us red hats to remember them by. There really are not many places to stop by around here, so we really appreciate these folks helping us out.
We walked by a huge underground petroleum storage plant. As we walked by it, the smell in a couple of places smelled so strong like gas that I couldn't get a full breath. It makes me slightly paranoid. I can't imagine what it must be like to work in there and to be inhaling that all day. I can't imagine it's too good for your health. It was really cool to see, though. There were big pipes that transferred the fuel into big train tankers, and one smoke stack was burning off excess fuel, and we were able to see that flame for miles. Dick got out to take a picture at one point, and some sort of security person came out right away to see what he was up to. It was okay once he explained what we were doing, though.
We are really having an experience with the challenges of Kansas - we're having a lot of fun in this state! First of all, picture mom and I walking down a highway, with open wheat and prairie grass fields on either side, and hardly a tree in sight. Now imagine having to go to the bathoom - what do you do? It can certainly be a challenge. But we always figure something out. Another challenge is the heat - especially when there's no breeze. So whenever a semi-truck comes at us, we hold out our arms and take in as much breeze as we can. The cattle trucks give off the best breezes, but you have to hold your breath...
I think the best part of today was all the honkers, wavers, peace signs and thumbs-ups we got. There must have been a newspaper article or something locally about us. About every other car that passed by us beeped, and almost every semi wailed on their horn. It was so much fun.
We are a week away from being half-way across the country! Dodge City is where that is, and we are so excited!!
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