That day, we also landed ourselves at the local pool before it closed, and this we have discovered is a brilliant trend that we have added to our days of biking through continual, incredible heat.
And it's not complete without riding in the back of a pick-up truck...
That day, with it's late start and the mercury skyrocketing soon after nearly landed ourselves in the funny farm due to heat exhaustion! Fifteen miles and only slowly gaining ground into the wind from the west, we hit gorgeous, golden hills and no shade in sight. We pressed on, knowing that not too far off in the attainable, yet just out-of-reach distance, there was... a LAKE. "Somewhere... beyond... the heat... and OH LOOK, the wind is picking up... with GUSTO. Must... keep... pedalling... ... ... Onward... Lake... Shaaade... " Needless to say, by the time we got there we were whooped, and we had only gone about 3o miles since the flat. But the promise of the lake was true, and by the time we got there an afternoon storm rolled through and cooled the evening to a more comfortable, habitable climate.
Hot days continued for us with commonplace temperatures about 105 daily, but those daily storms, or clouds at least, would also visit us in the afternoons. We stayed one night in Lacrosse, KS, and a much larger storm came to visit us just before we were to retire for the night. Narelle was already asleep and somehow didn't hear the enormous clap of thunder from lightning landing nearby when Carmen jostled her awake with the suggestion they get out of the tent and into the park's shelter. Groggily, they both watched the incredible display of constant lightning flashes and later heavy downpour from the slow moving storm until over an hour later they return to their tent for desperately needed sleep.
Late nights like that make it difficult to get up early, but two days later they managed to be up riding before daylight... As if the coolness of the morning wasn't enough, the subtly changing ambient light on the clouds and surrounding prairie made it one of the most incredibly beautiful and appreciated riding experiences of the trip thus far.
Such an early start landed us in Scott City with 60 miles under our belt before noon! It was quite a change from the previous days. There we stayed with friends of Candi and Clint Sturdy, The Rose Family. We had such a wonderful visit with the family and again felt right at home.
Kansas has overall wowed us and won us over. We have found that "WE LOVE KANSAS!" and are very sad to leave this state! Thank you, Kansas, for your kindness and for making us a bit tougher for the long road ahead.
Next ahead is Colorado! That means the start of the Rockies: cooler climates, big uphills, and even bigger downhills! Until then, we will enjoy a bit more of our wide open spaces.
5 comments:
good pictures about a marvellous experience on bicycle, I think...
bye
Ale
Kansas loved you too! We hope your travels continue to go well! Neil, Jenny, Jacy and Tara
We enjoyed your visit so much and wish you the best on your journey ahead. Darrell and Sandy
your pictures are breathtaking!! keep up the riding ladies, wishing you well!! xx meg
Beautiful pictures! Mary Wagler said to tell you 'Hi'! :) Hope you made it through the mountains! Mary's friend Ruth says she's ready to go home! I, Sheila (Mary's other friend), :) thinks that I wouldn't make it on the bike trip! :( Have a great week!
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