Finally on the road!

We spent a first night in our new condo. It was comfortable and the next morning we were able to go to the COA office and pay our fees through December. They will be due while we are gone on July 1.

At 10 am we were finally on the road. We arrived in Topeka a little before 4 pm. Dragging a little camper does not make for fast traveling. Phil was excited to pass ONE other vehicle. For the last 90 minutes or so we were on back roads with little traffic.

Topeka is always hot when we are here and today was no different so we are spending our first night on the road in an air conditioned hotel. We've lived in and around Kansas and Missouri and for years my Army Reserve unit was here in Topeka so there's not much new for us to see, however, Phil's parents and grandparents are buried in Topeka. After supper, we set off to the two cemeteries.

The one where his parents are interred was quite overgrown. Perpetual care was lacking (at least today). After searching 30 or 40 minutes (and meeting a lady who wanted to stop and pray with us), we finally found the stones. They are flat against the ground in an area which badly needed mowing hence the difficulty locating them!

The other cemetery is a country cemetery and the road was under construction (bridge out) so only one way in and out of the cemetery. This cemetery was mowed and in better shape.

Overall it was good to make these visits. Phil had initially said he "didnt care" if we visited today or not (it was hot and we were tired), but it was clear that he was really glad we did. He shared that he really missed his parents and grandparents at the end of our visits.

Tomorrow we are heading toward York, NE. Its another 300 mile + day on mostly secondary highways. We're aiming to be at Ashfall Fossil Beds in NE in a couple of days and then on to the Badlands after that.Read more