We're Not in Kansas Yet

First of all, I'm sorry for that awful title. Second, thank you ever so much, faithful readers, for all the encouragement - it is quite refreshing.

What a ride the past few days have been! The motel where I stayed, along with a few others was quite a trip. The owners, a delightful and earthy couple,Pony and Eya, had cold beer and a delicious dinner for us. I split a room with a guy about my age, Jeff, headed east.

We were all relaxing outside after dinner, shooting the breeze, saying we would love to have some guitars laying around or to hear some music. Not five minutes later, an RV rolled up and a bluegrass/gospel band stepped out and began to serenade us - and boy, were they good. Their banjo player was the Texas state banjo champion and their other instrumentalists were right on par with him. And, as it turned out, I had met their lead singer before! Small world!

I didn't manage to get rolling until noon the next morning after a late night of fellowship, but had an uneventful ride to a place called Marshfield. I met three French guys about my age - hope to ride with them at some point down the track, but I'm uncertain where they are right now. The only thing notable about Marshfield was an unfortunate run-in with an irate, old hag who ran the fleabag motel in town. We'll see what develops from that.

Either way I banged out a gentle, but hilly 50 miles by 1:00 this afternoon and hope to make another 30 or so to Golden City, Missouri. Pittsburg, Kansas first thing tomorrow morning!

Regards,
John