Day 107

I took yesterday off. I just couldn’t get going and my knee was sore. I went to Walmart and got some stuff that I needed. I also made some repairs to Lieutenant Dan that needed to be done.

I woke up and was on the road before 4 am today. It was dark out but I had street lights so I could see just fine. I was on the sidewalk to get through town and I went by a bank that had sprinklers turn on right as I went by. Great start to the day…

It didn’t get me that bad. I went through town and came to the Flint Hills Rail Trail. It was pitch freaking black. The morning air was full of fog and I couldn’t see 2 feet in front of me. Luckily, I took the day off yesterday and was productive and bought a bad ass flashlight. I turned it on high and I could see pretty well. The fog was thick but I could see far enough ahead to be safe. No cars were there because it was a trail. There were a few animals though. I like to be able to see them ahead of time so that I have time to process what to do. I suppose there was also the possibility of children of the corn popping up on me.. or a farmer with a shotgun… these were some of the things that were crossing my mind.

It got pretty scary at some points. I mean, it was DARK. Not long after I get on the trail, the trail that I went 3 days out of my way to get to, there was a sign that sad “bridge out”. I went ahead anyways and when I got close enough to see. It was fine to cross. It looked as if they had just poured concrete on it. The trail must be under construction. Great.. I was hoping this would be my only hiccup on it… nope.

I got to a spot that was impossible to get through with the stroller. The trail just ended. I checked my map and it looked like I could do a detour but it would be out of the way. I thought about trying to blast through it and quickly made the choice to just go around. It was too dark for trailblazing..

I was on some gravel road and all I could see was corn on both sides of me. I kept waiting for something to pop out and kill me but thankfully that never happened. It started to get a little lighter out and visibility was increasing by the minute. I turned my lights off but still couldn’t see far ahead through the thick fog.

I heard a woman shout, “on your left!”

It startled me. Partly because I was on edge thinking that Michael Myers was going to be standing in the corn and because it was so early that I didn’t really expect anyone to be out on the road. Especially on a bicycle. I think she was just as startled by me though. She came up slowly and asked what in the world was happening.

I could tell she was nice. She was also cool. She had an awesome retro 50’s bicycle and was just out cruising at 6 am. Being different. I can dig that.

She asked if she could help in anyway. I asked her for directions since I was on a detour and didn’t really know where I was at. She was very helpful.

There were two ways I could’ve gone. I could’ve stayed on the gravel road and had cars and no shade all day or I could risk getting back on the trail and seeing if it was clear for the rest of the way. I chose the trail. I got back to it and it was perfect and looking hopeful. All of the chaos I went through to get there was worth it. I was able to really enjoy the morning. Domino was having a blast too. I was letting her chase every animal that we passed. She loves chasing rabbits and squirrels. Sometimes she gets close enough to actually catch them but she gets scared and backs off. She just likes the chase. I let her do it knowing that she will be leaving soon. I figured I’d let her have some good fun while she’s still here.

I went on for quite a while and had a good radio station and no one in sight. It was perfect. And then of course… just as the sun was burning off the fog and the temps started to rise, the trail had a bridge that had vanished. Just a big hole with a Creek in the middle of it. Great.

I weighed out my options: turn around, try to somehow fight my way through it, or stand there and cry like a baby and hope something happens. It didn’t take long to decide. I figured I’d just go through it. It had to be possible. I found a sketchy way down and just went for it. I hadn’t even planned out the other side yet. I figured if I got down one side then I could get up the other one somehow. Of course, I still had to get across the creek.

I threw myself down the hill through all sorts of poisonous plants, trying to use Lieutenant Dan as a bushwacker. I somehow made it down without breaking something. I then set my mind to getting across the creek. One step at a time..

I saw a way that seemed possible. I eeked my way over huge rocks one at a time. I got across the water but was still on the rocks. I guess the water was low. That worked in my favor.

I left the stroller on the rocks and walked around trying to plan the next step, getting up the other bank. It wasn’t looking very promising. I was in too deep now. Literally. I had no choice but to man up and use some muscle.

I cleared a path the best I could and took some of the heavier items out of Lieutenant Dan and set them on top of the hill. I was drenched in sweat at this point. I went back to get a much lighter Lieutenant Dan and bounced over rocks to get to the bottom of my bank.

I gave it everything I had and it wasn’t easy, but I made it. I threw everything back in Dan and put hand sanitizer all over my legs and hands. Hoping that would kill any poison oak or ivy. We’ll see about that. I’ve already got a million bug bites on my feet and legs. I think one of the crappy hotels I stayed in had bed bugs.

Anyways, back on the trail. It was hot now. I was proud of myself for making it across. I took a little break when I found some shade. I had made it pretty far already but still had a long way to go. This trail was starting to make me anxious. I didn’t trust it anymore but I was basically stuck on it at this point.

It was a mile or so ahead and I saw more signs and some construction workers ahead. They were working on a bridge. I was wishing hard that it was crossable and that the workers weren’t going to be assholes. They helped me carry Dan across. They were all nice. Huge relief.

A while later I breaked again and this time it was officially hot. Domino was overheated and I was pouring sweat. I still had over 3 hours to go. I could’ve found shade and just stopped but if I pushed through, there was a campground with amenities ahead. I went for it. Nothing else to do. I wasn’t going to just lay there.

Domino was miserable from then on out. I tried what I could to cool her down but it just wasn’t happening. I knew right then and there that letting her go home was the best decision. I am going to miss her so much and I know she’ll miss me. But it’s best for her to go hang out back in georgia with real people who live in actual houses.

I don’t know how I did it but I made it to the damn campground. I almost passed out in the park office when I was checking in. I had to sit down and drink some water. The campsite was a good 2 miles out of my way but it was worth it. I headed straight for the shower room and gave domino and I a cold shower. Life was a little better after that. I set up my tent, made food, and even did some laundry.

I met some nice people while running my errands and talked for a while. I’m surprised I didn’t fall asleep standing up. I was really tired. I went back and my tent was covered in ants. Ugh!!!!!!

I moved everything and shook everything off and set my tent up in a spot that is not meant for camping but I didn’t care. It was perfect. Right on the water for a breeze and no ants. I set up my tent, AGAIN, and that was that.

It was worth it all. A great breeze and a lovely view. I am currently watching the sunset and I’m about to sleep so good. Remind me to post pictures tomorrow. I am too lazy right now…. night!!!