Without any extra trail options to explore, we packed up and got on the road for an early start. Having had 3 long driving days behind us, we were glad to have something a bit less grueling on the schedule for the day. Today had 3 ¼ hours of driving on the schedule, not a lot less but the mountains are gone as are the large cities.
The time
passed easily with the roads being better, less construction, and we had no
hangups along the way. Getting this far
into the Midwest, the camping options become more scarce. Many of the campgrounds don’t receive good
ratings and there are less geologic features (ie mountains, lakes, etc) as
visual distractions or attractions. I
found a small county park off the highway just outside Topeka, KS and we pulled
in earlier than any arrival so far.
We picked a
site on the lake and were pleased to find there is a trail all the way around
the lake to walk or bike. The park is
clearly a local favorite and utilizes all space available with campsites being
in some spaces nearly on top of one another.
Ours had a lot more room with a wide green space behind where our fire
pit was and the perfect spot for the sunset.
We set up
camp which has gotten to be second nature for us. We put down the jacks and get level then I
put the slides out, put the rug on the floor, guitar off the bed, reset the
countertops, etc while Rob hooks up the power and water and checks all things
exterior. We put out the outdoor “rug”,
the chairs, maybe the grill and pull out the awning if needed and we’re back to
the fun!
Today had us
pulling the bikes down for the 7 mile bike around the lake. The area hosts a nice golf course, a botanic
garden and arboretum and gentle rolling hills all the way around. We enjoyed the ride and the gardens,
surprised at the wonderful site they’d created entirely by volunteer
efforts. It was fun to see the species
similar and different to those at home – this far away.
The rest of
the day was recovering from the ride and all the driving. Happy hour was extended with Rob playing
guitar and we grilled a nice dinner enjoying pork chops with sweet potatoes and
broccoli I roasted and fresh stewed apples.
The campfire we built was another winner and I couldn’t help but roast a
marshmallow or two for good measure.
We had a sad
interaction today with our older son we are headed to visit for his (really?!)
40th!! Birthday. Covid has
really made all things intimate so difficult.
With Rob needing treatment while we’re in Denver, we have kept a
grueling safety protocol regarding Covid.
Thankfully, our son and his family aren’t needing the same precautions
but visiting makes for a lot of complications.
No hugs? Masks – all the
time? Indoors, outdoors, eating …
??? Anyway, I spent a good part of the
evening feeling sad and reading articles about how to cope, none of which
really helped.
We will make do and forge a way through it is where I ended up before giving in to the sounds of the campground quieting for the night and letting the soft breeze through the window lull me to sleep.
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