Day 55 - Friday, July 16

After two nights of partying, aka staying up past my 8pm bedtime - I couldn’t wake up this morning and when I did, I was exhausted. Factors might include 2 nights ago staying up and having way too much fun with Nikki, Amber & Kurt at Toscanos in Buckner, eating Kansas City BBQ last night with beers and hanging out with Erin a little too late or the torrential rain I endured yesterday or all of the above but suffice to say, it was a tough day. And, Lucky also felt a little off today and didn’t move off the couch when my pack and hat went on which is his sign it is go time. So a little late - 6am and under cloudy skies I took my first step on to Route 24 on my way to Topeka Kansas which is a 60+ mile 2 day goal.

Pardon my ignorance but I had no idea that there are 2 Kansas Cities…Erin educated us that one is called KCK and the other KCMO (pronounced KayCeeMow) - one in Kansas and the other in Missouri. Which then begs the question which city do the Chiefs and Royals play for?…

Chris and I decided that rather than take a southern route around KCMO and then head north to just head through the northern part of KCMO and then across the river into KCK to cut miles off and rewatch the trails. Turns out that this took me through some of the worst neighborhoods in the country and I enjoyed every minute of it! Surprisingly or unsurprisingly everyone I said hello to replied the same. I never felt in danger, quite the opposite, I was on the ground with everyone else in the soup of a rainy, windy day.

The next miles were horrible as it was on highway with no shoulder as I wound my way around the Kansas City Motor Speedway. I felt horribly tired, my body was tired, the road was dangerous and I just focused on one step at a time. When I met Chris in Tonganoxie (derived from a name of the Delaware tribe that occupied the territory), I was a mess - tired, nauseous and hungry. Chris brought out some of the award winning pizza we got from Toscano’s and heated on the stove top with extra salt and pepper and I ate 2 slices of the supreme with a coke. As I left the rig I decided to just forget about the pace and just move forward. I also began calling friends who are headed out to the Badwater 135 race which will begin next Monday at 8pm in Death Valley, CA under intense heat warnings. I spoke with Amy, Bob, Will, sent im to Jodi and left message for Nancy as they will all toe the line in this epic race. Next thing I know the highway is gone and replaced with beautiful country roads that then lead to dirt roads through beautiful farmland.

Chris met me about 8 miles from our targeted finish and Lucky was feeling his old self so he jumped out and joined me and he in turn gave me energy and I started feeling better. Chris finally found a spot to park and wait for me to end the day and as I crested the hill and saw him on my right in a turnout of a farm, I also noticed a few gentlemen drive into a house on my left. I ran over to them and introduced myself and explained our situation and they told me to feel free to park it there overnight. I thanked them and ran a little further and noticed in the next house on the left a couple working in the yard and stopped to ask them if it was okay to stay overnight. Eldon & Jeri Picket moved to this idyllic house 30 years ago looking for farm life and place to ride horses. Both had an easy manner, warm smiles and told me they would call the owners of the farm to let them know we will be staying. Lucky met their two cats and behaved - or I should say the cats upon his growling, growled back and swiped at him which he in turn stood down. They also lost their dog last year and adopted a friendly collie who hugged me and growled at Lucky when he tried to come close. Thank you Eldon & Jeri for helping!

As Chris and I opened the RV for the stay, a car pulled up and a woman came out to let welcome us - she lives in the magnificent house situated on the top of the hill that overlooks thousands of acres of farmland as well as where we parked. She had her companion in the car, a well mannered schnauzer who shed said was smart - even smarter than her. She also brought us a bag of freshly picked red and yellow tomatoes as well as sweet corn. We chatted for a bit - her name is Martha Jo Shaw but she said anyone who called her that didn’t know her as she goes by Marty. I asked her if she would like a cocktail to kick off the evening - she laughed and told me only if it was a big one.

Chris bought a big, fresh piece of Halibut at Costco and with the corn, asparagus we had a feast. Yellow tomatoes with the basil from the other day. Panko crusted Halibut with lemon, olive oil, salt and pepper. It was an epic evening and our view of the farm is a master piece.

Thank you for the hospitality Kansas, especially this small country road where the Shaw’s & Pickett’s call home.

Cheers,

David.

Easy to read Lucky, “I’m out today”

KCK Speedway

Post Office in Tonganoxie Kansas

Main Street

Finally getting away from the city

Perfect end of day roads and Lucky felt good enough to join the fun

Fire Department

The Picketts and their dog, cats, horses and beautiful home

Their view

We ended up in this idyllic spot

Marty Shaw drives over to say hello and deliver the most delicious sweet corn and tomatoes. She almost accepted my invitation to join us for cocktail hour!