This is the state i've been most anxious about for the past two years and we're just about in the middle of it. This is the "nitty gritty." This is our introduction to the west. This is the first state where things are much bigger, longer and hotter.
We're traveling on the northern tier of the state, on the Pony Express Highway, Route 36, all the way to Denver and it's been over 100 degrees for the past two days.
So far, the trip on a whole has been concentrated with new experiences, new people, and new places. Though, I have been a bit concerned about Kansas because everything I gather from people i've met along the way, this state is suppose to be "nothing but wheat and pro-life billboards for 600 miles." (I've been hearing this ever since Pennsylvania...I thought these warnings would diminish once we approached Kansas and the people who know it best...but no.)
The most noticeable of the challenges from day to day is the varying terrain. There are incredible mountains to climb, huge hills to bomb and weathered pavement to navigate through. These altering physical challenges, like climbing mountains or riding through rain/wind storms are enjoyable, for the most part. On the other hand, the unvarying mental challenges, like the monotony of the corn fields of western IL are the most challenging, when you feel like you aren't advancing.
I guess we're just at the point of the trip where we just have to get through it. Colorado is coming very soon and the rewards of getting through Kansas are great. It seems like in many instances in life, the harder you work for things, the more rewards you reap in the end and there are plenty of things to look forward to in Colorado.
A message from the Connecticut Burns Care Foundation
Ryan and Dwight hope to raise $10,000 to support the burn camp, which will host 70 children between the ages of 8 and 18. They are determined to reach the West Coast as a personal challenge as well as helping young burn survivors.
Started in 1991, the Arthur C. Luf Children's Burn Camp is located in northern Connecticut on 176 acres. Every summer, burn survivors come to the burn camp, which is a safe and fun environment that helps kids heal emotionally and physically. The Burn Camp is free to the children, who come primarily from the Northeast and some foreign counteries, but any burn survivor child anywhere is welcome. More than 70 adult counselors, primarily active and retired firefighters and burn unit nurses, occupational and physical therapists, child psychologists and even a doctor will serve as mentors for the week.
It's also our goal to promote burn awareness and fire prevention and education, which we do year around. We sponsor a burn survivor, burned in a car accident that involved speeding and drinking alcohol, who speaks to high school students throughout Connecticut. We also support the burn unit at Bridgeport Hospital, helping to purchase equipment.
Started in 1991, the Arthur C. Luf Children's Burn Camp is located in northern Connecticut on 176 acres. Every summer, burn survivors come to the burn camp, which is a safe and fun environment that helps kids heal emotionally and physically. The Burn Camp is free to the children, who come primarily from the Northeast and some foreign counteries, but any burn survivor child anywhere is welcome. More than 70 adult counselors, primarily active and retired firefighters and burn unit nurses, occupational and physical therapists, child psychologists and even a doctor will serve as mentors for the week.
It's also our goal to promote burn awareness and fire prevention and education, which we do year around. We sponsor a burn survivor, burned in a car accident that involved speeding and drinking alcohol, who speaks to high school students throughout Connecticut. We also support the burn unit at Bridgeport Hospital, helping to purchase equipment.
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2 comments:
Okay now, KS isn't that bad. I've been here 56 years since my birthday the day after I met you guys last Friday. You have to remember good things come to those who wait. And more importantly, to those who pedal a heck of a lot. Colorado does sound refreshing though, doesn't it? Stay safe and have a blast. It takes a lot of guts to do what you guys are doing. Do it while you can.
Claudia (that surrogate ma from the library)
p.s. Sorry I took your phone hostage while you were using mine, Ryan.
hahaha, I would expect that you would want collateral for your phone. Thanks for letting me use it. My parents appreciated me letting them know I was still alive. I'm glad you're still keeping up with us and thank you for the support!
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