Kansas

How many times have you heard someone quoting Dorothy, "Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore"? Well, I am now! I just rode across the Kansas border, outside of Holly, CO. I'm seeking shelter in a library in Syracuse, KS. It's 95 degrees outside and I'm pretty zapped.

I'm glad that I finally found access to a computer because I just read my last cellphone update. Jott doesn't seem to be too accurate with its transfer from voice to text.

Yesterday I rode from La Junta, CO to Lamar. I stayed in a funky little RV park called Country Acres RV Park and Motel. It is essentially a large gravel parking lot with electric hookups but they are constructing a great little oasis on their grounds complete with a fountain and a whole bunch of chalapas (is that the right word for those thatched umbrella looking things in Mexico?).

Yesterday I met an oncoming touring cyclist who looked like Walt Whitman, even with a beard down to his belt. He was riding a heavy, inexpensive mountain bike and pulling a makeshift trailer overflowing with his camping gear. On top of the pile he had a baby bike trailer for his full grown husky who was also sitting on top of the pile. I waved and yelled "hello." Man do I wish I had thought to take a picture.

This morning, considering the 90 degree weather, I mailed a bunch of my cold weather clothing home. I stopped in the small town of Holly, CO around lunch time, hankering for a down home diner meal. Man did I hit the jackpot. I pulled into Jack and Wanda's Tasty House. I knew I was in the right place when I opened the door to a small air-conditioned room with booths around the outside wall and a round table in the center surrounded by six guys--five drinking coffee and one drinking iced tea--all telling stories.

One of the gentlemen, Jack I assume, hobbled over and asked me what I'd like. I asked him for a menu. He looked at me like I'd been in the heat too long and motioned over his shoulder, "We've got chicken and noodles and meatloaf today." Jackpot! I ordered chicken and noodles. It came with green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, cottage cheese, applesauce and a roll. I tried not to wolf it down because I was aware that the others in the diner were sneaking glances at the strange looking sunburnt guy who kept getting weepy after each bite of chicken and noodles. Afterwards, stunned by the amount of food I had consumed I found a shady tree and sat under it to read while I digested. When I felt able I hopped back on the bike and pedaled the final 25 miles to Syracuse, KS, where I'll be spending the night.

Sign above the toilet in The Tasty House's restroom: "It is our aim to keep this bathroom clean ... gentlemen, step a little closer; it's shorter than you think. Ladies, please remain seated until the end of the performance."

I never intended to post this picture, but I can't figure out how to delete a picture once it has been uploaded. Anyway, I rolled through a small town, I think it's called Manzanola, and they were having a muscle car rally. Here's one.