May 18, 2024
After the storm I had the night before, this past night was really quiet. No rain. No wind. And because the other party in this loop left for the night, no neighbors.
I got up about 6:30 and started putting things together while I updated this blog. I had most of it written but attaching photos was difficult and this morning, while it’s really slow while working through a hot spot on my phone, it is getting the job done. For breakfast I had the other half of last night’s dinner which I heated up by adding a bit of hot water.
Everything loaded up and ready for departure by 8:30.
I checked the map and made the decision to ride the 2-lane option today. Time and mileage were about the same so I figured I’d get to see some little towns along the way. The destination is Prairie Dog State Park in Kansas making this the first time on the trip where I started out and finished the day in the same state. I really don’t know anything about this park and am just hoping that I can get a spot. If not, I have a couple others as backup. The route:
The ride out was pleasant, in low-70s and not much traffic. The scenery is flat farmland with the occasional hill. I noticed that quite few farms also have an oil well or two at work. Near Piedmont there was a rest stop, usual for state roads, so I stopped and while there shot a few photos.
I was stopped for construction for a few minutes somewhere.
It started getting warm and the temperature got up to the mid-80s which was fine when riding but hot when stopped. The route took me around Wichita and for one mile through an unpaved road.
In Lyons, Kansas I stopped to take another photo of my bike in front of a courthouse, a really nice one.
I rode through Ellsworth and noted the “No Hitchhiking” signs and, sure enough, there is a prison there. I stopped for a photo or two outside of town.
I crossed a big dam that makes Wilson’s Lake.
The signs for Lucas said it’s a big art community so I did a drive-by of “The Garden of Eden.”
I stopped for gas in Luray. I felt small compared to the guy at the other dispenser.
Regarding getting gas, I had some negative experiences at several stations earlier. One was really busy and several of the dispensers were out of order. The next place acted like it took my card but then didn’t. Another place took forever as it kept trying to upsell me on loyalty programs and car washes. And another place refused my card after asking for my zip code (which I know I typed correctly.).
When I rode past Damar, I had to go see this church as it was visible a mile away: St. Joseph, Catholic Church.
I texted with a friend today and told him where I was going and he said he lived in Hill City for a time so I stopped for a photo.
I arrived at the Prairie Dog State Park and did a tour of the place. It’s packed with RVs but I found a vacant site and got myself set up.
Not long after I sat down to write this, a bull snake wandered by.
I sat at my picnic table and started writing this blog entry when the gentleman from the RV across from me stopped by and we had a nice chat. He worked for Coors in Golden, CO but is now retired and moved to Pagosa Springs, CO. I'll have to travel there someday as it sounds nice.
It was a 399.9 miles day. OK, call it 400 miles.
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