I got to bed late last night. Cory and I sat and talked until 10 p.m. I got a good, restful sleep and was awake at 5:30 this morning.
I wanted an early start. I was six miles from the route in Pittsburgh. Today is the start of a new section, Map 2.
Cory came outside and offered a bagel with cream cheese, yogurt, and apple juice. I was trying to dry the dew off the soaked tent. I loaded the route and got ready to go.
I rode back to my route and went onto a bike trail out of the city. I was on pavement for a few miles before being led down a gravel road.
I made my way to the Kansas Wildlife Preserve. For the next forty miles, I was in the preserve or riding around its border.
I was low on water as I reached Danny Elliott City Park in Oswego, KS. I stopped to fill my bottles and considered ending my day here under a massive shade tree. It was still early in the day, so I got back on the bike to pedal another ten miles of gravel.
I am now in Chetopa, KS, at the Elmore City Park for the night. To my delight and surprise, the campground has showers and a pavilion to sleep under. There is a 30% chance of rain around midnight.
As I was settling in, an ATV came over, and Kenny, who lives nearby, offers his kindness to campers in the park. I graciously accepted three boxes of mini pies, apple juice, and a hammock to stretch between the poles of the pavilion.
There is a wonderfully dry breeze. I think I’ll sleep well.