Day 28, Topeka, KS, 108 miles

"Anticipating your every need." is one of those meaningless slogans that can really aggravate a traveler, but oh the Holiday Inn Topeka- they got it right. I knew this hotel would be good before going through the front door. The hotel put a hose and a big pile of bike washing rags right outside their main entrance. What a welcome sign! We could take care of our bikes. Inside, it was clear that they wanted to take care of us, too. They put out a pile of towels and a refrigerated case of water and fresh fruit.

We had three accidents today when cyclists slipped on railroad tracks that where sharply angled across the road. Fortunately, only first aid was required. The "priceless" moment of the day came when Forest's wife and son walked through the door of a little restaurant he was resting in. They flow from Baltimore, through Atlanta, to KS City airport, drove to our hotel, and then back-tracked our route to take him completely by surprise.

Eastern KS remains pastoral and emerald green befitting of OZ (or Ozian, as I like to say) ; - ) . We've evaded (not outran) several thunderstorms and remain amazingly lucky with the weather. I mentioned a few days ago the debate concerning what to do with the bike in the event of a tornado. There are two options: 1. Put your bike on top of you to afford some extra protection. 2. Put your bike under you to afford it some extra protection. The group was evenly split as it which was better, but all agreed that no one can outrun a tornado.

Tomorrow we leave Kansas and enter Missouri. You can expect the obvious quote.

Oh yes, in addition to being Day 29, tomorrow is Sunday. It's more than a month since I've been to church and miss it; especially my friends at Emanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Brunswick. I'm hoping, that by some act of grace, my route will take me past a church at service time. If it's a Lutheran Church, it will undoubtedly be Missouri Synod, but that would be ok.

Good night from Kansas. Thanks for following the journey.